Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

Weak Wi-Fi?

In the beginning, you were so excited to go wireless, that you may not have paid attention to the speed. Your Internet connection works great in the computer room, but not so hot when you're in the backyard on your hammock. Maybe during your lounging, you noticed a message indicating "weak signal strength" for your wireless connection. Your DSL or cable connection is plenty fast, but it seems the further away you are from your access point, the slower your connection is. Kind of defeats the purpose of having high-speed bandwidth and a wireless router in the first place, doesn't it?

A wise old nerd once said "Your connection is only as fast as your slowest link, Grasshopper." You can have the biggest, baddest broadband connection around, but if there are inhibitors to that connection, your computer will not be able to take advantage of that speed. One inhibiting factor is distance. A standard 2.4 GHz wireless router will cover a range of about 250 feet. Check with your router's manufacturer to find out the range the router covers.

So what if you're within the recommended range distance, and are still getting a weak signal? Physical obstacles and other kinds of electronics can inhibit wireless transmission as well. You want to make sure that your router's signal isn't being blocked by cabinets, metal, glass or thick walls. Also ensure that the router is not near wireless phones, blue tooth devices, microwaves, or wireless baby monitors; these can also interfere with the router's signal. If you place your router near the center of the house, on a high shelf, that should help as well.

If your access needs exceed the recommended range, look for a higher-powered antenna, range expander or repeater that will boost the signal. The Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander is one product that I recommend. But if you want to roll your own, check out this antenna built from a Pringles can or try putting your wireless adapter in a dumpling strainer.

Change The Channel

Just like radio or television, wireless signals are transmitted via channels. By default, most routers are set to channel 6. If your neighbors are using wireless routers set to the same channel, this can degrade the strength of your signal. Use your router's administrative software to try switching the channel to 1 or 11.

Use The Latest and Greatest

Computer users often neglect keeping their devices upgraded to the latest driver releases. Make sure your router has the latest firmware; the vendor's website will usually offer the software as a free download. Additionally, make sure any devices that use your wireless network (like a laptop, for instance) has the latest drivers installed for any on-board or added wireless cards.

It's not a bad idea to do routine checkups of all computers using your wireless network for viruses and spyware (which are notorious for slowing computers down). You are running anti-virus and anti-spyware protection already, right?

Change It Up

If you have tried all the above scenarios, and are still unhappy with your wireless connection, consider an upgrade. Awhile ago Wireless-B was the standard, now the faster Wireless-G is dominant. Upgrade to a wireless-G router, but make sure that wireless cards on any computers connecting to your network are wireless-G compatible. If they are not, you will have to upgrade them as well.

A great way to test your bandwidth connection is with one of the available, free bandwidth speed tools on the internet like the Speakeasy Speed Test. You can use this to gauge the speed of all computers using your wireless router and see which ones have any deficiencies. If any of them are coming up with slower speeds, try the above tips to give your wireless connection a kick in the pants.