This post is reproduced with kind permission of WirelessInternet Reviews.
You want to get the most out of your wireless device and all the speed you can muster when you surf the web. The first thing you’ll want to do to make that happen is to make sure you’ve got a strong signal for your wireless device. Sometimes the elements aren’t all that cooperative. Obstructions, distance from the source, and antenna strength may conspire against you. Fortunately, there are some ways to overcome some of these.
Here are 10 ways to boost your wireless signal:
- Re-positioning your router/antenna is almost always the best place to start when your signal is less than ideal. If you haven’t already, place it in as central a location as possible. There should be as few walls or other signal obstructions between it and the location(s) you will be working from most often.
- Repeaters can be purchased, which can boost the signal strength of your existing antenna. Placing a repeater at a midpoint between your router and the furthest-most point of your coverage area is ideal.
- You can also opt for an external antenna to replace the internal antenna of your router when so-equipped. Most router antennae are omnidirectional, which means they transmit in all directions. This isn’t always the best configuration, as it could also mean that much of your signal is being sent outside your area or into a nearby wall. Try a high-gain antenna that focuses the signal in one direction, where it’s needed.
- Change channels. There are three channels that your router uses – 1, 6 and 11 – and it’s possible that the one you’re using isn’t providing the best possible signal. Consult your manufacturer’s configuration web page for how to change the channel.
- While you’re there, check for any firmware updates that may increase your router’s performance, including signal strength.
- Check also for firmware updates for your laptop’s network adapter.
- Check to see if your router is getting interference from other devices that share its operating frequency. Most are set to use the 2.4 GHz range, which is shared by cordless phones, garage door openers, baby monitors and microwave ovens. You may need to put some distance between them, or consider switching to an 802.11n router, which also uses the 5.0GHz frequency.
- Try replacing the wireless adapter in your laptop with a USB adapter with external antenna.
- Check out DD-WRT.com for free open-source software that can increase your router’s performance. Caution: use of this software can in some cases void your router’s warranty.
- Using a single vendor for your router, antenna and adapter can mean better performance too.
Depending on your situation, gaining signal boost may be as simple as relocating or reconfiguring your router or antenna. Experiment a little before spending money. You could have everything you need already, just not in the best location.
James is the owner of WindowsTalk.org and has been a Microsoft Windows Consumer MVP since 2003.
Can Replacing Wireless Adapter with External Antenna really Boost your Wireless Signal.If it is so then I am going to replace it but will it not create any mess with my device and do I need Repeater too.I am not sure as I do not have Hardware technical skill.
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Hey. I never heard any of this. I’ve heard it actually, that we can boost the signal, but i never really had time to search the information about it. Now I’ve arrived at this site when I searched it, and your post, it’s very clear and detailed. It’s easy to understand too. I’m going to give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
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Although it sounds strange, it’s highly important where you place the rooter. There are some areas in my home where the signal is very low, even the cell signal.
Twitter: MichaelF_5
says:
I would suggest trying small things such as replacing your router around differant areas of your home. Before registering it as ‘broken’ and going out to guy a new one. You’ll be surprised what a differance small things can make.
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i’m getting wirelss internet signal at home from ‘linksys’ ( from other users), but it is weak signals, so is there any equipment or any technic to grab the signal properly?
I am using wireless broadband internet usb device.And faced problem of signal in my area.Is there any tips for boosting it.
Thanks
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this is nice tips but some times i use a small trick with a cola can i split it and put the antenna in it makes the signal more strong i watched that in a video on youtube
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subzero YouTube video’s demonstration is mostly for advertising there products that’s why you need to pay some time on searching on technical blogs.
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I’ve had great success with the alternative router firmware – Tomato. You can basically double the coverage of your router with it with no ill effects.
Twitter: Downloadflv
says:
How about changing channel will boost wireless signal? And “……….Change channels. There are three channels that your router uses – 1, 6 and 11 – and it’s possible that the one you’re using isn’t providing the best possible signal. Consult your manufacturer’s configuration web page for how to change the channel.” Can you add more info on this point? Thanks in advance
This is just great! I do really enjoy this kind of articles.
I was very pleased to find this site.I wanted to thank you for this great
read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you
bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.
i hope this 10 ways helps
thanks for tips
Julia Thanks for your feedback its really amazing tips.
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I have wireless internet connection at my place, but the speed is so slow that it takes so much time to open one single site. I really hope following these 10 steps my internet speed doubles up.
I think these tips will be very helpful to boost a wireless internet connection and i will also follow them.
very good blog on improve signal strength thanks for share information we wait your next post thanks again
I thinks this tipcs will work & it will support me very much to boost a wireless internet connection. thanks to share.
You can add a Wireless Access Point at your end of the wired connection. Plug your computer into the access point and you would have wireless also. Or make your computer wireless also.
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