- Image via Wikipedia
Even with super-fast internet connection, the best possible hardware, and no major bugs, it’s possible that you’re not getting the most out of your home’s wireless internet. Here are a few quick tips on getting better signal strength and faster connection with your home’s wireless router.
1. Position, position, position.
Your wireless router should be placed in the most central location possible. The router will “bubble out” from where it is positioned, so if it’s placed close to the edge of the home, much of the signal strength will be wasted. If you absolutely can’t move it, there are different antenna types that can be used so your wireless stream isn’t being wasted.
2. Make your hardware as shiny as possible.
If you don’t already have a top-of-the-line router, you can always look into something that has a little more strength. When you’re buying your modem and router, you will get more bang for your buck by investing in multiple items from the same vendor, since doing so has shown a strong tendency to increase the hardware efficiency. Beyond your router, your computer’s network adapter might get a fair deal stronger with replacement. If you can’t, or just don’t want to, replace your hardware, make sure that your firmware and device drivers are all up to date. You can also invest in extras like wireless repeaters in order to bolster signal strength in all portions of your house.
3. Get rid of interference.
There are many things that can get in the way of your router’s transmission. Metal objects, or metal materials as a part of your decor, can disrupt your wireless broadcast. Other wireless devices, such as cordless phones, can also get in the way. Getting rid of these items, moving them to different areas, or moving your router away from them, can all help improve your signal strength.
4. Secure your network.
If your internet connection isn’t password protected, it’s entirely likely that other people are leeching off of it, and that’s one surefire way to hurt your signal strength. Simply adding a password to your wireless router will get rid of these unwelcome guests.
