We’ve all experienced the annoyance of our PC or Laptop shedding its connection with the wireless router in our houses – this guide will show you how to to reduce the chances of this taking place whilst also boosting the range of the router.
1 – Location of the Router
If possible it is finest to place your wireless router in a location that is central to the area in which you want to receive a signal. If a router is placed at one finish of your house the signal has additional to journey to reach the other end – by locating the router is a central position this distance is reduced.
2 – Surrounding Area
It is advised that you do not place the router in close proximity to walls or massive metal objects as these may drain the energy of the signal thus reducing its reach. Also be aware that some cordless house phones have been known to cause interference with wireless routers – the identical is true of microwave ovens.
3 – Replace Your Routers Antenna
The antenna (or aerial) that comes as customary on most routers is “Omni directional – this means that it broadcasts the wireless signal equally in all directions (360 degrees). This is fine if you’re able to find your router centrally (as talked about in Point 1) – nevertheless for most this is not possible. By upgrading to a high gain antennae that focuses the signal in one direction you possibly can boost your signal range and power significantly.
four – Set up a Repeater
A repeater simply boosts a wireless signal and sends it on its way – no more no less. These gadgets require no extra cabling – to implement a repeater you simply discover a suitable location (for instance halfway between the wireless router and the realm that has a weak signal) and energy the repeater on. It is that straightforward!
5 – Upgrade Your Routers Firmware
Wireless router manufacturers often upgrade the firmware (the in-built software) in their products to extend signal range and performance. These upgrades are often free. To upgrade your routers firmware visit the manufacturers website and comply with the instructions for your router model.
6 – Use Equipment from a Single Producer
Whilst all routers and adapters are designed to work with each other you can often see performance improvements when utilizing both a router and adapter made by the same manufacturer. This is principally down to the fact that some router producers make the most of signal boosting methods that only give optimum performance when used with adapters made by themselves.