Coops
10-03-2006, 06:44 AM
When it comes to a Wireless LAN the card in your Laptop or PC is just one part of the equation. The setup, configuration and positioning of your Wireless Router or Access Points are just as important if not more so.
If your Windows OS ever notifies you about a weak signal, it probably means your connection isn't as fast or as reliable as it could be. Worse still, you might lose your connection entirely in some parts of your home or place of work. If you're looking to improve the signal for your wireless network, try some of these tips for extending your wireless range and improving your wireless network performance.
Update your router (or wireless access point) firmware or your network adapter driver.
Router manufacturers regularly make free improvements to their routers. Sometimes, these improvements increase performance. To get the latest firmware updates for your router, visit your router manufacturer's Web site.
Similarly, network adapter vendors occasionally update the software that Windows XP uses to communicate with your network adapter, known as the driver. These updates typically improve performance and reliability.
Change your wireless channel.
Wireless routers can broadcast on several different channels, similar to the way radio stations use different channels. In the UK we commonly use the channels 1, 6, and 11. Just like you'll sometimes hear interference on one radio station while another is perfectly clear, sometimes one wireless channel is clearer than others. Try changing your wireless router's channel through your router's configuration page to see if your signal strength improves. You don't normally need to change your computer's configuration, because it should automatically detect the new channel.
Reduce wireless interference.
If you have cordless phones or other wireless electronics in your home, your computer might not be able to "hear" your router over the noise from the other wireless devices. To quiet the noise, avoid wireless electronics that use the 2.4GHz frequency. Instead, look for cordless phones that use the 5.8GHz or 900MHz frequencies.
Position your wireless router (or wireless access point) in a central location.
When possible, place your wireless router in a central location in your home. If your wireless router is against an outside wall of your home, the signal will be weak on the other side of your home. Don't worry if you can't move your wireless router, because there are many other ways to improve your connection.
Move the router off the floor and away from walls and metal objects (such as metal file cabinets).
Metal, walls, and floors will interfere with your router's wireless signals. The closer your router is to these obstructions, the more severe the interference, and the weaker your connection will be.
Add a wireless repeater.
Wireless repeaters extend your wireless network range without requiring you to add any wiring. Just place the wireless repeater halfway between your wireless access point and your computer, and you'll get an instant boost to your wireless signal strength.
Replace your router's antenna.
The antennas supplied with your router are designed to be omni-directional, meaning they broadcast in all directions around the router. If your router is near an outside wall, half of the wireless signals will be sent outside your home, and much of your router's power will be wasted. Most routers don't allow you to increase the power output, but you can make better use of the power. Purchase a hi-gain antenna if available for your router that focuses the wireless signals only one direction. You can aim the signal in the direction you need it most.
Wireless networks do not reach and maintain there theoretical bandwidth limits at all times. 802.11b networks typically get 2-5Mbps. 802.11g is usually in the 13-23Mbps range.
If your Windows OS ever notifies you about a weak signal, it probably means your connection isn't as fast or as reliable as it could be. Worse still, you might lose your connection entirely in some parts of your home or place of work. If you're looking to improve the signal for your wireless network, try some of these tips for extending your wireless range and improving your wireless network performance.
Update your router (or wireless access point) firmware or your network adapter driver.
Router manufacturers regularly make free improvements to their routers. Sometimes, these improvements increase performance. To get the latest firmware updates for your router, visit your router manufacturer's Web site.
Similarly, network adapter vendors occasionally update the software that Windows XP uses to communicate with your network adapter, known as the driver. These updates typically improve performance and reliability.
Change your wireless channel.
Wireless routers can broadcast on several different channels, similar to the way radio stations use different channels. In the UK we commonly use the channels 1, 6, and 11. Just like you'll sometimes hear interference on one radio station while another is perfectly clear, sometimes one wireless channel is clearer than others. Try changing your wireless router's channel through your router's configuration page to see if your signal strength improves. You don't normally need to change your computer's configuration, because it should automatically detect the new channel.
Reduce wireless interference.
If you have cordless phones or other wireless electronics in your home, your computer might not be able to "hear" your router over the noise from the other wireless devices. To quiet the noise, avoid wireless electronics that use the 2.4GHz frequency. Instead, look for cordless phones that use the 5.8GHz or 900MHz frequencies.
Position your wireless router (or wireless access point) in a central location.
When possible, place your wireless router in a central location in your home. If your wireless router is against an outside wall of your home, the signal will be weak on the other side of your home. Don't worry if you can't move your wireless router, because there are many other ways to improve your connection.
Move the router off the floor and away from walls and metal objects (such as metal file cabinets).
Metal, walls, and floors will interfere with your router's wireless signals. The closer your router is to these obstructions, the more severe the interference, and the weaker your connection will be.
Add a wireless repeater.
Wireless repeaters extend your wireless network range without requiring you to add any wiring. Just place the wireless repeater halfway between your wireless access point and your computer, and you'll get an instant boost to your wireless signal strength.
Replace your router's antenna.
The antennas supplied with your router are designed to be omni-directional, meaning they broadcast in all directions around the router. If your router is near an outside wall, half of the wireless signals will be sent outside your home, and much of your router's power will be wasted. Most routers don't allow you to increase the power output, but you can make better use of the power. Purchase a hi-gain antenna if available for your router that focuses the wireless signals only one direction. You can aim the signal in the direction you need it most.
Wireless networks do not reach and maintain there theoretical bandwidth limits at all times. 802.11b networks typically get 2-5Mbps. 802.11g is usually in the 13-23Mbps range.