Improve Your Wireless Network
If youâ??ve received warnings about a weak wireless signal or lost your connection entirely, here are a few tips for extending your wireless range and improving your wireless network performance.
- Position your wireless router in a central location. If you canâ??t move your wireless router, simply try moving it off the floor and away from walls and metal objects (such as metal file cabinets) which interfere with your routerâ??s wireless signals.
- Replace your routerâ??s antenna. Standard antennas broadcast in all directions around the router, so if your router is near an outside wall, half of your signal is sent outside your home, wasting much of your routerâ??s power. A hi-gain antenna focuses wireless signals only one direction so you can aim your signal in the direction you need it most.
- Add a wireless repeater, which will extend your wireless network range without adding 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.
- Change your wireless channel. Wireless routers can broadcast on several different channels similar to the way radio stations use different channels. Try changing your wireless routerâ??s channel through your routerâ??s configuration page to see if your signal strength improves.
- Replace your laptopâ??s wireless network adapter. Wireless network signals are sent both to and from your computer, but sometimes the computer doesnâ??t effectively send signals back to your router. If your laptop has a PC card-based wireless network adapter, replace it with a USB network adapter that uses an external antenna. Note: laptops with built-in wireless typically have excellent antennas and donâ??t need to have their network adapters upgraded.
- Update your network adapter driver. Free updates may increase your routerâ??s performance. To get the latest updates for your wireless router, visit your router manufacturerâ??s web site.
Joe Gass, President Heritage Printing and Graphics 5900 Harris Technology Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 704-910-9914 www.heritageprintingcharlotte.com
22725 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD, 301-475-1700 www.heritageprinting.com
