Posted by Maria Dimitrova

Read this if: You want to get the most of your wireless Internet connection

Gain: More freedom, more efficiency, less frustration

Cost: It can vary from $20 to $800 depending on which option of extending the signal range you choose ( a router, a repeator, a powerline network adaptor, etc) and on the brand you select

Wireless routers offer a high level of convenience but unfortunately their range is not unlimited. The wireless signal strength will weaken as the distance from router increases and also with the thickness of obstacles it has to pass such as walls and floors.

There are some useful ways to boost of the signal, so without further ado, let’s begin.

How to enhance WiFi signal strength

● If possible, put the router at a height in some central location and away from other cordless devices.

● Avoid placing it near metal objects (like an almirah or window grills) which will reflect the signal.

● Mirrors reflect the wireless signals from the desired direction.

● Use equipment from a single vendor.

You will often get better performance if you match a router and network adapter from the same vendor. Some vendors like Linksys offer a boost of up to twice the performance when you use their hardware exclusively.

● Find which places in your house get the best signal and which-the worst with InSSIDer, a free utility which you can install on your laptop. You’ll discover a more suitable location for the router or for a device that boosts the signal strength.

● If you are brave enough to hack, install the DD-WRT* firmware on your wireless router.

If DD-WRT firmware is not available for your router, try the Tomato firmware on your router.

● Place a home-made reflector behind the antennas of your router.

This is a workable solution in the cases when the router is not in a central location but is situated in some corner of your room or against a wall.

● Take advantage of more powerful uni-directional antennas if you don’t change the location of your computer. These antennas send the signal in one direction rather than all directions equally.

● A booster antenna is an option in case there isn’t a compatible directional antenna for your router model. It’s omni-directional but will still enhance both the range and strength of wireless signals, and boosts the signal from its sheer size.

Hardware options to achieve a better signal

● Buy a second router and connect it to the other one through the power lines in your house using powerline network adapters. These wonderful cheap devices allow you to pass intenret through the power lines instead of through the air. A pair of powerline adaptors costs about 40$ and another router can start from 25$.

● Another option is a WiFi Repeater (also known as Wireless Range Expander) to your router which quickly extends the coverage of your wireless network. Place the Repeater within the range of your existing router and it will rebuild the signal and repeat it into to areas of poor or no reception. The Repeater can connect wirelessly to both routers and access points.

● Adding an external (USB based) wireless adapter and upgrading the internal network card is the solution to wireless reception problems when the PC/laptop is simply too old.

Hopefully you found some good ideas to help you here. Stop by here again and see what else we can help you with!