how to boost a router signal_ 12 steps - wikihow

A wireless router typically has a range of 100 feet or more. However, there are many factors thatcan lower this range and zap its signal strength. Interference can be caused by metal, competingsignals and other devices that use wireless frequencies (like cell phones and microwave ovens).Thankfully, there are many methods available to boost your signal strength. Here are a few.

Replace devices in your home that can interfere with network traffic on the 2.4GHzfrequency range. You can buy a wireless network analyzer to help you track down the sourceof interference. A sample of appliances that might be causing the problem include:

Cordless phones,

Microwave ovens.

How to Boost a Router Signal: 12 steps - wikiHow http://www.wikihow.com/index.php?title=Boost-a-Router-Signal&printable=yes

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Baby monitors.

Security alarms.


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Television remote controls.


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Automatic garage door openers.


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Check your router's signal strength with these devices. Compare power levels when eachdevice is on and off to determine if they are the cause of your signal problems.

Change your signal channel. Routers can broadcast on a series of channels, between oneand eleven. Change to a channel that will allow your router a clear signal between otherwireless networks.


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Use a software utility to analyze which networks are using which channel and configureyour system for an unused channel.

Change your router's network broadcast mode. Try to use the new 802.11n standard ifyour router supports it. The 802.11n standard offers far greater range and signal strengthcompared to 802.11 a/b/g.


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Reposition your Router. Sometimes the solution is simple. All you have to do is find a newplace to store your router.


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Raise up as far as possible to increase the effective broadcast range.


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Place near the center of your house or apartment for wider coverage.


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Move closer to the receivers, if possible.


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Move away from any metal including metal shelving, filing cabinets and similar commonobjects.


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Move away from cordless phones and microwaves, which operate on the same 2.4-Ghzfrequency.


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Be aware of external interference. Move your unit as far away as possible from your nextdoor neighbor's Wi-Fi router. And if you're living in an apartment building, there might bemultiple routers in operation too. Note: make sure you're using a different channel thaneveryone else.

Raise your transmit power. Check your router's documentation and configuration utility forthe ability to change the Xmit power of your router: the amount of power it uses to transmit thesignal. Generally you can boost this number by up to 50mW. Keep in mind that you risk


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overheating or damaging your router.

Replace the Antenna. Unscrew and replace the broadcast antenna on your router with amodel that delivers more power. Not all routers allow for new antenna to be attached, butmany do.


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Install a Repeater. A repeater is a piece of hardware that acts like a wireless networkexpander. The repeater takes the signal from your router and boosts it to increase the range.


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Wireless repeaters are increasingly common and affordable and will probably be availablein your local computer store, or on the Internet.

Install a Wireless Amplifier. Attach a wireless amplifier, also known as a booster, directly toyour router. A booster can be more affordable than a repeater as they only increase thestrength of your existing signal, rather than the strength and range.


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Use a bi-directional amplifier to increase both your inward and outbound speeds.

Make a Reflector lulu with Tinfoil. Note that a tinfoil router may boost your signal, butwill also make it more directional.


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Cut a tinfoil circle with the tinfoil on the inside of a piece of paper or some cardboard largeenough to wrap around the router. If you want to get fancier than this, cut a shallowparabola and put the hole for the antenna at the focal point.


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Place the tinfoil circle over the router.


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Place the antenna in the center of the circle or parabola.


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This video will show you how to make your own signal booster.

Older and traditional homes have walls made from wooden studs, while newer construction inoffice buildings, malls and condominiums are often constructed with metal studs in the wall.Metal studs can interfere with a router signal quite badly, so consider your building type whendiagnosing your signal.


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Remember: in some states this can be illegal. do your homework first.

Do not overheat your router.

Remember: in some states they will fine you if you exceed your power levels and they interferewith other services. Its most unlikely they will bother as they will then use other channels.

Router also known as an access point.Tinfoil.Paper or cardboard.


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How to Create a Wireless NetworkHow to Find the MAC Address of Your ComputerHow to Make a Network CableHow to Differentiate Between NAS and SANHow to Extend a Cheap Modem's Life

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how to boost a router signal_ 12 steps - wikihow

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