A wireless network is the heart of a modern digital home, providing an invisible Internet connection for your computers, media streamers, games consoles and iPhones.
But are you getting the best performance from it? Is your modem/router in the right position? Learn how to optimise your Wi-Fi setup and boost your signal strength with these simple tips.
1. Buy into 802.11n
The IEEE recently finalised the 802.11n standard, which trumps the 54Mbps speeds of the existing Wi-Fi specification with 300Mbps data broadcasting.
Not only is the new 802.11n standard faster, but it also offers improved signal reliability and a greater range. If you haven’t already invested in a compatible Wireless-N or Draft N modem/router for your home then this should be next on your shopping list. See our recommended list of 802.11n routers.
If you do own 802.11n-capable gear, watch out for software upgrades that will bring your existing hardware into line with the final specification.
2. Alter the position of your router
Consider whether your modem/router is currently in the optimum place to give you the best possible coverage. Obstacles, specifically furniture and walls, can degrade your wireless signal - so don’t hide it behind the sofa. Instead, try to site your router centrally, away from walls, cordless phones, microwave ovens and any metal objects, so it floods the area around it with Wi-Fi.
3. Change your wireless channel
Has your neighbour got his own wireless network? If it’s broadcasting on the same channel as yours, you could experience a significant reduction in signal strength and power. Try changing the channel that your router broadcasts on to see if there’s an improvement.
4. check for firmware updates
A typical wireless router won’t actively check to see if there’s updated firmware (i.e. the software that powers the router itself.) Wireless equipment manufacturers such as Cisco/Linksys, Netgear, D-Link et al often release updated firmware to combat post-sale problems. It’s an easy, painless upgrade. Simply go into your router’s menu system and find the option to check for new firmware.
5. Consider the alternatives…
So… you’ve upgraded to 802.11n, repositioned your router to minimise interference, changed the wireless channel and checked for new firmware. But you can’t avoid the fact that a Wi-Fi signal will get weaker the further away you work from the router.
It’s why Powerline equipment is an ideal companion technology for a wireless network. This plug-and-play solution involves routing data through your home’e electrical wiring and it can deliver full-speed broadband access with no drop-off in speed.
Read more about Powerline networking.
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If my Nintendo Wii wasn’t just something switched on when we have some friends round, the arrival of a dedicated BBC iPlayer Wii channel would be cause for celebration.
