10 Wireless Network Help Tips

Here are ten wireless network help tips for making and maintaining a wireless connections easier. Networks can be difficult to setup and maintain. What makes it harder is that there are the different bandwidths and hardware to configure. All of these can make it hard to maintain a constant and consistent wireless connection. These ten wireless network tips are designed to keep your wireless running smoothly while acknowledging the limitations of wireless network.

1. When you’re at home on a wireless network, setup a Static IP. Static IPs can be configured through your home router. They help keep the router from becoming confused and assigning you a conflicting wireless IP number that another computer might be using.
2. Setup DHCP on a limited IP range. For devices that require DHCP, assign a range that they can be given. Somewhere between 115-120 for example will keep your wireless network router from conflicting with other computers on the network.
3. Password protect your wireless network. This often goes over looked. Wireless network routers are designed to have the largest range possible. This is so that you can maintain a connection wherever you might be in the house. However neighbors might be tapping into your network also.
4. Change the default password of the router. All routers come with a default router. If you do not change the password, it becomes very easy for a stranger to access your router. Default router passwords are posted openly on the internet.
5. Try and place your wireless router in a centralized location in the house. This will ensure an optimal connection. Don’t place a router near a large electrical appliance. It may interfere with the signal.
6. Use access points for areas of the house that are weak. An access point can boost the signal for places like bedrooms and other floors.
7. Check your network periodically to see if computer names are logged into your network that you are unfamiliar with. You may find unwanted guests this way. If so it may be wise to assign a wireless password.
8. Try and keep your router up to date. Older routers may have a harder time connecting or maintaining connections with newer devices, even if they state they are compatible.
9. Update your wireless router firmware if you have incompatibilities with a new piece of hardware, such as a laptop or phone. There may be provided changes from the manufacturer to make these devices compatible.
10. And the tenth wireless network tip is of course, don’t place bandwidth heavy burdens on wireless network signals. Wireless technology has improved greatly, but some tasks may still slow the system considerably for other users. Try and keep the tasks you use your wireless network for light, such as browsing, email, and other less intensive tasks.