How To Boost Wi-Fi Signal

Wi-Fi is a great convience, but if you want to take full advantage of the mobility and freedom that Wi-Fi has to offer you must learn how to boost your Wi-Fi signal. There are several quick ways to increase the signal of your Wi-Fi; some are free, but some require a small investment. If you are a heavy internet user, the small cost will more than make up for itself with faster downloads, and quick page loads.

1. Move your Wi-Fi unit to increase its performance. Make sure that your Wi-Fi unit is away from walls, off the floor, and clear of all metal objects. Placing your Wi-Fi unit in a central location, free of these inferences, will increase its reliability.
2. Change the channel. You can change the channel on your Wi-Fi unit, and you should. This is especially important in an office, or in an apartment building where many Wi-Fi units may be operating on the same channel. Choose a channel that is not used by other devices to increase your internet speed.
3. Clear the competing interference. If you have many wireless devices, such as a cordless phone, try to avoid wireless electronics that use the 2.4GHz frequency. This is the frequency that Wi-Fi uses. Instead, look for a wireless phone that uses 5.8Ghz.
4. Keep up-to-date. If you have not recently download updates for your Wi-Fi router or new drivers for your unit, do it. These firmware upgrades can increase the speed of your connection, and help you to avoid any issues with compatibility.
5. Replace your router's antenna. Routers usually come equipped with a omni-directional antennae, so a lot of the signal is not being directed to your computer, and is wasted. Invest in an uni-directional antennae if you want to increase your signal's strength.
6. Consider purchasing a wireless repeater. This piece of equipment will boost your Wi-Fi signal, and make your connection speed increase.
7. If all else fails, purchase a new Wi-Fi. If you are still using a 802.11B router, you might want to think about getting the newer 802.11G model. These newer models have increased signal strength, and may just be what you need.