How to Boost Your Wi-Fi Connection
Nothing is more frustrating than having a bad internet connection. A weak Wi-Fi signal can be caused by many technical problems. However, there are ways to increase and boost the Wi-Fi signal to improve the speed of your internet connection.
So if you find it difficult to pick up the Wi-Fi signal from your wireless network, follow this guide. We will first introduce you to the root cause of this problem, so that you can take the necessary steps to avoid it in the future. Subsequently, we will give you all the tips to have a better signal on all your devices.
There are several reasons that can cause a drop or a lack of Wi-Fi signal:
- The Wi-Fi router is misplaced
- The firmware of the Wi-Fi router is out of date
- The Wi-Fi router is old
- The wireless network is hacked
- Wi-Fi network is misconfigured
- Network cabling is poor
Important note:
The first thing to do is to test the speed of your internet connection with Speed Test. As a first step, take the test using a computer connected via Wi-Fi, and then repeat the test on the same computer, but this time using the Ethernet cable.
If you notice a difference in speed between the two tests, this indicates that there is a problem in the wireless network. Keep in mind that an old router will not be able to provide high speed. High quality PCI adaptors is also another best solution to boost up the internet speed, ASUS Dual-Band Wireless AC1900 PCI-E adapter is best one to use here.
On the other hand, if the result of the test in both situations shows a slowness of connection and that the rate is lower than the subscription which you pay, in this case, it is necessary to contact your telecom operator.
An effective second test is to copy one or more folders between two computers connected via the wireless network and to check the transfer speed. If you notice an abnormal slowness, this clearly indicates that you have a problem with the Wi-Fi router. Otherwise, follow these nine tips to improve and optimize your Wi-Fi connection:
Put the Wi-Fi router in a good place
Walls, plastic objects, boxes, all block the Wi-Fi signal. For this reason you have to choose a good location for your router:
- Put it in the center of your home or business if you can. This way, you will get multidirectional network coverage.
- Try to place your router as high as possible: on a shelf for example.
- Keep your Wi-Fi router away from electronic devices such as televisions and cordless telephones that can disrupt the signal from the router.
You should know that each Wi-Fi router broadcasts the signal on a number of different channels (from 1 to 11). Since there are many Wi-Fi networks in your neighborhood that can interfere with yours (ie many other Wi-Fi routers), this can negatively impact the signal strength of your Wi-Fi network. -Fi.
Just like borrowing a less congested route, choosing the least congested channel will certainly improve your wireless connection. To find the right channel, use software like Wi-Fi Analyzer. Once you have found the ideal channel (channel 11 for example), go to your router’s configuration page and set it manually.
Secure your Wi-Fi router
If your wireless network is not secure or the level of protection is low, then anyone can use it and steal your bandwidth. Of course, this will not only slow down your internet connection, but could also cause you problems with the law: if someone uses your internet connection to do illegal operations, such as activities related to terrorism through example.
First, I invite you to check if someone is using your Wi-Fi, then check out this guide that shows you how to secure a Wi-Fi network.
Use a Signal Repeater
A less expensive solution to boost your Wi-Fi is the use of a repeater. Its main role is to increase the range of the Wi-Fi signal by repeating and regenerating the weak signal again to reach a greater distance.
A wireless repeater can be plugged into a wall outlet near where you lack network coverage, so it boosts the power of the Wi-Fi signal in the far corners of your home. If you have a fairly old router, it can be used to deploy network coverage in remote locations.
Update the firmware of your router
The firmware is a firmware, also called an internal software. The wireless router like any computer hardware (computer, hard drive, camera, etc.) has a built-in firmware that allows it to work, the firmware is like the brain of the device.
Wi-Fi router manufacturers occasionally update firmware for their routers, the purpose of these updates is to improve router performance and fix bugs and security vulnerabilities.
Make sure your router is running with the latest firmware , knowing that you can update it via the router configuration page, here is a tutorial that shows how to update the firmware of its Wi-Fi router , If your router brand is not listed in the tutorial, refer to the configuration manual or go to the manufacturer’s website.
Buy a new antenna for your Wi-Fi router
Not all wireless routers have replaceable antennas, but if yours allows, replace your old antenna with a new omnidirectional antenna, you can change it easily in minutes.
This channels the broadcast power of the router to reach all directions. This is especially useful if you do not have the ability to put the router in the center of the house.
Buy a new wireless router
One of the easiest ways to get better Wi-Fi coverage is to buy a new, more efficient router. If you have an old router, it would be a good idea to let it sit gracefully, because the technology used in older routers is outdated.
For example, older routers are limited to a maximum throughput of 54 MB / s. In contrast, new wireless routers (with the 802.11n standard) can go up to 300 Mbps to provide better Wi-Fi signal strength (no matter how many devices are connected).
A new router provides a much faster connection speed, a wider range signal and better security. When choosing a Wi-Fi router, look for a Dual-Band router.
Restart or reset your wireless router
It sounds simple enough, but it works. The majority of technical problems can be solved by simply rebooting or resetting device settings (this is probably the first thing your ISP will ask you to do when you call them for help).