Simple Tips To Improve Your Wireless Router

Wireless routers have completely revolutionized the way people access the internet. By simply getting a wireless router and establishing a wireless internet connection, individuals are now able to access the internet through a variety of handheld devices in addition to a regular desktop computer. However, with the added convenience of a wireless network also comes the possibility for wireless interference. The simplest of items, such as a dryer or microwave, may create a disturbance if you don’t know how to properly handle your wireless router.
If your wireless signal is weaker than it used to be, or it has become completely disrupted, here are a few things to try that might help.

1 – Clear The Area For Your Router

Wireless routers generally function best when they are in open areas, where they can exist without interference. If your router is behind a metal cabinet or blocked by another heavy object, it might be time to find a new location for it. Reposition your router so that it is free of obvious clutter. Also, try to place your wireless router near the middle of the desired coverage area so that the signals can be equally distributed.

2 – Check Your Router Speed

You will likely notice a difference if your internet connection suddenly becomes much slower than normal. However, it might be a good idea to check the speed regardless. This can help you to determine if you are still in the speed range that was guaranteed to you by your provider, helping you to identify potential problems.
Connection speed is generally very easy to test. All you need is some simple testing software, such as a LAN Speed Test, to determine the speed (given in Mbps). To get the most accurate results, it may be a good idea to check the results of the test a few different times. It is not uncommon for wireless speed to go down during the day when there are more wireless users. If the connection seems too slow for your needs, but it is still within the speed range promised by your provider, it may be time to upgrade.

3 – Manually Adjust Broadcast Channel

If your wireless signal is definitely slower than normal, you may want to try adjusting the channel of your router. When many wireless routers are using the same broadcast channel, it might become bogged down. Many of the newer router models automatically select a broadcast channel, so you may not need to worry about this step if you have a new model.

4 – Update Router Hardware

If your router hardware is out of date, it might be causing network slowdowns. Purchasing a new antennae or wireless repeater might make a big difference in your wireless router signal.

5 – Make Sure Your Network Is Protected

If your wireless signal is not protected, there might be others using it without your knowledge or consent. Having additional users may slow down your connection speed. Routers come with a variety of different security levels. The three most common levels of security, in order of increasing security, are the following:
1 – WEP
2 – WPA
3 – WPA2
After you have gone through all of these steps, you will likely see an increase in your wireless router signal. If your signal still seems slow, it may be time to consider newer routers or to ask for help from a professional. Visit here to learn more about routers.
Jared Jacobs has professional and personal interests in technology. As an employee of Dell, he has to stay up to date on the latest innovations in large enterprise solutions and consumer electronics buying trends. Personally, he loves making additions to his media rooms and experimenting with surround sound equipment. He’s also a big Rockets and Texans fan.