
Simple &
Free Ways to Improve Your WiFi
Reception |
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Relocate your wireless router to the middle of your
house. This is the most effective
way to maximize your
home WiFi coverage. If you have DSL or
cable internet then it is likely that you have
several other cable or telephone jacks
in your house. Any one of these jacks can
be used to connect your modem/router. It is
not necessary to move your computer; just add
a WiFi adapter to it for wireless
communication. | |
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Position
the antennas on your router vertically.
Although they can be positioned at various
angles, your best results for covering larger
areas will be vertical positioning. The
reason for this is because the signal
pattern is not a bubble but is flat like a
pancake. If the antenna is placed at a 45
degree angle then most of the beam pattern will
be pointed at the ground and roof. | |
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Elevate your WiFi
router off the floor or a metal
surface. For best reception, place the router on
a wood table or desk. For even better
reception, place two or three of those old
encyclopedias under your router. WiFi can
usually pass through soft materials like books
and wood without too much trouble. | |
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Reposition dense
obstructions in your home so that your
routers WiFi signal path can reach your
WiFi device. Some common household
obstructions include mirrors, metal filing
cabinets, kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures,
and furniture. Basically
anything metal, brick, stucco,
porcelain, tile, or hardwood will hinder or
stop WiFi. Foil covered insulation will
also stop WiFi. | |
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Move or
shield interfering devices that use the same
frequency as WiFi. Most people don't realize
that they are experiencing interference on their
WiFi network because it is still operational.
Interference can reduce the speed or momentarily
pause WiFi network communications. Some common
causes of interference are microwave
ovens, baby monitors, cord less handsets,
bluetooth devices, garage door openers,
fluorescent lights, and bad electrical
connections. | |
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One possible solution
is to change your router channel. It is better to
remove the interfering device completely but this
is not always a practical solution. In this case
try moving the interfering device as far
away from your WiFi equipment as possible. You can
also try shielding the device using aluminum foil
or a metal sheet.
Related article >>
20 Myths
of Wi-Fi
Interference |
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Copyright 2009 by C. Crane Company,
Inc. 1001 Main Street Fortuna, CA 95540 (800)
522-8863 |
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