| We have all experienced the annoyance of our PC | | | | the signal in one direction you can boost your |
| or Laptop losing its connection with the wireless | | | | signal range and strength significantly. |
| router in our homes - this guide will help you to | | | | 4 - Install a Repeater |
| reduce the chances of this happening whilst also | | | | A repeater simply boosts a wireless signal and |
| boosting the range of the router. | | | | sends it on its way - no more no less. These |
| 1 - Location of the Router | | | | devices require no extra cabling - to implement a |
| If possible it is best to place your wireless router | | | | repeater you simply find a suitable location (for |
| in a location that is central to the area in which | | | | example halfway between the wireless router and |
| you wish to receive a signal. If a router is placed | | | | the area that has a weak signal) and power the |
| at one end of your house the signal has further | | | | repeater on. It's that simple! |
| to travel to reach the other end - by locating the | | | | 5 - Upgrade Your Routers Firmware |
| router is a central position this distance is reduced. | | | | Wireless router manufacturers regularly upgrade |
| 2 - Surrounding Area | | | | the firmware (the built in software) in their |
| It is advised that you do not place the router in | | | | products to increase signal range and |
| close proximity to walls or large metal objects as | | | | performance. These upgrades are usually free. To |
| these may drain the strength of the signal thus | | | | upgrade your routers firmware visit the |
| reducing its reach. Also be aware that some | | | | manufacturers website and follow the instructions |
| cordless home phones have been known to cause | | | | for your router model. |
| interference with wireless routers - the same is | | | | 6 - Use Equipment from a Single Manufacturer |
| true of microwave ovens. | | | | Whilst all routers and adapters are designed to |
| 3 - Replace Your Routers Antenna | | | | work with each other you can often see |
| The antenna (or aerial) that comes as standard | | | | performance improvements when using both a |
| on most routers is "Omni directional - this means | | | | router and adapter made by the same |
| that it broadcasts the wireless signal equally in all | | | | manufacturer. This is mainly down to the fact |
| directions (360 degrees). This is fine if you are | | | | that some router manufacturers utilize signal |
| able to locate your router centrally (as mentioned | | | | boosting techniques that only give optimal |
| in Point 1) - however for most this is not possible. | | | | performance when used with adapters made by |
| By upgrading to a high gain antennae that focuses | | | | themselves. |