by JM Van Horn

Created on: November 04, 2008   Last Updated: September 15, 2009

Ready to release the power of your internet connection? Here are a few tips to help make sure you are getting the most out of your internet connection.

The first tip to remember is the placement of your wireless router with the integrated access point. You want to make sure it is in a central location of your home or office. It is also important to place it up high, maybe even mount it on a wall. If you are one of those people who place the router on the desk or even worse, underneath on a lower shelf, this could be the reason for a bad internet signal.

Another tip for a better internet connection is to make sure you avoid radio signal bounce. When your wireless router or access point is near metal objects, like over sized filing cabinets, or a cement wall, your internet connection can suffer from the interference. You would be surprised how the slightest move of your hardware can help improve your signal ten fold.

There are other culprits when it comes to interference and your wireless internet connection. Another good tip is to check your computer network connections and see if you can find other network connections not your own. If you do, it means your neighbors may have a network operating on the same channel.

Try switching the channel of your network to resolve the matter. Remember in the United States, there are only three usable channels; one, six, and eleven, that do not overlap. When a channel does overlap with their Wi-Fi connections, you can be sure interference will soon follow. To change the channel, it is suggested that you check the owner's manual of your hardware device.

Interference can come from other items using the same radio spectrum as well. For example, there are many items, like cordless phones and even microwaves, that operate on the 2.4 ghz frequency. This happens to be the same frequency that 802.11 network device work with. And this could be the reason why your internet connection goes out when you are making phone calls or heating up your dinner. If you can afford it, find a router that can operate on both the 2.4 ghz and 5 ghz frequencies. Make sure to reserve the 5 ghz frequency for your most important internet connection.

If you are concerned about security for your wireless internet connection, this tip is for you.

If you are still using the wired equivalent privacy or WEP, then you are taking a risk every time you use it. WEP can easily be cracked by anyone who has time and easy to locate tools. Now is the time to upgrade your software and firmware. You want to install Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 or WPA 2. By adding this security upgrade to your internet connection, you will decrease your chance of attack. Another good tip for security with your wireless internet connection is to make sure you have a strong password. You want to make sure it is over 8 characters in length and is made up of numbers and letters. If you follow these few tips to help improve your wireless internet connection, you will find your have a stronger and more secure signal to work with.

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