by Elizabeth Bell

Created on: July 01, 2010

Suffering from a lackluster wireless connection?  Before calling in the pros, try these tips to see if you can boost your signal simply and cost-effectively.

1.  Recheck Your Router

Wireless signals can be weakened by large objects, walls and other obstructions.  Position your router in a central location and ensure that it is located on a flat surface off of the floor and away from potential interferences.  Neighboring wireless signals can also cause interference.  Be sure that you are using a unique wireless channel, which will ensure minimal interference with nearby wireless signals.

2.  Replace your Router’s Antenna

The antennae included in most routers are equipped with multi-directional capabilities, meaning that the wireless signal is broadcast in all directions.  If you are trying to equip an entire house with wireless, this can be useful, but it also shortens the range of the signal.  Consider replacing the default antenna with a directional antenna, which allows you to focus the signal and increase the signal strength.

3.  Purchase equipment from a single vendor

Although routers will work with all types of network adapters, you might be able to obtain a stronger wireless signal by purchasing the devices from the same manufacturers.  Linksys claims it can double the strength of your wireless signal if you use their devices exclusively.  To find out what type of network card you have on a Window computer, go to Control Panel ->System -> Hardware Tab -> Device Manager -> Expand the Network Adapters List

4.  Invest in a Repeater

A repeater is very similar to a router, except instead of creating a signal, it relays an existing signal.  The repeater simply picks up the wireless signal from a router and amplifies it, boosting the coverage of your wireless network.  Repeaters are an excellent option to boost your wireless signal as they are reasonably priced and easy to install; most units retail for $50 to $200.

5.  Update Your Wireless Network Drivers

Simply put, drivers are computer programs that allow your computer infrastructure to interact.  If your computer drivers have not been updated in over a year, there is a good chance that your wireless network driver has a software update available, which might better allow your computer to respond to the wireless signal.  To update on a Windows computer, go to Control Panel -> System -> Hardware Tab ->Device Manager.  Choose the wireless network adapter and follow the prompts to update the drivers.

6.  Build Your Own Antenna

If you have a few sheets of aluminum foil laying around the house, you might be able to boost your wireless signal for free.  This guide shows you how folding aluminum foil into parabolas can boost your wireless signal by up to 82%!  The device is not easy on the eyes, but good for a cheap fix.

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