Wi-Fi has become a staple for millions of people, but one of the main problems that Wi-Fi users face is weak signal strength. Weak signal strength can seriously hamper your productivity since it results in slow connection speeds and a smaller range of coverage.
However, there are several things you can do to increase your signal strength:
1. Move your Wireless Router or Access Point to a Central Location
Distance is a major consideration when it comes to Wi-Fi. The signal weakens the farther away you are from the wireless router or access point. In order to get even coverage throughout your home or office, you should always choose a central location for your Wi-Fi equipment.
2. Change the Channel
Wireless routers and access points broadcast Wi-Fi on a specific channel. If you live in a crowded area with many Wi-Fi networks, like an apartment complex, then signals from other wireless routers or access points could interfere with the signal from your own.
To avoid this problem, use a less crowded channel. You can change the channel by accessing your wireless router’s settings through a connected device. Many modern wireless routers and access points even come with software to help you determine the optimal channel to get the most out of your wireless network.
3. Update the Firmware
Wireless routers and access points — much like the devices you connect to them — run on embedded, permanent software. This type of software is called firmware.
Updating your device’s firmware can improve its performance. To do this, you need to visit the website of your router’s manufacturer. There, you can download the router’s latest firmware. You can upload the updated firmware into the router by using a connected device.
In addition to keeping the firmware on your wireless router or access point up-to-date, you also need to regularly update the firmware on your mobile device’s wireless adapter.
4. Add Additional Hardware
You can also boost the signal by using additional equipment. External antennae and wireless range extenders can increase the range of coverage for your wireless router or access point. You can also use a wireless repeater to send the signal even farther.
If you are still having trouble, you should consider buying a newer wireless router or access point, since newer models have larger ranges and faster signal speeds.