If only one of these tips helps improve your response time, it's worth reading. I saw the Kim Komando article on her web site not too long ago, and today I found it on USA Today.
"Sometimes Wi-Fi doesn't seem to make any sense. You're trying to
connect to your home network but you're getting a stronger signal from
the neighbor's router than your own router.
Inconsistent coverage
is one of Wi-Fi's big problems. It always seems to stop just short of
where you need it. Even when you do connect, the signal is spotty and
unbearably slow. Fortunately, there are several tricks to boost a Wi-Fi
signal. Even better, most of these tricks are free.
Choose the right location
Most Wi-Fi antennas are
omni-directional: the signal goes every direction equally. So if you
put the router along an outside wall, you're wasting half your signal
outside. In fact, many times that's why you get such a strong signal
from your neighbors. They're making the same mistake.
Cool trick:
If you need to send a Wi-Fi signal a long-distance in just one
direction, you can add a parabolic reflector to your antenna. If your
router has an internal antenna, a sheet of curved aluminum foil set
behind the router can work as well.
For the best all-around
signal, you want your router as close as possible to the middle of the
house, or the middle of the area where you need it. That means if you
live in a two-story house, you want it either on the first floor near
the ceiling, or on the second floor near the ground.
You should
also pay attention to what's around the router. Putting it right next to
a wall or inside a bookcase can partially block the signal. And
definitely keep it away from metal, a microwave or a cordless telephone.
Change the channel
If
you've moved the router and it didn't help as much as you'd hoped, then
you might need to tweak a router setting. This mostly applies to
802.11g and older 802.11n routers. If you have an 802.11n router
purchased in the last few years or an 802.11ac router, it should do this
for you automatically.
To access the settings, open your computer
browser and type in the router's IP address. The IP address will be in
your router's manual, which will also tell you the default router
username and password so you can log in.
Important side note: If
you haven't changed your router's default password, you're leaving it
wide open for hackers. So, be sure to change the password while you're
in the settings.
Once you're in the settings, you can adjust the
router broadcast channel to reduce interference with other routers. Most
802.11n and g routers are set to channel 1, 6 or 11, and you should
stick to one of those. For example, if your router is set to channel 1,
try switching to 6 or 11 and see if that improves your signal.
If
you want to see what's really happening in the invisible world of radio
waves, grab a program like Vistumbler for your laptop or the Wi-Fi
Analyzer app for your Android gadget. Both will show you the routers in
your area and what channels they're using.
You don't want too many
routers using the same channel. See how many routers are using channels
1, 6, and 11 and use whichever channel is least crowded.
Upgrade your router
If
you do have an 802.11b, 802.11g or older 802.11n router, it might be
best to upgrade to a new router. Newer routers often have better range,
faster speeds and extra features like guest networks.
You can also
buy a Wi-Fi booster or range extender, but unless you have an
especially large house those shouldn't be necessary. If you do buy a new
router, you might be able to use your old router as a range extender.
On
the Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show, Kim
takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from
smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily
tips, newsletters and more, visitwww.komando.com. E-mail her at techcomments@usatoday.com."
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