Given the ‘random’ nature of wireless signals, it is not odd to observe fluctuations in Wi-Fi speeds. Nevertheless, the experience is unnerving every time. One easy fix would be to try different router positions and hope to give your internet connection an extra boost. But sometimes, the solution requires further scrutiny. This article will help you uncover hidden Wi-Fi truths and allow you to access certain settings that you never knew existed. Rest assured, your Wi-Fi experience will never be the same.
Prior to proceeding this piece for the solution, let be advised to first Scan and Fix your system’s concealed disorders which most probably is eliciting the inconsistencies:
- Step 1 : Download Systimizer – PC Cleaner & Internet Booster (Works on Windows 10, 8, 7 & XP)
- Step 2 : Click “Scan” to find system issues
- Step 3 : Click “Fix” to repair all anomalies
Changing Channels
Start off your journey by altering the channel your router is currently operating on. Most routers automatically assign themselves a station to send or receive wireless signals, but that does not necessarily mean that suits your scenario the best. Fortunately, you can change this value by accessing your device’s settings. Do this by creating an Ethernet connection between your router and computer, and then type the network address in your browser’s URL bar. To check for your specific address, use ipconfig tool from your command line and look for the Default Gateway IPv4 address. Once in, navigate to the corresponding settings of your wireless connection to change the channel value.
By standard, the 2.4GHz band is divided into 13 channels. Choose the one that contains minimal interference from surrounding networks. To help you complete this task, download effective scanning programs from the internet and use them to analyze your networking environment. Generally, the one that one that contain least number of users should be your primary choice. One software that is used widely across the world to scan the environment and generate accurate results is the free inSSIDer utility. Make sure you grab a copy of this popular software before you go about setting your channel value.
This tweak may, or may not grant you the significant impact you were hoping for. Nonetheless, it is the best first step.
Merge Bandwidth of Two 20 MHz Channels
This technique involves bonding together two 20 MHz channels to create a 40MHz ‘passage’. Doubling this bandwidth will directly affect data transfer rates since your network will now have the ability to handle double amounts of data.
Configuring channel bonding differs from router to router. However, the general step is to reach router settings as before, and navigating to the 2.4 GHz channel. There, you will notice words something along the lines of choosing 20MHz or 40MHz. If your router is set to Only 20MHz, change it to the appropriate value. Next, you will need to alter network adapter settings on the client side, i.e. your computer. Do this by navigating to your network adapter properties from the Device Manager. Once in, view the advanced tab of adapter properties and set value of 802.11n Channel Width for band 2.4 to Automatic.
Other Solutions
Once you are done tampering with the Wi-Fi settings and setting them to their optimal states, it is now time you try different approaches to maximize network speed.
Replace Router Antenna
It is a common practice for device manufacturers to deploy cheap components that they categorize as “extra”. And for wireless device makers, using cheap antennas is more than a norm. However, it should be adamantly pointed out that these router constituents hold the key in throwing and receiving wireless signals, and should therefore never, I repeat NEVER be treated as an extra. If you are being victimized by such as plot, strip down the antenna from your machine and replace it with a bigger, healthier one. In computer terminology, that would be the one with a bigger dBi value.
Also, you could replace your antennas with “directional antennas” that are capable of converging signals to specific areas, instead of spreading them all around the surroundings. This can be particularly helpful if your device is placed somewhere other than the center spot of your building.
Use Repeater to extend your Wireless Network
If you are using internet in some larger vicinity, it is recommended you install a repeater to boost the signals transmitted by the base workstation. To accomplish this apparently difficult task, follow these easy steps:
Note: the steps may vary from router to router. Contact your ISP for extra guidelines on how to install a repeater
- Form an Ethernet connection between your main router and computer
- Login to the router via your browser and navigate to its basic wireless settings
- Note the specified SSID
- Look for the menu item that mentions something like Repeating Functions or Signal Repeating Settings
- From here, establish your router as the base station by selecting the appropriate option
- Specify the MAC address of the repeater, printed at its back
- Unplug Ethernet cable from the main router and connect it to the repeater
- Login into this equipment via your browser as before
- Navigate to the basic settings and ensure it points to the SSID you specified for your connection
- Go to repeating settings menu and change the IP address of this device by replacing the last digit to anything between 1 and 255. Remember this IP value
- Enter the MAC address of the base station
- Unplug the Ethernet cable from this machine and place the repeater somewhere appropriate
Speeding up wireless internet connection is not as daunting as it may seem. You can try numerous easy-to-do solutions and notice significantly improved results. Finally, if nothing seems to fulfill your needs, contact your ISP and probe the issue further. There might be some hidden problems in the server side that your provider can resolve.
