Today, the use of Wi-Fi for data transmission is ubiquitous. But one of the disadvantages of this method of accessing the Internet is the very limited range. It is possible to correct this drawback, but for this it is necessary to use special means. They can be either hardware or software.
Software gain
There are many ways to increase the strength of your router's Wi-Fi. Strengthening the signal of a Wi-Fi router in the router settings is quite simple, it can be done in just a few seconds.
The main ways to improve signal quality:
All these methods make it possible to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal of the router without an antenna or other hardware.
The use of an outdated security protocol makes the network not only weakly secure, but also very slow. In the section of the router's settings, logging into them as an administrator, select WPA2.
Limiting the number of supported devices dramatically improves wireless performance. The MAC addresses themselves act as identifiers.
You should not leave the name of the network publicly available. Often, the quality, as well as the data transfer speed, are falling precisely because of various kinds of outsiders trying to connect. To hide, it is enough to uncheck the box in the settings menu opposite the item "Allow SSID transmission".
Low transmitter power
One of the main reasons for poor communication quality, small coverage area is the low power of the transmitter. This is especially true for devices with a built-in antenna. It is rather difficult to correct this deficiency without using various kinds of improvised means. But, nevertheless, it is real.
Many products from renowned manufacturers make it possible to change the data transfer rate with your own hands.
For example, to do this in TP-Link
After applying the settings, the transmitter power should increase. Unless, of course, before the start of the settings, the value in question was lower.
802.11N standard
Another way to significantly increase the speed of delivery of processed information, as well as the quality of communication, is the 802.11 N standard. It was put into operation quite a long time ago - in 2009, on September 11.
The data transfer rate when using this standard is as much as 300 Mbps. Switching to it is quite simple, you can do it through the WEB-interface. To open the settings window itself, you must enter 192.168.1.1 in the address field of the browser. This is the default IP address of the device.
Also, some devices allow switching directly in the operating system. To do this, open the device properties in the Windows "Control Panel".
Reboot setting
Restarting may also improve the quality of the Wi-Fi connection. Its execution using the WEB-interface allows you to clear the router memory from program errors. It is they who are sometimes the main cause of the malfunction of the different kinds lowering the data transfer rate.
To carry out this operation, it is enough to log into the WEB-interface as an administrator.
This can be done as follows:
- enter 192.168.1.1 in the address bar;
- enter the administrator's login and password in the appropriate fields;
- open the section "Quick setup" and press the button.
Frequency coincidence
Typical operating frequency is 2.4 GHz. A large number of various devices work on it. You can change the channel using specialized programs. For example, Network stumble r.
You can also change the channel via the WEB interface.
This requires:
New firmware and drivers
Another way that makes it possible to strengthen the work is to install new drivers on the computer and then reflash it. Replacing the firmware often helps. It is not uncommon for many router models equipped with older software to have fairly low bandwidth. Re-flashing allows you to fix things.
For example, many routers initially do not support the 802.11 N standard, but after a software update they work with it successfully. Since the hardware part was originally designed with the prospect of possible work with this standard. And installing the updates made it possible to work at high speed.
How to Strengthen Wi-Fi Signal Using a Second Router
You can significantly expand the coverage of the wireless network with your own hands using a second router. This scheme can be implemented in various ways. But first of all, you need to connect the two devices.
Photo: signal amplification by the second router
To implement such a scheme, it is desirable to use two identical models. TP-Link TL-WA901N is perfect for this. First of all, you need to connect to the Internet and configure one of the routers. After that, it is necessary to adjust the second device, it will work in the "repeater" mode.
The most difficult and time-consuming debugging is the repeater.
It is carried out in several stages:
You must set a static IP address: 192.168.1.100. The subnet mask will also be constant: 255.255.255.0.
After successfully completing all of the above steps, you must:
The last step is to choose an encryption algorithm. After the required option has been selected, you need to reboot again.
Strong signal by hardware
There are various ways to achieve a high-quality connection with Wi-Fi equipment.
Most commonly used:
Many manufacturers produce compact amplifiers that are slightly larger than a pair of matchboxes. They plug into an outlet and amplify the Wi-Fi in the range of which they are.
Many models are equipped at the factory with additional ports for connecting a second antenna. It significantly increases the coverage area of the device, makes it possible to propagate the signal over impressive distances.
Choosing the right place
One of the most important factors that directly affect the quality of communication is the location of the device for broadcasting. The optimal situation is when the router is located in the center of all devices using the connection.
It is very important to avoid placing any bulky furniture or mirrors near the router. All this absorbs and reflects waves. Therefore, you should position the router in such a way that there are no very solid objects in the path of the network in question.
Equipment influence
Also, in addition to various physical obstacles, all kinds of equipment can also have a negative impact on the reliability of communication over Wi-Fi.
Devices of this kind include:
Usually, the whole point is that the router and other equipment can operate at a frequency that coincides with the frequency of other similar products.
Making an antenna
If necessary, you can make an antenna amplifier to improve the quality of communication transmitted over the air.
To design an antenna of this kind, we need:
- food foil;
- plastic bottle or jar.
The foil is simply wrapped around the bottle, can. Then it is left in this position for 5-10 minutes. After this time has elapsed, place the received product behind the back of the router. The foil will focus the reflector and point it in the desired direction. That allows you to avoid the occurrence of "dead" zones.
Even if the device for transmitting data does not have a very strong signal at the output, there is nothing to worry about. Since you can correct the situation with your own hands. You don't even need any tools to do this. Just a roll of time food foil is enough
Today, the use of Wi-Fi for data transmission is ubiquitous. But one of the disadvantages of this method of accessing the Internet is the very limited range. It is possible to correct this drawback, but for this it is necessary to use special means. They can be either hardware or software.
Software gain
There are many ways to increase the strength of your router's Wi-Fi. Strengthening the signal of a Wi-Fi router in the router settings is quite simple, it can be done in just a few seconds.
The main ways to improve signal quality:
All these methods make it possible to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal of the router without an antenna or other hardware.
The use of an outdated security protocol makes the network not only weakly secure, but also very slow. In the section of the router's settings, logging into them as an administrator, select WPA2.
Limiting the number of supported devices dramatically improves wireless performance. The MAC addresses themselves act as identifiers.
You should not leave the name of the network publicly available. Often, the quality, as well as the data transfer speed, are falling precisely because of various kinds of outsiders trying to connect. To hide, it is enough to uncheck the box in the settings menu opposite the item "Allow SSID transmission".
Low transmitter power
One of the main reasons for poor communication quality, small coverage area is the low power of the transmitter. This is especially true for devices with a built-in antenna. It is rather difficult to correct this deficiency without using various kinds of improvised means. But, nevertheless, it is real.
Many products from renowned manufacturers make it possible to change the data transfer rate with your own hands.
For example, to do this in TP-Link
After applying the settings, the transmitter power should increase. Unless, of course, before the start of the settings, the value in question was lower.
802.11N standard
Another way to significantly increase the speed of delivery of processed information, as well as the quality of communication, is the 802.11 N standard. It was put into operation quite a long time ago - in 2009, on September 11.
The data transfer rate when using this standard is as much as 300 Mbps. Switching to it is quite simple, you can do it through the WEB-interface. To open the settings window itself, you must enter 192.168.1.1 in the address field of the browser. This is the default IP address of the device.
Also, some devices allow switching directly in the operating system. To do this, open the device properties in the Windows "Control Panel".
Reboot setting
Restarting may also improve the quality of the Wi-Fi connection. Its execution using the WEB-interface allows you to clear the router memory from program errors. They are sometimes the main cause of all sorts of problems that reduce the data transfer rate.
To carry out this operation, it is enough to log into the WEB-interface as an administrator.
This can be done as follows:
- enter 192.168.1.1 in the address bar;
- enter the administrator's login and password in the appropriate fields;
- open the section "Quick setup" and press the button.
Frequency coincidence
Typical operating frequency is 2.4 GHz. A large number of various devices work on it. You can change the channel using specialized programs. For example, Network stumble r.
You can also change the channel via the WEB interface.
This requires:
New firmware and drivers
Another way that makes it possible to strengthen the work is to install new drivers on the computer and then reflash it. Replacing the firmware often helps. It is not uncommon for many router models equipped with older software to have fairly low bandwidth. Re-flashing allows you to fix things.
How do I restart my computer using the keyboard? There is a solution.
For example, many routers initially do not support the 802.11 N standard, but after a software update they work with it successfully. Since the hardware part was originally designed with the prospect of possible work with this standard. And installing the updates made it possible to work at high speed.
How to Strengthen Wi-Fi Signal Using a Second Router
You can significantly expand the coverage of the wireless network with your own hands using a second router. This scheme can be implemented in various ways. But first of all, you need to connect the two devices.
To implement such a scheme, it is desirable to use two identical models. TP-Link TL-WA901N is perfect for this. First of all, you need to connect to the Internet and configure one of the routers. After that, it is necessary to adjust the second device, it will work in the "repeater" mode.
The most difficult and time-consuming debugging is the repeater.
It is carried out in several stages:
You must set a static IP address: 192.168.1.100. The subnet mask will also be constant: 255.255.255.0.
After successfully completing all of the above steps, you must:
The last step is to choose an encryption algorithm. After the required option has been selected, you need to reboot again.
Strong signal by hardware
There are various ways to achieve a high-quality connection with Wi-Fi equipment.
Most commonly used:
Many manufacturers produce compact amplifiers that are slightly larger than a pair of matchboxes. They plug into an outlet and amplify the Wi-Fi in the range of which they are.
Many models are equipped at the factory with additional ports for connecting a second antenna. It significantly increases the coverage area of the device, makes it possible to propagate the signal over impressive distances.
Choosing the right place
One of the most important factors that directly affect the quality of communication is the location of the device for broadcasting. The optimal situation is when the router is located in the center of all devices using the connection.
It is very important to avoid placing any bulky furniture or mirrors near the router. All this absorbs and reflects waves. Therefore, you should position the router in such a way that there are no very solid objects in the path of the network in question.
Equipment influence
Also, in addition to various physical obstacles, all kinds of equipment can also have a negative impact on the reliability of communication over Wi-Fi.
Devices of this kind include:
The number of all kinds of gadgets that fall into the hands of users is growing from year to year at a geometric pace. For those wishing to catch a wireless network on their smartphone, laptop or tablet, it would seem that everything possible has been done. Only the technology of receiving and transmitting data over long distances lags behind the development of the infrastructure of receiving devices.
When purchasing a router, we cannot estimate its range by eye or being guided only by the contents of the user manual. And only when faced with a problem, we realize its scale. The declared characteristics, unexpectedly for us, turn out to be completely unsatisfactory.
Sometimes the signal cannot be caught even in the next room, and sometimes the speed is cut when more than one subscriber is connected so that there can be no talk of any media entertainment.
Is there any possibility of enhancing reception and how it is implemented in practice - this is the subject of our short article. Here we will consider both software and hardware technologies for increasing the range of a Wi-Fi signal. And at the same time we will discuss on what specific physical principles they are based.
Some optimization methods are completely free and require only a little mental strain and manipulation of the router settings from the user. Others boil down to the purchase of special amplifiers, for which, of course, you will have to pay a certain amount. So, let's get started.
The easiest option
The point is to change the location of the router so that there are as few obstacles as possible on the signal path. What can seriously interfere with the reception? Firstly, these are the walls located between the transmitter and the subscriber. Secondly, the material of these walls. Thirdly, a variety of objects with properties that suppress radio waves.
Walls are generally an obstacle to the propagation of electromagnetic waves. And especially the walls covered with plasterboard or other material similar to it.
Reinforced concrete walls pose a particularly strong threat. It is well known from the school physics course that the metal mesh is one of the best insulators. Its shielding properties are widely used in scientific and technical applications. The reinforcement in the wall is just such a screen.
Even a large aquarium or a mirror may be the cause of the suppression of normal reception. Therefore, it makes sense to experiment with changing the location of the router relative to walls and home furnishings.
You can move it not only in the horizontal direction, but also in the vertical plane. Sometimes it helps. If the problem is not completely eliminated, then at least greatly reduce it.
We climb into the settings
Poor range can be caused not only by the environment and material objects in the signal path. An intangible substance can also interfere with normal reception - the presence of electromagnetic interference in the router's coverage area. For example, signals from other routers.
A mass user rarely ponders such a problem. And yet it exists and complicates their life no less than impenetrable concrete floors. Distribution of neighboring wireless networks occurs through the so-called channels. If several networks fall on one channel, then the power of each of them decreases noticeably.
To improve the operation of the router, you need to go to the device settings and check which of the channels is transmitting. Then download the "inSSIDer" program from the network and look into its window. This window looks like this:
In the foreground is a list of all wireless networks occupying the same space from yours. The field titled "Channel" indicates the channel for each of the grids. Channels are numbered one through thirteenth. We need to select the channel on which the least number of devices "sit" and switch our router to this channel in the settings:
- From the browser, go to the device's web interface (its typical address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
- Go to the "Wireless" settings page.
- Find the "Channel" field there.
- We put down the channel number we need manually.
- We save the changes made and test the state of the device.
There are other methods to improve performance by manipulating settings.
What else can you do in the settings?
Alternatively, you can adjust other parameters as well:
Subscriber-side settings
How to improve reception without having to configure the transmitter? For a laptop or computer, you can proceed as follows:
- We go to the "Control Panel".
- We turn to the settings of the “Power supply” subsection.
- We choose one of two: either the "Balanced" power supply scheme, or the "High performance" scheme.
This is the answer to the question of how to boost WiFi signal on your laptop.
Finally, the most effective and simplest option is to buy a repeater in the store. A repeater is a specially designed Wi-Fi signal amplifier. In the picture below, we show his image:
This is all we have to say on the topic at hand.
People are already accustomed to using such a blessing of civilization as wireless Internet. But they are not always happy with how well their devices receive or distribute Wi-Fi. Is there anything you can do about it? There are certainly options. Depending on what exactly you want to get, there are several different paths.
Strengthen distribution
There are several universal ways to improve signal quality. All of them, by the way, are spelled out in the instructions for devices (routers), but it will not be superfluous to repeat them. So how to boost WiFi signal for distribution.
Location
Pay attention to where your router is located. The radius of the devices is usually 25-30 meters. Mobile phones (those that are produced by cellular operators to work with their SIM cards and tariffs) are slightly less - 10-12 meters. However, all this will not be enough if the router is installed incorrectly. In order for the signal to be heard everywhere in the same way, it is advisable to place it in the center of the room. It is very important that metal objects are kept away from it. They significantly degrade the signal quality. For example, it is better not to have a router in the kitchen at all. The stove, refrigerator, and home appliances can ruin your web browsing experience.
Interference
Other common causes of poor signal are various kinds of interference. For example, mobile phone signals. The closer the router is to the mobile phone, the worse it distributes the Internet. How to deal with this? Someone just sits away from the router with a phone, and there are those who have completely solved the problem radically. Some resourceful users simply wrap the equipment with cling foil. Why her? It does not allow microwaves emitted by a mobile phone to pass through. That is, it does not in any way affect the reception signal and transmission in the end.
Antenna
If your router is equipped with an antenna, then with it you can significantly improve the Internet distribution. For example, suppose your device is located on a closet in a room, while you most often sit in a corner at a table. Just turn the antenna in the direction where you usually are. So the signal will not go to the side. If the standard antenna is too short, with a short range, then you can replace it. A dedicated WiFi signal booster is not suitable for every model, but some still support this option. It will not be superfluous to consult with experts before buying.
Another router is a hindrance
In apartment buildings, many people use Wi-Fi technology. And, of course, almost everyone has their own router. This often causes problems. Signals overlap each other, prevent devices from working normally. How to deal with this? First, you can try rearranging your router. Secondly, twist the antenna, giving a directional signal. Which is not always convenient. Third, reflectors can be used. How to strengthen WiFi signal using them? Look for such devices in specialized stores. They are usually attached to the antenna, preventing the signal from spreading beyond the foil. Yes, reflectors are made from it. You can make it yourself, giving the desired shape to the device. In this case, the signal from the neighbor's router simply will not reach you. This means that the distribution of the Internet on your device will increase significantly.
How to improve reception on a smartphone?
Modern mobile phones are quite good at picking up various wireless networks. But they don't always hold the signal well. Especially when it comes not from your router, but, for example, a neighbor's. Can you fight this? How to strengthen WiFi signal for reception?
Special applications
If your phone runs on the Android platform, then there should be no problems with amplification. Play Market contains a sufficient number of different applications that help to strengthen the reception of the Wi-Fi signal. Having tested several, you can choose one that ideally meets your requirements. Wi-Fi Overview 360, by the way, has received many positive reviews from grateful users. The application allows not only to enhance signal reception, but also to significantly increase the reception range. Perhaps you will even catch those hands that are quite far away from you.
For Apple products
The developers of the devices of the well-known company made sure that their customers did not suffer from poor signal quality. However, in addition, various amplifiers appeared in the iTunes catalog. Some are on a paid basis, some are gratuitous. For example, the WiFi signal booster for Apple's Wi-Fi Boost is in great demand as it has both Beta and PRO versions. This application allows you not only to catch a good signal, but also to hold it securely. According to the principle “once I caught it, I won’t let it go.” Of course, within reasonable limits of your movement from the location of the router.
Frequency
Typically, Wi-Fi signal tuners set all devices to the same standard frequency. And this is what plays a significant role in the distribution and reception. Especially if there are several such devices in an apartment building. How to deal with this? How to strengthen the WiFi signal in this case? Change frequency! Of course, if it is supported by your router. Read the user manual of your device carefully. Perhaps all actions are performed manually. But for the owners of mobile routers, it is useless to struggle with the frequency and distribution channel. So far, cellular operators do not provide such an opportunity. It is possible that this deficiency will be corrected over time.
Special utilities
Has your computer or laptop become bad at picking up the signal? Or did he initially not take it very well? There are some utilities that can be installed to help improve Wi-Fi reception. It is advisable to download them from the sites of the program developers, since a lot of files on the network are uploaded by scammers and hackers.
Speedtest.Net
In general, it was originally an application for mobile devices. And at the moment, the developers have created a computer utility that significantly increases the performance of both the PC itself and the reception of the Wi-Fi signal. The program interface is simple and straightforward, all settings are in Russian.
Drivers
Often the signal reception problem lies in the fact that the system drivers are simply outdated. How to deal with this? First, update all drivers on your computer or laptop. This can be done on the official website of your device or software. Secondly, you need to update your router drivers. This will also require an official website. If you already have an option such as automatic software updates, then you can use it. In the end, if the signal quality is not affected, then at least it will not hurt.
Instead of output
Before going to extremes and downloading many applications and programs, first decide on the location of the router. It is on this that in most cases the quality of the signal depends on both distribution and reception by devices. Try to remove all interference from the router as far as possible. Remember that the higher the device is placed, the less it will overlap with signals from other household appliances. For example, a microwave oven, even at a distance, can degrade Wi-Fi distribution dramatically. If you rearrange the router to a height that does not intersect with it, then the quality will increase. It is not recommended to place the device on the floor as the floor covering may negatively affect the Wi-Fi signal.
Enhanced wi-fi is necessary to improve the quality of receiving and transmitting various data and watching video over a wireless network. Since the number of various devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops), the operation of which depends on the availability of Internet access, increases every year, a weak or unstable radio signal worries almost every router owner.
The reasons for the decrease in the speed of the Internet can be interior partitions, load-bearing walls, mirrors, household appliances or other points of access to the worldwide network located nearby. There are several ways to solve this problem.
Changing the channel used by the wi-fi router
Anyone who wants to have enhanced wi-fi should choose a channel that is free from the influence of extraneous radio signals. Such a popular program as inSSIDer (a free version for Android is also presented on the official website), which you can install on your own computer (or laptop) with an adapter, will help to determine the degree of its workload. The utility helps to determine the optimal channel for the network by scanning and diagnosing in real time all wi-fi connections closest to the computer. After familiarizing yourself with all the networks and channels presented, you must perform the following actions:- select the section "Wireless mode" ("Wireless network" or "Wireless") located in the router settings;
- click on "Wireless settings" and change the value of the "Channel" parameter, choosing a free (or least loaded) channel.
Changing the location of the router
Due to the correct placement, the wi-fi router transmits an amplified signal, allowing you to expand the network coverage area. To do this, it should be located in the immediate vicinity of the device that is used to access the Internet. When several devices located in different rooms are simultaneously connected to the Internet, it is recommended to install the router as high as possible, choosing for this the central part of the apartment (or house). Such an arrangement, characterized by the absence of remote premises, will help to enhance wi-fi on a laptop, computer, smartphone or tablet due to an even distribution of the signal.
Setting the maximum power value in the router settings
Before using this method of amplifying a wi-fi signal, you must study the instructions attached to the router, since the procedure depends on the model and manufacturer. Most often, to increase the power of the router at home, in the "Settings" (or "Advanced settings") section, change such a parameter as "signal strength" by setting the highest value ("100%" or "High").
Systematic update of router firmware
It is possible to enhance wi-fi on a laptop, computer or tablet after updating the outdated (or defective) "firmware" of the router. Usually, in such cases, manufacturers offer free download of the current version of the firmware posted on the official website, since wi-fi can be strengthened only after fixing errors in the firmware. Before starting the update, you should make sure that the new firmware version and the router model are compatible, and for this you need to determine the hardware and current firmware versions. Information about the current version can be found through the device interface located in the router settings. The factory parameters are indicated on the back of the router.
Replacing the standard router antenna with a more powerful one
An amplified wi-fi antenna, the coefficient of which has the highest value (5 - 8 dBi), will help to increase the coverage area of the home network. This method is suitable exclusively for owners of routers with external (removable) antennas. It is also necessary to remember that if the model of the router assumes the simultaneous presence of two (or three) antennas, then all are subject to replacement. To ensure a stable signal, antennas should not be placed in different rooms (they should be close to each other).If the router is distinguished by the presence of only a built-in antenna, the replacement of which is impossible, then to improve the signal and increase the wi-fi coverage area, manufacturers recommend changing the location of the antennas, spreading them in different directions (up and sideways).
Installing a wi-fi repeater
A repeater (or repeater) is a special receiving and transmitting device, the main purpose of which is to increase the coverage area of a wireless router by completely repeating, amplifying and retransmitting all received signals. This gadget is easy to use. It is usually installed between a signal source (router or modem) and a computer by directly plugging into a regular electrical outlet. To configure the device, you only need to know the name (ssid) and password of the network used.
Purchasing a 5 GHz router
Due to the fact that wireless communication is now installed in almost every apartment, the frequencies of home networks often overlap, leading to congestion of the same channel. Household appliances (microwave ovens, cordless phones, video surveillance systems, etc.), which, like most routers, operate at 2.4 GHz, can also serve as sources of additional interference. Therefore, buying a router capable of transmitting a signal in the 5 GHz range can solve this problem. This range is almost always free from various interference, since it does not intersect with channels using the 2.4 GHz frequency, its coverage extends over a large area, providing channels free from other networks (about 44). But the transition to such a range is possible only when other devices (tablets, radio telephones) can use it for work.
Using the above effective methods, you can significantly increase the speed of your home Internet via wi-fi, and for this you do not need to purchase expensive gadgets. It is enough just to study in detail the settings of the router or use additional inexpensive devices.
