There can be several factors which can reduce the range upto which the wireless routers can work efficiently and weaken the signal strength. They have typically a range of 100 feet or even more. The several reasons why interference can be caused are by metal, some other signals and many other devices that use wireless frequencies like microwave ovens or even cell phones. This article will guide you through the several methods you can use to strengthen or boost the signal strength of of a router.
1.Look for any Interference that can be caused.
- You should remove devices at your place that can interfere with network traffic on the 2.4GHz frequency range. Such devices include many cordless phones, microwave ovens, etc.
- Check your signal strength with these devices. Switch on and off to determine if they are the cause of your signal problems.
- Get a wireless network analyzer to catch hold of the source of interference.
2. The Signal Channel should be replaced.
- Routers are capable of broadcasting over a series of channels say between one and eleven. Changing a channel will permit the router get a clear signal among wireless networks.
- Use a software utility that checks which networks are using which channel.
- Configure your system for an unused channel.
3. Router Repositioning is to done.
- Increase the height as much as you can to increase the effective broadcast range.
- Place the router near the center of your house for wider coverage.
- Move close to the receivers.
- Keep distance form any metal such as metal shelving, filing cabinets etc.
- Move away from cordless phones and microwaves, which operate on the same 2.4-GHz frequency.
- Move away as far as possible from your neighbor’s Wi-Fi router.
4. Enhance the Transmit Power.
- Check your router’s documentation and configuration utility for the ability to change the transmit power of router: the amount of power it uses to transmit the signal. You can raise this number by up to 50mW, however you do risk overheating or damaging your router.
5. Make sure to Install a Repeater.
- Buy a repeater. A repeater is a piece of hardware that acts like a wireless network expander. The repeater takes the signal from your router and boosts it to increase the range.
- Wireless repeaters are common and affordable and are available in your local computer store, or on the Internet.
7. A Wireless Amplifier should be Installed.
- Purchase and attach a wireless amplifier, also known as a booster, directly to your router. A booster can be more affordable than a repeater as they only increase the strength of your existing signal, rather than the strength and range.
- Use a bi-directional amplifier to increase both your inward and outbound speeds.
8. Make a Reflector out of a Tinfoil.
- Cut a tinfoil circle with the tinfoil on the inside of a piece of paper or some cardboard large enough to wrap around the router. Or cut a shallow parabola and put the hole for the antenna at the focal point.
- Place the tinfoil circle over the router.
- Place the antenna in the center of the circle or parabola.
NOTE- A tinfoil router may boost your signal, but will also make it more directional.
TIPS-
- Houses that are age old have walls made from wooden studs, while newer construction in office buildings, malls etc. are often constructed with metal studs in the wall. The disadvantage here is that metal studs can interfere with a router signal quite badly, so consider your building type when diagnosing your signal.
WARNINGS- Do not overheat your router as this is illegal in some cases, so you should have enough practice of doing such things.
Things that are needed-
- Tinfoil
- Paper or cardboard.
- Note that Router is also known as an Access Point.
