| A basic WiFi home network can be assembled | | | | changing the WiFi channel. |
| fairly quickly. However, many homeowners | | | | |
| aren't aware of all the options available for | | | | 4. Upgrade access point firmware |
| making their network better. The wireless | | | | |
| network can have its capability, performance | | | | The built-in programmable software of the |
| and security improved. Consider these tips | | | | wireless router or access point is called the |
| for improving your wireless home network. | | | | firmware. The factory installed firmware |
| | | | typically works for a time, but usually needs |
| 1. Upgrade or replace with correct hardware | | | | to be upgraded or replaced periodically to |
| | | | get improved performance, more reliability or |
| In addition to the basic WiFi equipment such | | | | security enhancements. |
| as the router and the wireless card, which | | | | |
| may be upgraded with newer, faster or more | | | | 5. Improve strength and range of the access |
| compatible equipment as it comes on the | | | | point |
| market, other wireless gear such as video | | | | |
| cameras, game adaptors and print servers are | | | | Sometimes the wireless signal of the WiFi |
| fun to consider. Do the research and get the | | | | router or access point is just not strong |
| best quality equipment for a good price. | | | | enough. This can be caused by distances or |
| | | | home construction features such as brick |
| 2. Install the access point strategically | | | | walls. In order to solve the problem the WiFi |
| | | | antenna on the router can be upgraded or a |
| Assembly of the wireless home network can be | | | | wireless repeater can be installed. |
| done easily-so easily in fact that some | | | | |
| people rush into the project only to discover | | | | 6. Improve strength and range of WiFi clients |
| that it won't work in parts of the residence. | | | | |
| Or, perhaps the network works just great | | | | The signal strength of WiFi clients can also |
| until it crashes every time a cordless | | | | be improved. When treating a WiFi client that |
| telephone or microwave is activated. So | | | | has a short range in comparison to the other |
| non-techies are afraid to try to fix the poor | | | | devises, you may want to choose this option. |
| performance of the network because they might | | | | This same method can improve laptop |
| make it worse. By moving the wireless router | | | | computer's ability to connect to hotspots. |
| or access point to another location, many of | | | | |
| these common WiFi networking problems will be | | | | 7. Improve wireless network security |
| solved. | | | | |
| | | | Many homeowners consider their wireless |
| 3. Change the channel number | | | | network a success when basic file and |
| | | | Internet connection sharing are functional. |
| Another tip for improving a wireless home | | | | However, if proper security features are not |
| network is to vary the channel used. In the | | | | in place, the work of network setup remains |
| United States, as well as in most other | | | | unfinished. |
| nations, WiFi equipment can send signals on a | | | | |
| variety of channels. Wireless routers usually | | | | While the basic setup and equipment of the |
| are shipped with a default channel and many | | | | wireless network may be perfectly |
| homeowners do not realize it can be changed. | | | | satisfactory to the homeowner, part of the |
| If the neighbor's router or other electronic | | | | fun of technology is the opportunity to make |
| equipment causes radio interference, try | | | | good better and better best. |