The way technology moves now a days, unfortunately, routers don't usually last more than a couple years before they become outdated. Here are some ways to get the most out of your router, which will increase your network speed in general. If you have problems going to another room in your house, and having to worry about losing your connection or losing speed, these tips are for you.
Location, Location, Location.
Where you position a router has a lot to do with it's range and performance. It is recommended to put your router as high as you can get it, because radio waves spread laterally and down the best. Radio waves spread best if they don't have to go through thick walls, mirrors, fish tanks, or anything metal. Try to position your router as far away from things like baby monitors, cordless phones, wireless audio speakers, Bluetooth gadgets, and even microwave ovens to avoid any interference these devices might cause.
Updating Firmware.
A pretty quick and easy thing that you can do. If you're having problems in the Wi-Fi area, try to find an update for your network adapter driver online. Updating this will give you the latest firmware which usually makes your network adapter work more efficiently. You should also try to update the firmware for your router. You can usually do this by logging into your router, and finding an update firmware link(some routers automatically scan for updates on login). The way you can log into your router to check this is to: 1. Be connected to the router. 2. Type the IP address of the router in your address bar on your internet browser. (Most commonly 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1). 3. Login to your router. (Default user: Admin. Default password: password.). If the IP address of your router is not one of those two, an easy way of checking is going to Start>Run>CMD. When the command prompt (Black screen) is up type "Ipconfig".It will give you a list of three IP addresses. It's usually the "Default Gateway" IP address.
Secure Your Network
By placing a password on your network you're restricting outside access. When you have an unsecured router, anyone within range can connect. The more people that are connected, and exploring the internet, the more it hurts your connection. You can set a password by logging into your router (See Updating Firmware).
Other Tips And Tricks.
This one is kind of silly.. But it some people have noticed a difference. By putting Aluminum Foil on the antennas it's believed to amplify the radio waves.
Buying Different Parts.
There are several things you could purchase to make the signal stronger. Things like wireless repeaters, new router antennas, or a new laptop wireless card are fairly cheap ways to greatly help with Wi-Fi range and performance. You should double check to make sure the product you see would for your needs.
Another option is to buy another router. Buying a new wireless router is a guaranteed way of increasing both connection and performance.
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