Many of us buy a new router only when the old one breaks. However, it is known that modern hardware equipment has the potential to increase wireless speed and security levels. Here are a few effective tips, which will help you boost Wi-Fi speed and range.
USE BETTER ROUTER ANTENNAS
Most router makers ship their products with weak Wi-Fi antennas, which have a typical gain of 4-5 dBi. However, if you shop around, you can find high gain antennas which can improve performance by up to 500%! Yes, a pair of antennas may cost fifty dollars or even more, but they are well worth the investment.
Most antennas use the RP-SMA connector, and some of them will even come with an extension cable, which will allow you to move the antennas where you want them, and thus maximize signal strength.
KEEP THE ROUTER UPDATED
Sometimes even router manufacturers can mess things up! Fortunately, most of them will fix the issues using future firmware updates. So, be sure to download and install the new versions as soon as they become available. It's easy to do that using the router companion mobile apps.
If your router is really old, or if you've purchased a piece of equipment from a manufacturer who doesn't provide software updates for its products, it's time to replace it. And this time, make sure to get a device from a company who isn't only interested in making a quick buck off its customers! If budget is an issue, you can install an open source router operating system onto the old piece of hardware; if it works, you're going to get access to lots of useful features. Be careful, though; your router may brick during the process, so only use this option as your last resort.
CHOOSE THE BEST PLACE FOR YOUR ROUTER
Make sure that your device isn't placed too close to appliances and other devices which are made from metal. Many electronic devices include transformers and various other components that generate radio waves which can interfere with your router's signal. So, keep it away from microwave ovens, fridges, television sets, dishwashers, cordless phones, heaters, and so on.
Generally speaking, your router should be placed as close to the ceiling as possible. And if you can mount it in the ideal position, it is best to download and install a mobile app which can analyze Wi-Fi signal strength, place your phone in the room that's got the weakest wireless signal, and then move the router around until you get the best results.
USE A DIFFERENT CHANNEL
Standard Wi-Fi channels are quite crowded, especially in urban areas. So, to boost Wi-Fi signal, choose a less busy channel. There are many more available channels on the 5 GHz band, so consider switching to it if you are using one of the channels in the 2.4 GHz band.
KEEP VILLAINS AWAY FROM YOUR NETWORK
Did you know that some of your neighbors may use your Wi-Fi connection, and thus slow it down? And since there are so many clever viruses in the wild, it is very important to use a password-protected network, which will keep them (and the neighbors) away from your data.
Always use wireless network passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special symbols such as & and @. Your Wi-Fi password should have at least 15 characters; otherwise, hackers will be able to break it easily by making use of dictionary-based and/or brute force attacks. Also, don't ever reuse passwords, because cyber criminals may discover them on the web, and then utilize them to break into your network.