How to strengthen wifi signal reception on a laptop. Weak WiFi signal, what to do and how to improve reception: optimizing router parameters

Every year there are more and more different gadgets that have access to the Internet. Almost every apartment has a laptop, smartphone, tablet or TV, and maybe even a refrigerator with a Wi-Fi module. At the same time, users often face the problem that it is not possible to “catch” a connection to the Internet everywhere. The reason for this may be that the distance from the router to the device is too large. The coverage radius of the router is about 30 meters, and sometimes more. However, there are a number of other factors that can affect the signal level.

Interference can be caused by:

There are software and hardware methods that can help solve this problem. The following recommendations will help strengthen Wi-Fi and make Internet use more comfortable.

Software Gain

The most common mistake when using wireless access points is that owners pay too little attention to setting up the network. Often, users set a security key and change the SSID. This is where all the shenanigans end. At the same time, there are still a lot of parameters that remain by default. Setting them up will help increase the coverage area. Let's consider the main methods of programmatic signal amplification.

Video: Boost WiFi signal

Correct location

First of all, you need to pay attention to the location of the router in the apartment. It is recommended to place the router closest to the device from which you access the Internet. If it is difficult to figure out such a place, and the connection is made from different rooms in the house, then it would be best to install the router in the central part of the apartment.

Photo: location of the router in the apartment

This way, as much space as possible will fall within the range of action.

If the apartment or house has two levels, then the router must be placed on the ground floor at the highest point, this can be a mezzanine or a closet. You should not litter the area where the router is located with various objects (including metal ones). This will allow the signal to travel unhindered.

Device frequency matching

In apartment buildings, there may be up to 20, or even more, wireless networks in the accessibility zone. This is not very good for the performance of one particular device. All available networks tend to overlap and use the same frequency channel. As a result, the network supply level deteriorates even at a relatively close distance.

In this case, strengthening the Wi-Fi signal is very simple and easy; even the most inexperienced user can figure it out. First, you should install a special program on your laptop, which can be used to determine a free channel. The most commonly used is inSSIDer. After launching the program, the screen will display a list of all available wireless networks and the frequency channels they occupy. You must select a free channel. To do this, perform the following steps:

If all channels are already used by other people’s routers, you should choose the least loaded one. For the settings to take effect, click “Save/Change”.

Modern Wi-Fi protocol – 802.11n

Today, the 802.11n standard is the newest. In addition, it is also the fastest due to its increased coverage radius. If all devices in the apartment from which the Internet is accessed support this standard, then a transition to 802.11n is possible.

In order to switch to the 802.11n operating mode, you must:

Low transmitter power

Many router models are equipped with a function for adjusting the Wi-Fi signal strength. You need to make the appropriate changes in the router settings:

Transition to 5 GHz

Most routers operate in the 2.4 GHz band. However, more expensive router models can output signals in the 5 GHz band. Therefore, it is recommended to switch to this particular range, since it is practically free and not occupied by other devices. In this case, the coverage will spread over a larger area.

The transition to the 5 GHz band is possible if the connected devices can operate in this range.

Hardware Wi-Fi signal booster

If all the above steps have been carried out, but access to the network is interrupted, do not despair. Perhaps all is not lost yet. There are several tricks that can help solve this problem. To do this, you need to upgrade your wireless device. You can increase the coverage radius using a second router. To do this, you need to set up a wireless bridge between the two devices using Wireless Distribution System technology. It will allow you to increase your coverage area by combining several routers into one network.

You can also do some tricks with antennas. Most routers are equipped with external removable antennas. They are often underpowered by about 2 dBi, sometimes 5 dBi. They can be easily replaced with stronger ones. To do this, it is worth unscrewing the old ones and placing new ones with a higher coefficient in their place. In addition, you can purchase an antenna with a cable and a special stand. It connects to the router. At the same time, it can be moved around the apartment, thus providing coverage without changing the position of the router.

If the device has more than two antennas, then replacing them will be too expensive. It will be cheaper to purchase a repeater. It is also called a repeater. In other words - a repeater.

Using a repeater

Users often encounter the problem that in large apartments the range of the router signal is not enough to provide coverage in all rooms. To solve this problem, aids will be useful. A repeater can be used as a signal amplification device. This device connects to an existing network as a client. With its help, the coverage area expands. It must be installed between the router and the work computer.

The repeater is compact in size and relatively inexpensive. The repeater looks like a small power supply and operates from the network. There are many options for such devices on the market.

Improving the adapter on your computer

The reception of the distributed signal can also be enhanced on the client device. This advice will be useful to those users whose computers have adapters connected via a USB port. However, this option will be useless for owners of tablets, smartphones and laptops, since the antennas in such devices are built-in. When using a USB adapter to access the Internet, do not connect it directly to the computer. To begin with, you can use an extension cord,

and connect the device through it. A long cord will allow you to move the modem around the house, searching for a network.

You can also purchase a USB adapter booster. It is capable of providing network access in areas with weak signals. A modem is connected to this device and placed in a place with Wi-Fi coverage.

Rebooting the Router

A weak signal and interference may occur due to outdated router firmware or if the installed drivers require updating.

There is no financial cost required to update drivers. They can be downloaded for free on the official website of the router manufacturer. Install them on your computer, the level and quality of the signal will increase.

Antenna Upgrade

This method will help you upgrade your device using a reflector. To make it you will need foil and thick paper or cardboard.

A parabola with two holes for the antenna is cut out of paper and attached to a rectangle made of foil. The resulting device must be secured to the antenna. Thus, the signal will become directional. You can also use a drink can as a reflector by cutting it lengthwise, cutting off the bottom, and placing it behind the router. The reflector is directed in the direction where it is necessary to provide coverage.

By following these simple tips, you can significantly strengthen the Wi-Fi signal on your laptop. To do this, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on buying new devices. You just need to take a little time to study the router settings or use available tools and upgrade the device yourself.

Every year the number of gadgets that have access to a wireless network increases. Their connection is simple and the user does not find any problems in this process. However, questions arise when the quality of data transmission or reception becomes low, unstable, or the Wi-Fi signal disappears altogether. Users have a question: “how to improve the Wi-Fi signal?”

Reasons for a weak Wi-Fi network signal

The problem of a weak and unstable Wi-Fi signal can be associated either with an incorrect location of the router or with a hardware or software failure. Also, the quality of the signal is influenced by external factors such as the thickness and materials of the walls, the presence of household appliances, mirrors, and nearby Wi-Fi points. Do not forget about the number of antennas that provide high-quality signal supply to the user.

Software enhancement of Wi-Fi signal

Often the problem with a weak Wi-Fi signal is due to the fact that several networks of one home or office intersect and occupy one channel. As a result, even with a relatively short distance between the device and the router, the signal is very weak. Therefore, in order for the Wi-Fi connection to be stable, you need to select one channel. The inSSIDer program is perfect for this. It shows not only the data transfer speed, free channels, but also user addresses.

Download and run the program on your PC. A window will open in which you should click “Start Scan”.

A table will appear with data: network address, channel, data transfer rate. On the territory of the Russian Federation and Ukraine, channels with a serial number from 1 to 13 are used. We are looking for a free one.

Then you need to go to the router settings. To do this, enter one of the addresses in the search engine: http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1.

Go to the “Settings” section (for each router it will be named differently). Click “Wi-Fi” or “WLAN”.

We select a channel that, according to the inSSIDer software, is free.

We save the result. Now data transfer will take place over a free channel and its speed will be, although not too high (depending on the traffic), but stable.

Wi-Fi standard – 802.11n

Until routers with 802.11 a or c standards went on mass sale, 802.11n was considered the fastest and most uninterrupted. In addition, it has one advantage - a large coverage radius, thanks to the use of several antennas. You can go to it as follows. Open the router settings and select the desired standard from the corresponding “Mode” section. Let's save the changes.

However, it is worth warning that its operation will be normal if the router supports all other devices that are nearby. Otherwise, the signal simply will not be found.

Transition to the 5GHz band

If you own an expensive router model that is also dual-band, you can improve your Wi-Fi signal by switching to 5 GHz mode. At the moment, it is not littered with frequent interference, which means it will produce maximum data transmission results and a larger coverage radius. To switch it, you can use the inSSIDer program or change the router settings.

Hardware improvement of Wi-Fi network

To ensure a better Wi-Fi connection, you can use a few tips:

Buy a more powerful antenna (costly, but effective) or an extension cord for the antenna socket;
Install a repeater or router that can operate in WDS mode.

Making screens from foil or soft metal is useless. As it was established as a result of testing, this method does not work.

The number of all kinds of gadgets falling into the hands of users is growing year by year at an exponential rate. For those who want to connect to a wireless network on their smartphone, laptop or tablet, it would seem that everything possible has been done. Only the technology for receiving and transmitting data over long distances lags behind the development of the infrastructure of receiving devices.

When purchasing a router, we cannot evaluate its range by eye or based only on the contents of the user manual. And only when faced with a problem do we realize its scale. The declared characteristics unexpectedly turn out to be completely unsatisfactory for us.

Sometimes the signal cannot be picked up even in the next room, and sometimes the speed is reduced when more than one subscriber is connected so much that there can be no talk of any media entertainment.

Is there any possibility of enhancing reception and how is it implemented in practice? This is the subject of our short article. Here we will look at both software and hardware technologies for increasing the range of a Wi-Fi signal. And at the same time we will discuss what specific physical principles they are based on.

Some optimization methods are completely free and will require only a little mental effort from the user and manipulation of the router settings. Others boil down to purchasing special amplifiers, for which, naturally, you will have to pay some money. So, let's get to it.

The simplest option

The point is to change the location of the router so that there are as few obstacles as possible in the signal path. What can greatly 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 generally act as an obstacle to the spread of electromagnetic waves. And especially walls covered with plasterboard or other similar material.

Concrete walls lined with rebar pose a particularly serious threat. It is well known from the school physics course that 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 mirror can cause suppression of normal reception. Therefore, it makes sense to experiment with changing the location of the router relative to the walls and home environment.

You can move it not only in the horizontal direction, but also in the vertical plane. Sometimes it helps. If not eliminate the problem completely, then at least greatly reduce it.

Let's get into the settings

The reason for poor range can be not only the situation 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.

The mass user rarely thinks about such a problem. And yet it exists and complicates their lives no less than impenetrable concrete floors. The distribution of neighboring wireless networks occurs along so-called channels. If several networks share one channel, then the power of each of them drops noticeably.

To improve the operation of the router, you need to go to the device settings and check which channel 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 that occupy the same space as yours. The field called “Channel” indicates the channel for each of the grids. Channels are numbered from one to thirteen. We will need to select the channel on which the fewest devices are located and switch our router to this channel in the settings:

From the browser we 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.
We find the “Channel” field there.
We manually enter the channel number we need.
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, other parameters can be adjusted:

Settings on the subscriber side

How to enhance reception without configuring the transmitter? For a laptop or computer, you can do the following:

Go to the “Control Panel”.
We turn to the settings of the “Power supply” subsection.
We choose one of two: either the “Balanced” power plan or the “High Performance” power plan.

This is the answer to the question of how to strengthen the WiFi signal on your laptop.

Finally, the most effective and simplest option: 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 raised.

If the laptop does not receive the WiFi signal well, you need to improve it (the signal). This can be done in several ways: increase the Wi-Fi coverage area, buy a repeater, replace the antennas, or make an amplification device yourself.

Router placement

Before setting up the router, you need to install it correctly indoors. Usually, users are faced with the fact that there are no problems with Wi-Fi near the router, but if you move further away, the signal reception on the laptop seriously deteriorates.

The correct location of the router sometimes helps to solve this problem. If you install the router in the middle of the room, the signal reception will be approximately the same in all directions. The fewer walls and obstacles the signal has to overcome, the more confident its reception on the laptop will be. Negative effects have:

Metal structures (doors, beams).
Brick, concrete and reinforced concrete walls.
Soundproofed walls.
Mirrors.
Aquariums.

The angle at which the signal passes through the wall is also important. Try to position yourself directly opposite the router, because the greater the angle, the weaker the WiFi reception on the laptop.

You need to make sure that there are no electrical devices nearby that operate, like the router, at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. This is especially true for the base of radiotelephones and microwave ovens - they should be located as far as possible from the WiFi signal source. If you purchased a router operating at 5 GHz, then you don’t need to worry about interference from other devices - the range will almost always be free.

Setting up the router

If nothing can be done about the placement, then you can try to configure the equipment so that your laptop or other device does not have difficulties receiving the WiFi signal. But first you need to determine what is the reason for the poor reception - perhaps it just seems to you that the signal is bad, but you just need to switch to a different tariff from your provider to increase the Internet speed. You can change the Wi-Fi signal level using the free Homedale utility.

Launch Homedale and look at the dBm value. The lower it is, the stronger the WiFi signal that the router sends. The ideal value is 60-65 dBm. If the value is below 80 dBm, then you have a very weak WiFi signal, and therefore it is difficult to receive it on your laptop. Do not immediately remove Homedale from your computer. With its help, you will check what effect your actions to strengthen the signal have.

First of all, try changing the channel on which the signal is transmitted. If you live in an apartment building and your neighbors also have a wireless network set up, then the WiFi signals from the routers interfere with each other.

Remember that the channels overlap, so the range will not be completely free if there are other routers nearby. In addition, some routers do not support channels 12 and 13, so it is not recommended to set the value above 11. To change the Wi-Fi signal transmission channel:

It helps to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal and install the 802.11 N standard. By default, the router settings are set to 802.11 B/G/N mixed mode, which is suitable for all devices, old and new. The WiFi 802.11 N standard only supports new equipment, so, for example, an old laptop simply will not find such a network. But if all your devices support 802.11 N mode, then set it in the router settings.

Some router models allow you to further adjust the transmitter power. If among the advanced Wi-Fi settings you see the line “Operation mode”, then make sure that it is set to “High”. In this case, the transmitter will operate at maximum power.

Laptop setup

If the Homedale program shows that the signal from the router does not require amplification, but the laptop still has problems with Wi-Fi reception, then you need to work with the laptop’s settings. First, try updating your WiFi adapter drivers.

If updating drivers to the latest version does not improve Wi-Fi reception, check whether the laptop is running in power saving mode, in which the adapter may not have enough power to function properly:

If these methods do not help improve Wi-Fi signal reception, then consider purchasing a high-quality external adapter.

Upgrading the router and using additional equipment

If no software methods help increase the signal strength and improve WiFi reception on the laptop, then you will have to upgrade the router or buy additional equipment. Upgrade options:

Replacing antennas, provided that the router has replaceable antennas.
Construction of a homemade signal amplifier.

Replacing antennas is not the best option, because it requires financial costs, and since you are willing to spend money, it is better to buy a repeater or another, more powerful router. But a primitive amplifier can be made for free from cans or foil. The design will look something like this:

Formally, such a screen does not amplify the signal, but only directs it in a certain direction. There's little appeal in cut-up tin cans, but some users claim that they've been able to seriously improve Wi-Fi reception on their laptop using this screen.

If a can or foil screen doesn't work, consider purchasing a repeater. This is a device that receives a signal from the router and sends it further, increasing the coverage area. Instead of a special repeater, you can use a second router configured in repeater mode. However, not all devices support this mode.

A repeater is indispensable when you need to cover a large room with one network. The signal will not be interrupted, moreover, you will not even notice that you are receiving WiFi not from the router, but from the repeater - the network will remain the same, with the same name and password.

Today, wireless communication is the most popular among the latest technologies. If the user is tired of looking around the apartment for a place where excellent internet is available, you can try to strengthen the router’s wi-fi signal with your own hands.

Methods for improving work with a wireless network are combined into three main groups: program settings on equipment, changing the location of communication devices, and hardware reinforcement. The best effect is achieved by the third way, which has several embodiments.

Interference. Wireless communications can be weakened by any electrical devices. Here you need to strengthen the wi-fi signal using a second router. Another option is to place the devices further away from each other. You can strengthen your wireless Internet by changing the location of the router. Install it in a free, open space.

Often this action helps improve Internet speed. In-depth research is required to identify the problem. The old firmware may have overheated. Rebooting it once a day helps to strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi router in an apartment. It is carried out automatically or manually.

DD-WRT firmware is also used as a signal amplifier for a wi-fi router. By performing this action, we get additional functions, the operation of the router is noticeably improved.

Installing DD-WRT firmware

Internet access speed is affected by:

downloading movies;
participation in games played online;
sitting in video chats.

If this is your case, configure "QualityofService or QoS". Thus, prioritize the more necessary programs.

Set a password on the router. This action will protect the Internet from neighbors connecting to it.

Homemade screen. An additional router design will help make the Wi-Fi signal stronger. Take a beer can and place it as a reflector, directing the waves from the amplifier in your direction. This simple solution is considered one of the workable ones. Installing a screen will not affect the radiation emitted by the device. The energy will be directed into a confined space and will create a signal amplifier for the Wi-Fi router.

Homemade screen from a can for a router

Change channel. When neighbors share the same connection, the routers' radio waves can overlap each other. The speed drops noticeably. You can increase your Wi-Fi signal by changing the data transfer channel. Change the settings on your computer. When the “power saving mode” is on, Wi-Fi reception is not 100%. Switch the power mode. Find “signal strength”, set it to maximum, save this parameter.

Setting the signal strength

As you can see, there are many tips for strengthening Wi-Fi with your own hands. What exactly each user chooses depends on the operation of his network, capabilities, and desires.

Hardware amplification

The wi-fi network depends directly on the distribution power and distribution conditions. The presence of screen-like barriers between the router and the receiving device can negate the positive characteristics of the former. The opposite situation is also true. Consequently, increased range and improved quality are achieved in different ways.

Using a repeater to strengthen the wi-fi signal

Powerful antenna for wi-fi

How to increase the distribution of a wi-fi router using additional devices:

organize a system of repeaters or repeaters;
connect the antenna via cable to move to the most advantageous place for signal propagation;
use an amplified antenna for a wi-fi router;
buy a powerful router. This method is more expensive than others, but it is effective and simpler. There is one catch - routers larger than 100 mW cannot be sold as household appliances.

Devices such as a repeater and antenna to strengthen the signal of a wi-fi router will help expand the coverage area if a convenient location is inaccessible. A replacement antenna for amplifying the wi-fi signal will change the shape of the coverage area, making it wider, but smaller in height. The gain will be several meters in range, and will not be suitable for providing Internet at different levels.

You can make a Wi-Fi signal repeater with your own hands from a second router if it has the WDS function. Special repeaters are powered from the mains and in operation are not much different from a router.

The advantage of this method is that a router with a wi-fi signal amplifier makes it possible to bypass obstacles that create an impenetrable screen. In a large house, installing repeaters will provide coverage in the most remote places.

Gain with adapter

To get satisfactory Internet performance via Wi-Fi, there is special equipment - a Wi-Fi adapter. The device detects wireless communication and connects via a USB connector or PCI slot.

To solve the problem with communication quality, the easiest way is to initially purchase a powerful adapter. The size of the antenna is directly proportional to the quality of information reception, so when purchasing you don’t even have to study the characteristics. Sometimes the device is already available, but the power is not enough. There are two options: connect via cable to your computer and strengthen the wi-fi signal on the modem.

To strengthen the signal of the wi-fi adapter with your own hands, purchase another antenna. But this will help if it was originally provided on the original device.

Most modern equipment has a built-in modem, for which these methods are not suitable. But there is a device for strengthening the wi-fi signal, which connects via USB to computers and laptops.

Depending on the relative position of the router and gadgets, one or another method is applicable. It is important to determine the reasons for the poor signal before choosing a specific type of amplification. A variety of equipment will allow you to choose the optimal solution for each specific case.

Gain without antenna

Signal amplification methods. This problem can be solved by using a number of means to enhance the signal. They are simple and do not require any additional effort to make your router work better.

How to strengthen the signal of a wi-fi router without an antenna? Here you need to know that the operation of the router is affected by various interference from other devices: cell phone, microwave oven, computer. These factors must be taken into account, but it is possible to increase the signal using certain methods.

Boosting a signal without an antenna

How to strengthen the signal of a Rostelecom wi-fi router without an antenna:

place the router in the highest place in the house (for example, on a closet);
do not allow the router to stand next to metal structures - refrigerators, safes, cabinets, etc.;
if the computer or laptop does not have a very powerful wi-fi card, it must be replaced with a USB adapter;
place a repeater between the router and computer;
change the signal transmission channel; to do this, select a more suitable signal in the router configuration;
Avoid radio interference if possible.

The listed methods are the main and most common. In addition to these methods, it is recommended to update the drivers.

How to replace the antenna on a router? Antennas on routers are designed in such a way that they transmit signals in all directions at once. In such cases, part of the signal will disappear, the power of the router will work at half. Then a replacement antenna with an increased signal coefficient is required. To create a parabolic surface that directs the signal in the desired direction, you can use an aluminum can as a material.

You can boost the signal from a Rostelecom router if you install the router correctly in your apartment, pointing its antennas at 45° angles and setting the 802.11 B/G mixed mode. An effective means of strengthening the signal is to install an access point in any part of the house.

Wireless technology is without a doubt quite convenient. This is what led to the proliferation of devices that integrate a Wi-Fi module. Traditional LAN ports also do not lose their relevance. However, this is already a secondary means of accessing the network.

Moreover, this port cannot be used in public places or on the street. However, using wireless tools to access the Internet also has its disadvantages.

Such disadvantages include insufficient coverage area or interference. The question arises: what means can be used to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal and more efficiently operate the Wi-Fi antenna? First of all, users turn to equipment manufacturers, many of whom note that the quality of reception depends on the type of access point, the radius of network support and the characteristics of the antenna itself. The listed factors, of course, directly affect the quality of the signal. However, if they do not allow you to achieve the required quality of communication, this is not a reason for despair. There are many ways to solve this problem.

Correct placement of the device

Before getting into the router settings and upgrading the device, just try to analyze the location of the device from the point of view of optimal reception. First of all, it is necessary to take into account that the access point must provide the maximum possible coverage of the usable area of the apartment or office. Also, if you are looking for an answer to the question about the gain of the antenna, the router signal and the overall quality of reception, then you need to note the importance of free space for the unhindered passage of radio waves.

Interior partitions can act as quite a serious barrier. Such obstacles significantly complicate signal transmission. By the way, this also applies to cellular concrete walls with plasterboard finishing, as well as reinforced brick structures. To solve this problem, you need to choose a location for the router to ensure unhindered access to it.

The channel frequencies are the same - what to do?

Unfortunately, software methods for signal amplification are not very popular among users. However, a lot depends on the settings. To begin improving the performance of a wireless device at the software level, it is necessary to analyze the frequency at which the device operates. So, for example, if there are 10-15 networks operating in a room, then you obviously have to forget about good quality. Signals are quite likely to intersect with each other, which is why the quality of the signals drops significantly.

It is enough to choose the right radio wave broadcast channel, and all questions about strengthening the Wi-Fi router antenna will disappear by themselves. To select a channel, you must use a special program; for example, you can use the InSSIDer system for this purpose. This software must be used in parallel with a Wi-FI adapter. The InSSIDer program allows you to display information about all available channels, identifying free and busy ones. According to the information received, the user will only have to reconfigure the adapter’s operating mode to a more suitable frequency.

How to increase the power of a router?

A low reception signal level may be due to limitations imposed by the settings themselves. This is an elementary way to improve the quality of the network. To understand how you can increase the power of a Wi-Fi router antenna, you just need to understand the settings of a specific model. Power adjustment is usually found in the “Advanced Settings”. The parameters of the network will depend on them. One of the tabs should contain an inscription mentioning the transmission power.

For example, this could be the line Wireless Transmit Power. The adjustment indicator can be presented in different ways (percentages, levels, etc.). To get higher power from the router and strengthen the Wi-Fi antenna signal, you need to set this parameter to the maximum value. However, modifications at the SOHO level may not have such settings. In this case, only special firmware will help. To integrate it, it is better to seek help from professionals.

Standard and range

Many users do not even know what standard their device operates on. Today, two network standards are relevant - 802.11 ac and 802.11 n. The first is not yet available to a wide range of users. The second is considered one of the most powerful today. If you are planning to strengthen your Wi-Fi antenna because the device is not receiving a signal, then the equipment may simply support a different standard. To convert your gadget to 802.11 n format, you need to use the basic settings. This is basically just a choice of device operating parameters. It is also worth mentioning that 802.11n devices operate in the 5 GHz frequency range. Channels on 5 GHz, unlike the more common 2.4 GHz range, are not yet littered and are more free. The quality of work in this format is much higher.

How to disable power saving mode

With the use of modern computers, energy saving issues are becoming increasingly relevant. This mainly applies to portable devices that need to work for a long time without recharging. Wi-Fi signal reception on a tablet computer can only be strengthened by improving performance. The antenna will operate at minimum power settings if the device uses the power saving mode. So to improve signal quality, it is better to avoid the minimum power saving level. In this case, the best option would be to use a balanced mode, which will not interfere with the full operation of Wi-Fi.

Antenna modification

Among folk craftsmen, this method of improving the reception quality of router antennas is most widespread. Its essence lies in the fact that the working element of the antenna is additionally equipped with metal elements such as tin cans or pieces of foil. Using this scheme, you can strengthen the router’s antenna without harming the device itself. So it makes sense to experiment a little with different designs. Many users emphasize that when using such developments it is quite possible to achieve a good effect. However, you should not expect serious results from such devices. This method of solving the problem is inferior to replacing the antenna with a more powerful modification. However, it is possible to increase the antenna coverage area by using various metallic add-ons.

Using a repeater

To directly enhance the signal strength, you can use a Wi-Fi repeater. The operating principle of this device is that it is connected to the network as a regular client. Subsequently, the repeater plays the role of a distributor of the received signal. The coverage area will be expanded in accordance with the capabilities of the antenna itself. The repeater is identical in size to the power supply, so it does not take up much space. Its purchase is also quite profitable from a maintenance point of view. Using a mono repeater, you can strengthen the signal and also expand the coverage area using WDS technology. Thus, the device makes it possible to combine different access points without the need for wired contacts. On average, the cost of budget repeater models varies from 700 to 1000 rubles. Devices with higher performance can cost from 2,000 to 3,000 rubles.

Adapter extensions

To get rid of problems associated with Wi-Fi signal reception, it is recommended to purchase powerful adapters with an external antenna. Receiver models that are integrated into laptops and tablets are less effective from this point of view. However, a special extension cord can be provided for such devices. Using an extension cord, you can move the modem to find the optimal location for reception. If the question arises about strengthening the Wi-Fi antenna on a laptop, this option will be advantageous, since the mobility of the device expands the possibilities for finding the best location. It is worth saying that the cable length for USB devices can be up to 3 meters.

Conclusion

It is quite rare that you can significantly increase the quality of Wi-Fi signal reception by using one of the above methods. The thing is that following the recommendations presented above may not bring any effect if the minimum power value is selected in the device settings. The opposite situation is possible: all software parameters are focused on the optimal operating mode of the device. In this case, even an interior partition can spoil the high quality of reception.

A Wi-Fi antenna can only be strengthened by using a set of measures. It is worth analyzing the settings used and assessing the location of the device. Practice shows that the most effective solution for increasing reception power is to purchase more technologically advanced modern equipment. The latest models open up wide possibilities for operating in new frequency ranges, while ensuring stable data transmission.

In June 2007, a record was set: the longest wireless connection was established (382.9 km) using a WiFi connection. It would probably be unreasonable to hope to replicate this within a private WiFi network, although it is a tempting idea. Here are some simple tips to help you maximize signal quality and minimize interference with a little wireless feng shui.

Steps

Improving WiFi reception at home

Using kitchen foil

Improve WiFi reception on the road

If all else fails, then you can think about buying a WiFi repeater, which is necessary to strengthen the signal between the router and the device.
You can also use reflectors. Use NetStumbler to help you position the reflector correctly. You can use a CD as a reflector, as well as anything that looks like a parabolic reflector. The reflector, of course, must be placed behind the receiving device or antenna. As a result of its use, a large increase in signal strength can be expected. This trick also works with mobile phones.
Depending on the make and model of your wireless router, you may be able to replace the firmware with other open source software that will add much more customization options and increase the power of your wireless antenna.
The computer case itself can become a significant obstacle to the Wi-Fi signal - try to place the case so that it does not create a barrier between the network card and the router antenna.
Adding an external "high gain" (higher dBi) antenna will often result in improved signal quality and increased performance. It should be noted that the higher the dBi value, the stronger the signal propagates in the horizontal direction and weaker in the vertical direction. If you need to cover multiple floors, then a higher dBi level probably won't help you. In this case, you should consider purchasing a Wi-Fi booster that will boost your signal.
If you still need more range, consider upgrading to Wireless N or Wireless G with MIMO. These two technologies significantly increase the range of existing 802.11g or 802.11b networks.

Nowadays, the computer has become an integral attribute of progressive life. It is used to perform a variety of tasks, not least to access the Internet. Since almost everyone has several devices at home with this capability, a router is used to meet the interests and needs of each family member.

But when several users simultaneously use the same access point, problems with Wi-Fi reception may occur. In order not to suffer from poor communication and not to run around the apartment looking for a signal, you can carry out some equipment upgrades. We would like to show you how you can increase the quality of reception with your own hands.

Reasons for a weak signal

Typically, a router with a built-in antenna has a coverage radius of a maximum of several tens of meters, and often even less. This is due to the fact that a cheap router has a low-power transmitter that is unable to provide high-quality Wi-Fi reception over the entire coverage radius. Also, when installing the router near sockets to which other devices are connected, radio signal interference may occur, which will affect the quality of reception and the wave propagation range will deteriorate.

Correct placement of the router indoors

To ensure uninterrupted reception of the wireless signal, you need to position the Wi-Fi router correctly. The operation of the network is affected by the walls located in the apartment and their thickness, the location of the computer, and the operation of electrical appliances.

The router should be placed as high as possible and close to the center of the apartment or house

The router should be installed in such a way as to minimize the number of walls the radio signal can overcome, because each of them significantly reduces the coverage radius. It is better when the signal passes perpendicular to the wall, and not at an angle.

Routers operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, and almost all other household appliances operate on it - refrigerators, microwaves, televisions. Therefore, try to place Wi-Fi equipment a few meters away from other equipment.

In addition, the following may cause interference:

glass and mirrors;
aquariums;
soundproofing of walls;
metal constructions.

Selecting a communication channel

To transmit the signal from the router to other devices, 11 communication channels are used. The router automatically changes the channel, choosing the optimal one. But sometimes the channels are not selected quite correctly, which is why they overlap each other and the signal weakens. You can change the channel manually.

Enter the router settings mode. To do this, enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), login (usually admin) and password (usually admin or password) in the browser.
Go to the Wireless Network - Settings tab. In the Channel line, select one of the 11 available channels.

But which channel should you choose? You can use special utilities, for example, Free Wi-Fi Scanner on a laptop or WiFi Analyzer on Android. They will show which channels are free and which are busy.

Launch the utility on your laptop. Its task is to scan all available networks and show which channel each of them operates on. Information about each connection is displayed in chart form. Please note that some channels may overlap, which may impair reception. Connect to a completely free channel, then don’t forget to click the Save button.

Selecting a broadcast standard

All Wi-Fi equipment operates in one of four standards: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n. The most common of them are b, g, n. The latter provides better gain and stability. In the router settings you can determine which standard your device will operate in.

Enter your router settings.
Go to the Wireless network - Settings section, in the Mode line select 802.11n.

Wi-Fi wireless network parameter “Mode” - allows you to select the broadcast standard

Attention! Not all devices support this standard, so it is better to choose automatic standard selection.

During continuous operation, the router may malfunction due to heating of the board or software errors, for this reason Wi-Fi begins to work worse. It is best to reboot through the router’s web interface, for which you need to go to the settings mode, the System settings section, where you will find the corresponding button.

Making a booster antenna

Option 1. Parabolic antenna. We will need a metal beer or drink can, or food foil. We cut out a piece of foil as wide as the height of the router antenna, or we cut out the bottom and top from the can and cut it on one side to make a rectangle. The jar is already curved, but if we use foil, bend it so that it becomes parabolic. Now we need to attach our creation to the antenna. This way you can increase the coverage range, and Wi-Fi will be less scattered.

Parabolic antenna for router made from aluminum can

Option 2. Focusing attachment. You will need copper wire with a diameter of 0.8–1 mm and a piece of cardboard or plastic. We cut the wire into lengths of 48 mm (2), 50 mm (2), 52 mm (1) and 59 mm (1). They are attached to the cardboard exactly in the middle at a distance, as indicated in the diagram. We cut out the cardboard and attach the structure to the antenna. It will help to significantly enhance signal reception and coverage range. If the router has two antennas, we make an amplifier for each.

This method is suitable if the router has a weak translator or if the router is located at a sufficiently distant distance from the devices, due to which the connection is not stable and the network is constantly interrupted

Signal repeater

If no method brings the desired result, you should try a scheme with two routers, one of which will act as an amplifier. To improve reception in this way, you can buy a special device, but if you have an old router lying around, you can use it.

Enter the router setup mode.
In the Wireless network section, find the Operating mode item.
Select the “Universal Repeater” mode.
Click the "Search" button to find the network of your main router. Connect to it and reboot your device.
Select an encryption algorithm and reboot again.

Conclusion

There are really many ways to strengthen your home Wi-Fi signal. To increase the coverage radius of your home network, a specific method is suitable for each user. For some, it will be enough to rearrange the router, while others will have to make an amplifier. But the truth is that you don’t have to resort to the services of specialists to do this.

How do you improve the signal quality of your wireless connection? Share your ideas in the comments.

Every year the number of modern gadgets that are able to connect to wireless networks and access the Internet increases. Many users have been using netbooks, smartphones, tablet computers, various wireless Smart set-top boxes and TVs for a long time. All this equipment boasts a built-in Wi-Fi module, which allows you to quickly connect to wireless networks. In such a situation, you can easily encounter the problem of a small Wi-Fi network coverage area.

How to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal and is this even possible? We want to understand this topic in detail. Many people know that the coverage area of a wireless network is influenced by factors such as the type of connected router, the Wi-Fi standards used, and the number and power of installed antennas. But not many people remember that in addition to technical factors, the size of the coverage area is also influenced by external factors: the specific location of the router in the apartment, the presence of radio sources near the access point, the material used in the construction of the walls.

That is why, when solving the problem of how to strengthen a Wi-Fi signal, it is necessary to use comprehensive methods that can guarantee the best result. In general, all signal improvement methods can be divided into two groups: software and hardware. Software methods for improving the Wi-Fi signal imply optimal configuration of the equipment used. Hardware methods involve the purchase and installation of additional devices or technical improvements to already installed equipment.

Before you fight with your router and try to solve the problem of how to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal, you need to make sure that you have optimally installed the equipment in your apartment. After this, we check the Internet speed in order to compare it with the data received after setting up the equipment.

The best installation option is approximately in the middle of the apartment to ensure maximum coverage area. More details on the correct location of the router can be found in. Now let's look at the most effective software and hardware methods for strengthening the Wi-Fi signal.

How to boost the signalWi- Fiprogrammatically

After purchasing and installing a router, many users do not pay enough attention to setting it up. As a result, such a negligent attitude can lead to unpleasant consequences in the form of an unstable signal or a small network coverage area. In some cases, correct configuration of the router allows you to increase the coverage area by an order of magnitude and improve the signal quality. And all this is completely free without purchasing additional devices.

1. SignalWi-Fi is weak due to the coincidence of channel frequencies with other networks

Problem. If your apartment is located within the reach of a large number of wireless networks, this cannot but affect the quality of the signal. Wi-Fi networks can overlap when operating on the same channel. As a result, even if you are in a good coverage area, the signal quality can be very poor. It is for this reason that if you want to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal, you need to select a radio channel on the router.

Solution. To select a channel you need to use a special program inSSIDer. Download it and install it on a computer with a Wi-Fi adapter or laptop. Next, we launch the program and see which channels are occupied by other people’s wireless networks in the accessibility zone. We select and remember a free channel, now you need to set it in the router settings.

We looked at how easy it is to get into the settings. In the router settings, go to the “Wireless mode” section --> “Wireless mode settings” and set the “Channel” parameter to the value that we determined using the inSSIDer program.

2. SignalWi-Fi is weak due to the low-power transmitter on the router

Problem. A low-power transmitter can be the real reason for a weak Wi-Fi signal. This problem is especially relevant for budget routers, the coverage area of which leaves much to be desired.

Solution. On some routers, advanced settings allow you to adjust the Wi-Fi signal strength. In the “Advanced settings” section, look for the “Operating mode” or “Transmission power” parameter. To indicate this parameter, either percentages or abstract values (high, medium, low) can be used. We set the maximum value and click the “Save” button.

Unfortunately, the ability to manually adjust Wi-Fi signal strength on routers is not always supported. If your router does not support power settings, you can try to look for an alternative firmware for it that will support this feature.

3. We use the 802.11 standardn

Problem. The choice of wireless standard directly determines the strength of the Wi-Fi signal and the coverage area of the router. The 802.11n wireless standard is very noteworthy in that it has one important advantage over other standards - increased coverage area due to the simultaneous use of multiple antennas. If you have not yet solved the problem of how to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal, then be sure to try switching to the 802.11n standard. Please note that all your connected devices must support this standard. Otherwise, the wireless network will simply be unavailable for these devices.

Solution. Converting a router to work with the 802.11n standard is very simple. Go to the router settings, go to the “Wireless Mode Settings” section and in the “Mode” parameter set the value to “802.11n”.

Save the changes and reboot the router. Next, reconnect the devices to the Wi-Fi network. After this simple procedure, the signal quality should improve and the overall coverage area should increase.

Problem. Conventional routers most often operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. This frequency is quite loaded with other devices, such as cordless phones, microwave ovens, baby monitor systems, all kinds of security systems and control panels. Such congestion negatively affects the quality of the Wi-Fi signal. Advanced routers are capable of operating at a frequency of 5 GHz, which is used very rarely today and is almost completely free. The 5 GHz frequency is not littered with various interference from other people's access points and other household devices. To ensure maximum wireless signal quality, it is better to use the 5 GHz frequency.

Solution. Go to the router settings and go to the “5 GHz Wireless Mode” --> “Wireless Settings” section. Set the “Mode” parameter to “802.11an”.

Be sure to make sure that the devices you connect to the network also support 5 GHz. Otherwise the network will not be visible.

Problem. Laptop users do not always keep track of what battery operating mode is currently set. When the battery charge is low, the power saving mode is almost always activated, which users forget to change after connecting the computer to the network. At the same time, a lack of power can negatively affect the operation of the laptop's Wi-Fi adapter, which in turn will affect the signal quality. If the question of how to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal remains relevant for you, pay attention to the power mode.

Solution. Go to “Start” --> “Control Panel” --> “Hardware and Sound” --> “Power Options”. Select “Balanced Mode”, or better yet, “High Performance” mode. Rest assured, this will have a positive effect on the quality of the Wi-Fi signal.

How to boost the signalWi- Fihardware method

As we have already said, the hardware method involves technical improvement of the router or the purchase of auxiliary devices. You should resort to the methods described below if all the previously discussed settings have already been tried and have not brought a good result in strengthening the Wi-Fi signal.

1. Buy new antennas or modify old ones

On the Internet you can find a large number of ways to modify an antenna to improve its performance. In many cases, it all comes down to making directional antennas from omnidirectional antennas using improvised means. Some people use cutouts from beer cans for this.

Others use foil for this purpose.

Having tested several methods from personal experience, we did not feel a noticeable improvement in signal quality. A really effective method that will help strengthen the Wi-Fi signal is to use more powerful antennas. Buying a new antenna for a router can cost several hundred rubles, but the resulting effect is worth it.

The signal improvement is especially noticeable when changing antennas with a gain of 2dBi to 8dBi. At the same time, the coverage area of the wireless network increases very well. If your router is equipped with several antennas (for example, three), then replacing them with new ones can be quite expensive. In this case, it is more advisable to use a repeater to amplify the signal.

2. Use a repeater to amplify the signal

This signal boosting method is very effective and is most often used in large homes. If in an apartment it is enough to change the router antennas to more powerful ones, then in a large house this procedure will clearly not be enough. A Wi-Fi repeater is a small device that connects to the created wireless network as a regular client and expands its coverage area to the radius that its antennas support.

There are also devices on sale that, in addition to the repeater function, support interesting WDS technology (not to be confused with) with which you can combine several wireless access points into one Wi-Fi network. There is no need to make a wired connection to these access points.

3. ModernizeWi-Fi adapter on computer

This method is relevant for personal computers that use an external wireless adapter. On laptops, the Wi-Fi adapter is often built-in and upgrading it will not be possible. If you have not yet purchased a wireless adapter, then pay attention to devices with good antennas (gain factor 8dBi). Adapters in the form of a flash drive are definitely inferior in signal quality to adapters with large external antennas.

If you have already purchased a Wi-Fi adapter in the form of a flash drive, then you can additionally buy an extension cord for it, which will allow you to move the adapter to an area with better coverage. Adapters with antennas for a computer can be modified by purchasing more powerful antennas. Don't forget to check your Internet connection speed again. InetZamer.ru

conclusions

We looked at effective ways to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal. For this purpose, you can use free methods, or you can use special devices. We really hope that this information will help you increase your wireless network zone for comfortable access to the Internet from various devices.