How to Change a Wireless Router's Baseband

Avoid weak wireless signals by changing your router's wireless channel.

Wireless router signals operate on a baseband frequency comprised of 11 channels in the United States and Canada and 13 channels in Europe. By default, most routers use channel 11, but you can change the default wireless channel if you encounter interference from a neighbor’s wireless router or other wireless devices, such as video-sender units or the wireless thermostat for your home heating system.

Instructions

1. Launch a Web browser on a computer connected to the wireless router. Navigate the Web address for the router’s administration page. On most routers, this is either “192.168.0.1”, “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.2.1”. If in doubt, check your router’s product documentation.

2. Click the “Wireless Settings” or “Settings” tab, button or link on the administration page to access the router’s wireless configuration page.

3. Scroll through the settings and make sure the router is set to the correct geographical region; for example “North America” or “Europe.” If the router shows the wrong region, click the arrow button and select your location from the drop-down list.

4. Click the arrow button beside “Channel” and select your preferred baseband wireless channel from the drop-down list. Try to avoid using a channel that is used by another wireless router or transceiver within 200 feet of your router. If necessary, ask your neighbors to check the channel setting of their routers and devices.

5. Click the “Save” button, then click the “Apply” button to store and implement the changes.

6. Restart your computer and any other computer or device that uses the wireless router to connect to the Internet. Each device will automatically detect the router on its new channel. Depending on the router setup, you may need to enter your network password on each computer or device the first time you connect to the router.

Tips & Warnings

• Only change the router’s channel if you encounter interference from other devices when connecting to the Internet. Signs of wireless interference include a weak signal and frequent signal dropouts.

References

• Netgear: Configure Your Wireless Network
• Netgear: 54 Mbps Wireless Router WGR614v7 Reference Manual

Resources

• Microsoft: 10 Tips to Help Improve Your Wireless Network