Easy DIY Internal WiFi Boost
If your WiFi reception speed seems a bit slow, there are many fixes you can try. Before you start considering external upgrades to your WLAN card, motherboard or CPU, examine the state of the ones you have installed in your machine. Whether you have a desktop or a laptop, if you are using a Microsoft operating system like XP, Vista or Win 7, there are a few do-it-yourself WiFi speed boosting possibilities available to you.
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Instructions
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Tweaking Your WLAN
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Make sure the machine cooling fan intake is clean. Nothing affects the performance of your machine, including your WiFi card, more than excessive heat. If you are using a desktop computer, remove all the inputs and unplug the machine. Open the side lid. Generally this entails removing about four screws on the back of the unit. Once you have the lid off, use a dry dust rag to remove any obvious debris, dirt and dust, as well as a can of compressed air to blow off any remaining dust. Concentrate in and around the fan. With a laptop, use the compressed air to blow out the exhaust vent usually located on either side of the keyboard chassis.
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Check your upload and download speeds by opening any browser search engine and searching “speed test.” You will find a dozen or more WiFi speed testing sites available. Select one and test your speed. Run the test three or four times to get an average. There are two reasons for the test: you need a “before” benchmark for adjustments you about to make and you can compare your results with any other nearby machines this way. Do not be surprised that your download speed is significantly faster than your upload speed. Think of it as being able to go faster downhill than up.
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Turn on your computer, click on the “Start” button and go to “Control Panel,” “System,” “Device Manager,” and click on the “+” to the left of “Network adapters.” Double-click the device that appears there. If more than one appears, double-click the first. On the tabs that appear at the top of the dialog box, click “Driver” and then click the second box down, “Update Driver…” Follow the instructions to find if you have an available update to your network adapter driver. If you do, install it by following the simple instructions and restart your computer. Run a speed test to check for improvements.
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On the network adapter dialog box in the Device Manager, click on the “Advanced” tab. Keep a notepad handy to jot down every setting change you make. Some may seem obvious: if you see an “Afterburner” setting, make sure to set it to “Enabled.” Set the “AP Compatibility Mode” to the “Higher Performance” position. Two dozen possible adjustments are optional, depending on your particular network adapter. Do a search for forums discussing your individual adapter to read about the results of the members' setting adjustments. Always run a speed test after each change. It may be tedious but it is the only sure way you can tell if your DIY internal WiFi boost is working.
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Tips & Warnings
Always make note of changes. Try to compare speed tests with other computers. iPhone or any Android smart phone can be used.
Do not delete or uncheck any of the network adapter entries. If you do, you will need the original installation disk to re-install them.
References
Resources
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