How to (Maybe) Speed Up Your Wireless Connection

One of the pinch points in your home wireless network can be your wireless router. Newer operating systems like Windows Vista are not always fully compatible with routers from even a few years back. The wrong router can slow down your internet experience. Here's how to check.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PC or laptop
• Internet connection
• Wireless router
• Windows operating system

1. .
   
   
   Check your systems. If you're running a Windows computer with XP or Vista, you should check to see if your wireless router is fully compatible.

2. .
   
   
   Head to the website for the Internet Connectivity Evaluation Tool, as listed in the Resources section.

3. .
   
   
   Run the connectivity test that Microsoft provides. You will have to download a small program for the test. The test is pretty quick, and easy to perform.

4. .
   
   
   If your router is not fully compatible with your current system, read the test results carefully, and consider upgrading your router. The Microsoft site provides some explanatory material and identifies incompatibilities that can slow down internet connections. There is also a list of routers from Netgear, Linksys, and other companies, that are fully compatible with current operating systems.
   
   .

Tips & Warnings

• Failing some test components does NOT mean your current router doesn't work, or won't provide a solid connection, but it may not have the full capabilities of more up-to-date routers.

Resources

• Connectivity Test

[kaseysviewblog]

on 10/4/2008 Very useful advice, thanks for sharing.

[Kilogramm]

on 9/22/2008 This is a great idea, very informative as usual.

[amylaine]

on 9/22/2008 Great, thanks.