How to Improve Speed of a Slow Wireless Network

Boost your Internet connection.

Home wireless networks are common these days. However, wireless can be significantly slower than a wired connection, despite using the latest in wireless technologies. Get the most out of your wireless network with improved speed.

Instructions

1. No matter what type of Wi-Fi or wireless router you have, the placement of the device has an impact on your signal. Place your router in a central location. If possible, place it near the middle of the home. Keep your router away from walls and metal objects. These will interfere with the signal, making it weaker. A weaker signal may result in slow connections.

2. Most routers come with a preconfigured channel, usually in the middle of the spectrum. Just like on the radio, broadcasting on an empty channel reduces interference and allows a clear signal to get through. The biggest cause of interference from this is nearby wireless networks. Use a free network stumbling tool or the configuration tool provided with your wireless network card on your computer to find out nearby network channels. If a neighbor's network is broadcasting on channel 6, pick a different channel such as 1 or 11. Select this by logging in to your router using the supplied instructions.

3. Wireless interference is another often overlooked problem with wireless network speed. Interference can come not only from other wireless devices but from appliances such as microwaves and televisions, and sometimes electrical outlets. Keep your wireless router away from other computer and electrical equipment. This can make a tremendous difference in wireless speed.

4. If you are still having trouble due to a weak signal or interference, you may have to upgrade to better hardware. Adding a better antenna to your router or computer can boost the signal reception to acceptable levels. Upgrading to a faster technology router is also an option. However, you will have to ensure your other hardware is compatible.

Tips & Warnings

• Typical wired networks get 100 Mbps.

• 802.11b wireless gets about 5 Mpbs.

• 802.11g gets about 25 Mbps.

• 802.11a gets about 50 Mbps.

• Make sure all your devices are compatible before upgrading to a new wireless technology. If not, your existing devices may not be able to connect to the network at all.

References

• Microsoft: Why is my Internet connection so slow?

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish