How to Increase My Signal on My Laptop

Increase the wireless network strength.

Many factors can affect the wireless signal on a laptop. Distance and proximty to the source of the wireless network as well as interference by walls, floors or electronic object greatly affect the wireless signal. In addition, the wireless network may be using a slower, weaker standard, which can affect signal strength. Increasing signal strength is a matter of finding remedies for these negative factors.

Things You'll Need

• Laptop
• Wireless Router
• Wireless extender
• New antennae

Instructions

1. Get closer to the wireless router or move the wireless router. The closer the laptop is to the edge of the router's coverage area, the weaker the signal will be. Also, the signal from the wireless router can be disrupted by walls and other solid devices, as well as microwaves and phones. Moving the router to an area free of these interferences can help to boost signal strength.

2. Update the drivers for the laptop's wireless card and/or the firmware for the router. Old drivers can cause issues when connecting to networks.

3. Add a wireless extender. A wireless extender increases the coverage area that a wireless router can cover.

4. Change the wireless card on the laptop or router or both. Changing the wireless channel on the router can help reduce interference. Also, changing the antennae on the router to a high-gain one focuses the wireless signal in one direction, which could help to boost signal strength. If a router or wireless card is using 802.11b, changing these to 802.11g or 802.11n can help boost the connection speed and the overall distance the wireless signal covers.

References

• 10 tips for improving your wireless network