How to Optimize a Wireless LAN Card

A wireless LAN card or wireless adapter is a device that allows a computer to connect to wireless Internet signals. Wireless Internet speeds can vary based on the strength of the wireless signal that the wireless adapter detects. You can take steps to optimize your wireless adapter to improve signal strength and to obtain a faster Internet connection. There are a few different ways to improve a wireless adapter's connectivity.

Things You'll Need

• Wireless adapter

Instructions

Update your Wireless Card Drivers

1. Click "Start," right-click "Computer" and choose "Manage."

2. Click "Device Manager."

3. Double-click "Network Adapters," right-click your wireless adapter in the device list, chose "Properties," note the device name and manufacturer and click the "Driver" tab.

4. Click "Update Driver" and choose to have your computer automatically find and install driver updates. If your system does not find driver updates, go to the official website of your wireless card's manufacturer as noted in step 3 and search for driver downloads for your device. If a driver is available, save it to your hard drive and run the driver installer to install the driver.

Configure the Wireless Card's Options

1. Follow steps one through three of section one.

2. Click the "Advanced" tab. The options available in the "Advanced" tab may vary based on your wireless adapter.

3. Click "Transmit Power" and change the drop-down field value to "Highest."

4. Click "Roaming Aggressiveness" and change the drop-down field value to "Highest."

5. Click "Ok."

Tips & Warnings

• You can increase signal strength by positioning your computer closer to your wireless router.

• Remove large obstructions between your router and computer to improve wireless signals.

References

• Microsoft: 10 tips for improving your wireless network
• DailyWireless: 10 Tips to Increase the Range of Your Wireless Network