4 - Tweak your Wi-Fi

Posted on 16 Jun 2008 at 14:46

With draft-n offering a maximum data rate of around 300Mb/sec, your wireless router should be able to deliver a few megabits of broadband around your home with ease. However, anyone who's set up a wireless home network will know that isn't always the case.

802.11n may mean you can now access your wireless network down the bottom of the garden, but it could also mean next-door's signal is ringing loud and clear in your living room, potentially interfering with your signal.

The excellent NetStumbler (a free download from www.netstumbler .com/downloads) will reveal which Wi-Fi channel your neighbours are using, allowing you to set your router to a different channel using its web interface. Beware that your wireless router may offer a weaker or even non-existent signal on certain channels, so a brief trial-and-error session is wise to achieve the optimum speed.

If you've followed our experts' advice in Step 3 and plugged your Wi-Fi router into the master socket in the hall, but now can't get a decent signal in the back bedroom, a booster may be your best bet. Our tests have shown that a 5dBi omnidirectional antenna can provide an 80% boost in coverage and performance at distance. Alternatively, wireless repeaters or HomePlug devices may provide a more consistent connection. "Avoid connecting them to surge protectors, as performance can be significantly affected," warns Zen's Phil Long.

Next: 5 - Ask for the reactive repair tool

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