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Wireless networking is one of the greatest inventions, as anyone who's used their laptop in the back garden will testify. However, they're often the source of much frustration, often disconnecting at random, becoming infuriatingly slow or refusing to work at all.

It doesn't have to be like that, though. A few tweaks to your settings can often turn an infuriating wireless connection into a reliable one. You'll need to check your router's manual to find out how to implement these tricks and access the router's web-based management page. Configuring your router is also best done using a wired connection, as you won't get disconnected if the router has to reboot or when you modify wireless settings.

If you don't have enough spare ports, simply disconnect a PC or other device for the duration of the configuration. You'll need a wireless laptop to hand, too, so that you can test your connection every time that you change a setting.

Changing the channel

Wireless networks operate on the 2.4GHz radio band. This is divided into 14 channels, 13 of which are usable in the UK. A lot of wireless problems are caused by using a congested channel. Simply changing this can help improve matters.

Of the 13 channels that can be used only numbers 1, 6 and 11 should be chosen, as these don't overlap. Choosing channel 2, for example, would mean that you'd get interference from devices running on channel 1. The real trick is in picking an uncongested channel.

To do this, download and install Network Stumbler from www.netstumbler.org on a computer with a wireless adaptor. Run the application from the Start menu and it will take over your wireless connection and scan for wireless networks. Leave it for a couple of minutes to build an accurate list. In the main window, click on the Chan tab to sort the list by channel. All you have to do now is see which of channels 1, 6 or 11 has the lowest amount of traffic on it, and set your router to use that.

Test your network and, if it's no more reliable, then change the channel to the second least congested one.

Turo power

Draft-N and some turbo-mode and MIMO routers use a technique called channel bonding, where two wireless channels are used to double the wireless network's speed. These can cause problems, though, so if you're suffering problems you should look at turning these modes off.

Most wireless routers will have a 54g protection mode (or something similar). Turning this mode on will reduce performance, but it will increase stability in areas where there's a lot of wireless traffic. If Network Stumbler shows that you've got lots of other wireless networks around you, try turning this mode on.

If range is your problem, there are several tricks to try. First, if your router supports it, make sure that its wireless power is turned up to maximum. Second, try moving the router, or mount it as high as possible. Finally, you may be able to change your router's antennas for those with a higher gain, which will increase signal strength. Antenna power is measured in dBi. Normal routers typically have 4dBi antennas, but you should look to get 7dBi antennas to see an improvement. These will typically cost around £30.