Running around the apartment in search of a Wi-Fi signal is not a pleasant experience. That worsens the data transmission from the router and how to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal in the apartment using software and technical methods, we will tell in our article.
What affects the strength of the Wi-Fi signal?
The technology of wireless transmission of digital streams, shortly called Wi-Fi, was invented in 1991. Today we give it preference even when there is a LAN port on the device. But the trouble is that the coverage area of the router is often insufficient, and there are places in the house where the signal does not reach.
The term "Wi-Fi" was originally coined as a play on words to attract the attention of the consumer "hint" at Hi-Fi (eng. "High Fidelity" - "high accuracy"). Despite the fact that at first some press releases of WECA featured the phrase “Wireless Fidelity” (“wireless accuracy”), at the moment such wording was refused, and the term “Wi-Fi” is not defined in any way. Wikipedia
Extinguish the Wi-Fi signal in the apartment can:
- walls. Plasterboard coating, walls of aerated concrete and foam blocks are a significant barrier to radio waves. If the wall is made of concrete and reinforced with metal reinforcement, the signal is shielded and loses its strength. Mirrors, aquariums and stained glass windows have the same effect;
- appliances. Devices whose principle of operation is based on radio wave radiation (microwave ovens, radio telephones, radio, etc.) are capable of distorting the Wi-Fi signal;
- neighboring access points. Clogged channels have a negative effect on data transfer rates.
Try to minimize the impact of the above factors, it will help to some extent. to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal in the apartment. The fundamental point is also the location of the router. It should be in the center, then the coverage area will be maximum.
Ways to enhance the signal using the settings
If you are dissatisfied with the quality of the signal, do not rush to purchase additional devices. Your wireless network may not be configured correctly. Therefore, check the parameters listed below and, if necessary, change the settings.
Frequency match
Often there are several wireless networks in the house, the frequency channels of which may coincide. As a result, the quality of data transmission even deteriorates over short distances. Therefore, you should check and reconfigure the channel. Install on the computer with a Wi-Fi adapter, the inSSIDer program, open it, and in the table that appears on the screen, look at which frequency channels the nearest wireless networks are working on (“Chanel” column).
Having found out which channels remain free (usually used from 1 to 13), reconfigure yours, following the instructions:
Low power router
A low-power transmitter on the router can also degrade the signal quality. In the advanced network settings, this option is called Wireless Transmit Power. Opposite it, you need to set the maximum power (in some models it is indicated as a percentage, in some - with words denoting low, medium and high power) and press the save button.
Wireless standard
The maximum coverage today is capable of providing the 802.11n standard. To reconfigure the network to it, select the Wireless Mode in the settings of the web interface in the Wireless menu and set it in the box opposite: 802.11n. Then perform the save, reboot and reconnect device. Mandatory requirement - this standard must be supported by both the router and the computer.
frequency range
Some modern models of routers are dual-band, that is, they can operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Switching to 5 GHz will provide better signal quality, since it will not be blocked by radio waves emitted by other household appliances (they operate at a lower frequency).
Ways to enhance the signal with the help of devices
You can also make a number of technical improvements to enhance the Wi-Fi signal in the apartment.
Antenna upgrade
The first way - to strengthen the antenna. Some "Kulibins" are trying to do this with the help of available materials - foil or tin cans. In the video you can see the principle of manufacturing such "amplifiers":
However, tangible effect, according to those who have already experienced this method, you will not get. It is better to replace the antenna with a more powerful one: you will have to lay out about $ 8, but the coverage area will increase by several times (if the antenna is installed in place of a 2-3dBi 8dBi device).
Repeater installation
The repeater can significantly expand the radius of the signal.
GSM repeater is a repeater and amplifier of radio communication signals intended for local expansion of its coverage area. It is a complex active radio-electronic device, functioning complete with antennas and radio-frequency cables. Wikipedia
Outwardly, it resembles a small power supply that plugs into a power outlet. This device costs about $ 25, but you are guaranteed to be able to enhance the Wi-Fi signal in the apartment.
Are you going to rest in the Crimea and want to find out where the nearest Wi-Fi-points are located? Look for their list in the material. "Wi-Fi-points of Crimea".
Take it to yourself, tell your friends!
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The Wifi standard was developed at the end of the twentieth century by an Australian engineer, and since then has managed to catch the fancy of Internet users from all over the world due to the lack of piles of wires and cables and its great convenience and ease of use. To connect to network resources you only need to have a laptop if you are in the reception area or a router if you want to enjoy wireless Internet while sitting at home in a comfortable chair. Problems in the work can be associated with the fact that the signal is subject to the negative effects of various interferences, in which case it simply needs to be strengthened.
The bandwidth of the standard wifi allows you to use the Internet on a laptop or any other portable device at speeds up to 60 Mbps, but, unfortunately, the signal quality in many establishments and places of access still leaves much to be desired. It often happens that the reason for weak reception lies in the device itself, so this article will discuss how to improve the reception of wifi on your laptop.
Method 1. Update drivers and firmware
If the Internet connection on your laptop constantly jumps and disappears, first of all you need to update the router's firmware, especially if Windows has picked them up automatically. Download the driver for the Wi-Fi adapter on the official website of the manufacturer of your laptop. After that, the computer needs to be restarted and check the signal.
Method 2. What should I do if the laptop does not see wifi?
If your device cannot recognize the access point, then you need to make sure that the wireless module is not in a disabled state. Go to the section "adapter settings", which is located in the "Network and Sharing Center" and see what status the current connection is in. If it is disabled, then the problem is solved simply by pressing one button "connect". After this procedure, it is recommended to restart the laptop and check the reception level again.
Method 3: Change the wireless channel
This seemingly seemingly irrelevant moment may be the key to the problem of weak reception. If the majority of users within the distribution radius simultaneously use the Internet through the same channel, then at best the speed drops significantly, making it impossible to watch video and audio content, and at worst it threatens to disconnect every fifteen seconds. To solve this problem, you need to install a special utility on your laptop that will highlight the list of all wireless networks within your device’s radius of access, their frequency characteristics, bandwidth and current workload. Now you can independently choose the most free channel and click on the "connect" button.
The program Wi Fi Analyzer shows the used Wi-Fi channels near
Method 4: Adapter Upgrade
Another way to improve the reception of wifi on your laptop is to improve the adapter itself. This applies especially to those users who use adapters that connect to a laptop via USB ports. It is not recommended to turn them on directly, since the reception and the signal will suffer greatly. It would be best to use an extension cord, or to purchase a special signal amplifier, which allows you to significantly improve reception.
Method 5: Set a strong password
If you bought a good quality router in order to comfortably use Wi-Fi at home, and the signal is weak and unstable, this could easily be the reason that someone from your neighbors quietly connected to your Internet by breaking the password, which is not so difficult, as inexperienced users think. Of course, with the help of special programs, you can calculate all users who have "adjoined" to your Wai Fay, but most likely your goal is to improve reception, not punishment of freeloaders, so it's best to take the time and come up with a complex password. 
Method 6: Reduce the number of electrical devices in the range of wireless communications
The fact is that devices such as microwaves, cell phones and other household appliances can significantly impair reception, so it is strongly recommended that you minimize the presence of electrical devices within the radius of your router and laptop. In the event that you need to enhance wifi, for example, being in an office or cafeteria, where it is not possible to rearrange interfering devices at your discretion, you only need to change the location, which is the only way to enhance the wifi signal.
Method 7. Remove obstacles
Bearing walls of brick or concrete, as well as mirrors and aquariums can serve as a serious obstacle, significantly weakening the reception. Since it is not possible to transfer them as small household appliances, you should find the most suitable place where the signal will be the best.
Method 8. Free way for those who have the right hands
If you want to urgently improve reception, say, you have an urgent need for a high-quality Internet, and there is no desire to wait for several days to deliver a new router or amplifier, then skilled direct hands can come to the rescue. There are several ways to enhance the wifi signal on any laptop in this way. For the first you need two cans from under any drink, for the second a roll of foil for baking, from which the reflector is made. We will not dwell on the details of the manufacture of these “devices” in this article, there are already so many of them in the Internet and on video services like Youtube. Of course, this option has a lot of drawbacks: first, the quality performance of such devices will be much worse than those that can be purchased in the store. Secondly, their appearance will be extremely unaesthetic and unattractive. 
Method 9. Eliminating interference in the "face" of another router
The signal of another router can become a hindrance, which is a common problem for residents of multi-storey buildings. For starters, you can change the location of your router and configure the antenna. Also in the store you can buy special reflectors attached to the antenna and capable of enhancing reception, directing it in the desired direction.
Method 10. Expensive and reliable
There is an effective method of how to enhance the wifi reception signal on a laptop, but its essential drawback is the need for financial expenses for the purchase of a high-quality modern router model. This method can greatly improve the work of wifi on your laptop, but it is worth considering the fact that today such a purchase will be quite expensive.
Method 11. Install a special repeater
This method is cheaper than the previous one, and its meaning is in acquiring an additional router, preferably the same model that you are using at the moment. It can be very easily configured to work in the repetition mode or duplicate access point. This method can significantly improve the signal. 
Method 12. Replacing antennas
Most external adapters and routers are equipped with removable antennas, and often the quality of those bundled with the device leaves much to be desired, so replacing antennas can enhance the reception of Wi-Fi on your laptop computer. This method has been repeatedly tested in practice, and is quite a budget solution to the problem of how to strengthen Wi-Fi on a laptop.
Method 13. Power setting
Often in the properties of your laptop computer by default, the manufacturer set the settings for the priority of power consumption, which can weaken the signal and degrade reception. First you need to enter the "control panel" of your laptop, then select the section "security and system". Now you need to go to the "power supply" directory and manually set the power consumption mode during the wifi connection. To do this, find the “power saving mode” tab and set the performance to maximum, after which do not forget to save the settings. 
Method 14. Installing the router to another location
If the question of amplifying the wifi reception signal on your device remains open, moving the router to another place can help. Some users put it on the cabinet or push it into the far corner of the room, where it may be subject to interference and the signal will be constantly interrupted. It is advisable to rearrange it closer to the center of the room where the reception level will be the highest.
Method 15. Using a special amplifier
If the signal remains intermittent and weak, the use of a special amplifier can be the way out. Usually they are sold as small compact antennas that connect to a laptop via the USB port. This will not only significantly expand the coverage area, but will also undoubtedly improve the signal. 
Every year there are more and more diverse gadgets that have access to the Internet. Almost every apartment has a laptop, smartphone, tablet or TV, and maybe even a refrigerator with a Wi-Fi module. At the same time, users often face the problem of not being able to “catch” the connection to the Internet everywhere. The reason for this may be too long distance from the router to the device. The radius of the coating of the router is about 30 meters, and sometimes more. However, there are a number of factors that can affect the signal level.
Interference can cause:
There are software and hardware ways to solve this problem. The following recommendations will help enhance the flow of Wi-Fi and make using the Internet more comfortable.
Software gain
The most common mistake when using wireless access points is that owners pay too little attention to network settings. Often, users set a security key and change the SSID. At this all the machinations end. At the same time, there are still a lot of parameters that remain by default. Their adjustment will contribute to an increase in coverage. Consider the basic ways of software amplification of the signal.
Video: Boost wifi signal
Correct location
First of all, you need to pay attention to the location of the router in the apartment. It is recommended to place the router closest to the device from which you access the Internet. If it is difficult to calculate such a place, and the connection is made from different rooms in the house, then it will be best to install a router in the central part of the apartment.
Photo: location of the router in the apartment
Thus, as much space as possible falls into the range.
If the apartment or house has two levels, then the router must be placed on the first floor at the highest point, it can be a mezzanine or closet. You should not litter with different objects (including metal) the place where the router is located. This will allow the signal to flow freely.
Device Frequency Match
In apartment buildings, up to 20, or even more, wireless networks may be in the accessibility zone. This is not very good for the operation of one particular device. All available networks tend to overlap and use the same frequency channel. As a result, the feed rate of the network deteriorates even at relatively close distances.
In this case, to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal is very simple and easy, even the most inexperienced user can figure it out. To begin with, you should install a special program on your laptop with the help of which a free channel is determined. The most commonly used inSSIDer. By running the program, the screen will display a list of all available wireless networks and the frequency channels that they occupy. You must select a free channel. To do this, perform the following actions:
If all channels are already used by foreign routers, select the least loaded one. In order for the settings to take effect, you must click "Save / Change".
Modern Wi-Fi protocol - 802.11n
Today, the 802.11n standard is the newest. In addition, it is also the fastest due to the increased coverage radius. If all the devices in the apartment from which the Internet is accessed, support this standard, in this case, the transition to 802.11n is possible.
In order to switch to the 802.11n operating mode, you need:
Low transmitter power
Many router models are equipped with a Wi-Fi signal power control function. Make the appropriate changes in the settings of the router:
5 GHz transition
Most routers operate in the 2.4 GHz band. However, more expensive router models can signal in the 5 GHz band. Therefore, it is recommended to switch to precisely this range, since it is practically free and not occupied by other devices. In this case, the coating will spread over a large area.
Switching to the 5 GHz band is possible if the connected devices can operate in this band.
Wi-Fi signal reception gain
If all the above actions are carried out, and access to the network is carried out with interference, do not despair. Perhaps all is not lost. There are several tricks to help solve this problem. To do this, you need to upgrade your wireless device. You can increase the coverage radius using the second router. To do this, you need to set up a wireless bridge between two devices using the Wireless Distribution System technology. It will increase the coverage area by combining several routers into one network.
You can also spend some fraud with antennas. Most routers are equipped with external removable antennas. Often they are not powerful enough at about 2 dBi, sometimes 5 dBi. They can be easily replaced with stronger ones. For this, it is worthwhile to unscrew the old ones and in their place place the new ones with a large factor. In addition, you can purchase an antenna with a cable and a special stand. It connects to the router. At the same time, it can be moved around the apartment, thus providing coverage without changing the position of the router.
If the device has more than two antennas, their replacement will cost too much. It will be cheaper to buy a repeater. It is also called a repeater. In other words - a repeater.
Repeater use
Users often face the problem that in large apartments the range of the signal from the router is not enough to provide coverage in all rooms. Aids will be helpful in solving this problem. As a device to enhance the signal, you can use a repeater. This device connects to an existing network as a client. With it, expands the coverage area. It must be installed between the router and the work computer.
The repeater has a compact size and is relatively inexpensive. The repeater looks like a small power supply and works on the network. There are a lot of variants of such devices on the market.
Improving the adapter on the computer
On the client device, you can also enhance the reception of the propagated signal. Such advice is useful to those users to whose computers adapters are connected via the USB port. However, this option will be useless for owners of tablets, smartphones and laptops, as the antennas are built into such devices. Using a USB adapter to access the Internet, you should not connect it directly to a computer. For starters, you can use an extension cord
and through it to connect the device. Long cord will allow you to move the modem around the house, in search of the network.
In addition, you can purchase a USB adapter amplifier. It is able to provide access to the network in areas with weak signal. A modem is connected to this device and placed in a place with Wi-Fi coverage.
Router reboot
Weak signal and interference may occur due to the outdated firmware of the router or in case the installed drivers require an update.
To update the driver does not require any financial costs. They can be downloaded for free on the official website of the manufacturer of the router. I installed them on a computer, the level and quality of the signal will increase.
Antenna upgrade
This method will help to modernize the device using a reflector. For its manufacture will need a foil and thick paper or cardboard.
A parabola with two antenna holes is cut out of paper and attached to a rectangle made of foil. The resulting fixture must be mounted on the antenna. Thus, the signal will become directional. In addition, as a reflector, you can use a can from a drink, cut it along, cut off the bottom and place it behind the router. The reflector is directed to the side where it is necessary to provide coverage.
Following such simple tips can greatly enhance the signal Wi-Fi on a laptop. To do this, it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on the purchase of new devices. One has only to devote some time to study the settings of the router, or use the available tools and upgrade the device with your own hands.
In June 2007, a record was recorded: the longest wireless connection (382.9 km) was established using a WiFi connection. It would probably be unwise to hope to repeat it within the framework of a private WiFi network, although this is a tempting idea. We offer you a few simple tips to help maximize signal quality and minimize the amount of interference with a small wireless feng shui.
Steps
Improving the quality of WiFi reception at home
Using Kitchen Foil
Improving the quality of WiFi reception on the road
- If nothing helps, then you can think about buying a WiFi repeater, which is necessary to enhance the signal between the router and the device.
- You can also use reflectors. Use the NetStumbler program to properly position the reflector. As a reflector, you can use a CD, as well as anything that looks like a parabolic reflector. The reflector, of course, must be placed behind the receiver or antenna. As a result of its use, a large increase in signal strength can be expected. This trick also works with mobile phones.
- Depending on the brand and model of your wireless router, you can replace the embedded software with another - open source, which will add much more options to configure and increase the power of the wireless antenna.
- The computer case itself can be a significant obstacle in the path of the Wi-Fi signal — try to position the case so that it does not create a barrier between the network card and the antenna router.
- Adding an “high gain” external antenna (with a higher dBi value) often results in improved reception quality and increased performance. It should be noted that the larger the dBi value, the stronger the signal propagates in the horizontal direction and weaker in the vertical. If you need to cover several floors, then a higher dBi level probably will not help you. In this case, you should consider buying a Wi-Fi amplifier, which will amplify your signal.
- If you still need a larger range of coverage, then consider upgrading your wireless standard to Wireless N or Wireless G with MIMO. These two technologies significantly increase the range of existing 802.11g or 802.11b networks.
To enjoy such a good civilization as wireless Internet, people have become accustomed. That's just not always happy with how well their devices receive or distribute Wi-Fi. Can I do something about this? Of course, there are options. Depending on what exactly you want to get, there are several different ways.
Strengthen distribution
There are several universal ways to help make the signal quality better. All of them, by the way, are spelled out in the instructions for devices (routers), but it will be useful to repeat them. So, how to enhance the WiFi signal for distribution.
Location
Pay attention to where your router is located. The radius of the devices is usually 25-30 meters. Mobile (those that are produced by mobile operators to work with their SIM cards and tariffs) are slightly less - 10-12 meters. However, all this will not be enough if you incorrectly put the router. To give the signal everywhere in the same way, it is advisable to place it in the center of the room. It is very important that there are metal objects away from him. They significantly degrade the signal quality. For example, it is better not to have a router in the kitchen at all. A stove, a refrigerator, and home appliances can spoil your networking experience.
Interference
Other common causes of bad signal include various kinds of interference. For example, mobile phone signals. The closer the router is to the mobile phone, the worse it distributes the Internet. How to deal with it? Someone just sits away from the router with a phone, and there are those who have radically solved the problem. Some resourceful users simply wrap the equipment in food foil. Why is it? It does not allow microwaves emitted by a mobile phone. That is, it does not affect the signal reception and transmission in the end.
Antenna
If your router is equipped with an antenna, then using it can significantly improve the Internet distribution. For example, your device is located on the closet in the room, and you most often sit in the corner at the table. Just turn the antenna in the direction you normally are. So the signal will not go to the side. If the standard antenna is too short, with a short range, you can replace it. A special WiFi signal amplifier is not suitable for every model, but some still support this option. It will be useful to consult with experts before purchasing.
Another router is a hindrance
In apartment buildings, many use Wi-Fi technology. And, of course, almost everyone has his own router. This often causes problems. Signals overlap, do not allow devices to operate normally. How to deal with it? First, you can try to rearrange your router. Secondly, turn the antenna, giving a directional signal. What is not always convenient. Third, you can use reflectors. How to enhance the wifi signal with them? Look in specialized stores for such devices. They are usually attached to the antenna, preventing the signal from spreading beyond the foil. Yes, reflectors are made from it. You can make yourself, giving the desired shape to the device. In this case, the signal from the neighbor's router simply will not get to you. So, the distribution of the Internet on your device will increase significantly. 
How to strengthen the reception on your smartphone?
Modern mobile phones quite well and quickly catch a variety of wireless networks. That's just not always well hold the signal. Especially when it comes not from your router, but, for example, a neighbor's one. Can this be fought? How to strengthen the WiFi signal at reception?
Special applications
If your phone works on the Android platform, then there should be no problems with gain. Play Market contains a sufficient number of different applications that help strengthen the reception of the Wi-Fi signal. Having tested a few, you can stay on one that perfectly meets your requirements. Wi-Fi Overview 360, by the way, has earned a lot of good reviews from grateful users. The application allows you not only to enhance the reception of the signal, but also significantly increase the reception radius. You may even catch those distributions that are quite far away from you. 
For Apple products
Device developers of a well-known company made sure that their customers did not suffer from poor signal quality. However, in addition, various amplifiers appeared in the iTunes directory. Some paid, some gratuitous. For example, the WiFi signal booster for Apple Wi-Fi Boost is in special demand because it has both Beta and PRO versions. This application allows you not only to catch a good signal, but also to hold it securely. By the principle of "once caught - I will not let go." Of course, within reasonable limits of your movement from the location of the router.
Frequency
Usually, the Wi-Fi signal tuners expose all devices to one standard frequency. And that is what plays a significant role in the distribution and reception. Especially if there are several such devices in an apartment building. How to deal with it? How to enhance the WiFi signal in this case? Change the frequency! Of course, if supported by your router. Carefully read the user manual of your device. Perhaps all actions are performed manually. But the owners of mobile routers struggle with the frequency and distribution channel is useless. So far, mobile operators do not provide such an opportunity. It is possible that over time this deficiency will be corrected. 
Special utilities
Did your computer or laptop start catching a bad signal? Or initially not very well took it? There are some utilities, the installation of which will help strengthen the reception of Wi-Fi. It is advisable to download them from the developers of the program, since a lot of files on the network are downloaded by scammers and hackers.
Speedtest.Net
In general, initially it was an application for mobile devices. And at the moment, the developers have created a computer utility that significantly improves the performance of the PC itself and the Wi-Fi signal reception. The program interface is simple and clear, all settings are in Russian. 
Drivers
Often the problem of receiving a signal lies in the fact that the system drivers are simply outdated. How to deal with it? First, update all the drivers on your computer or laptop. You can do this on the official website of your device or the software. Secondly, you need to update the drivers of your router. This will also require an official website. If you already have such an option as an automatic software update, you can use it. In the end, if the quality of the signal does not affect it, then at least it does not hurt.
Instead of output
Before rushing to extremes and downloading a lot of applications and programs, first determine the location of the router. It is from this in most cases that the quality of the signal depends on both the distribution and the reception by the devices. Try to remove all interference from the router to the maximum distance. Remember that the higher the device is located, the less it will intersect with the signals of other household appliances. For example, a microwave, even at a remote distance, can worsen the distribution of Wi-Fi. If you rearrange the router to a height that does not intersect with it, the quality will increase. It is not recommended to place the device on the floor, as the floor may adversely affect the Wi-Fi signal.
