How To Improve The Range Of your Wireless Network

Wi-Fi can be fast and handy, but messy too. This article shows you how to avoid the problems faced by wireless networks and how to avoid or overcome them.

• To start of, you should know that Wi-Fi (protocols802.11b and 802.11g WAPs) has a range of 150 ft indoors and 300ft outdoors. Also 802.11g is thrice as effective as 802.11b.

• Obstacles such as thick walls, appliances, microwaves can greatly reduce the range and effectiveness of Wi-Fi (especially 802.11a which is more vulnerable), but this problem can be remedied to a degree by tying together multiple wireless access points (WAPs) or routers.

• The 802.11N is far more effective and efficient than 802.11a or 802.11g. It has a better range and is more resistant to interferences by obstacles. It is the most practical. Still with any protocol used (throwing in problems caused by obstacles) a 100 ft range is the least you can surely expect.

• Angles can have a huge effect of how the router perceives thickness of a wall. So try to keep it upright and on a flat, unbiased surface. Placing it high will yield very good results. Try to keep all networked devices away from power cables, 2.4ghz wireless phones and microwaves, electrical devices that generate RF noise. ( upgrade wireless phones to 5.8 Ghz to avoid interference).

• The wireless network builder provides extenders which can improve signal strength, so using them is a good idea. Also by adding a wired connection between two wireless hub, you can greatly increase range and signal strength throughout the premises.