| A basic WiFi home network can be assembled | | | | router or other electronic equipment causes radio |
| fairly quickly. However, many homeowners aren't | | | | interference, try changing the WiFi channel. |
| aware of all the options available for making their | | | | 4. Upgrade access point firmware |
| network better. The wireless network can have | | | | The built-in programmable software of the |
| its capability, performance and security improved. | | | | wireless router or access point is called the |
| Consider these tips for improving your wireless | | | | firmware. The factory installed firmware typically |
| home network. | | | | works for a time, but usually needs to be |
| 1. Upgrade or replace with correct hardware | | | | upgraded or replaced periodically to get improved |
| In addition to the basic WiFi equipment such as | | | | performance, more reliability or security |
| the router and the wireless card, which may be | | | | enhancements. |
| upgraded with newer, faster or more compatible | | | | 5. Improve strength and range of the access |
| equipment as it comes on the market, other | | | | point |
| wireless gear such as video cameras, game | | | | Sometimes the wireless signal of the WiFi router |
| adaptors and print servers are fun to consider. Do | | | | or access point is just not strong enough. This |
| the research and get the best quality equipment | | | | can be caused by distances or home construction |
| for a good price. | | | | features such as brick walls. In order to solve the |
| 2. Install the access point strategically | | | | problem the WiFi antenna on the router can be |
| Assembly of the wireless home network can be | | | | upgraded or a wireless repeater can be installed. |
| done easily-so easily in fact that some people | | | | 6. Improve strength and range of WiFi clients |
| rush into the project only to discover that it won't | | | | The signal strength of WiFi clients can also be |
| work in parts of the residence. Or, perhaps the | | | | improved. When treating a WiFi client that has a |
| network works just great until it crashes every | | | | short range in comparison to the other devises, |
| time a cordless telephone or microwave is | | | | you may want to choose this option. This same |
| activated. So non-techies are afraid to try to fix | | | | method can improve laptop computer's ability to |
| the poor performance of the network because | | | | connect to hotspots. |
| they might make it worse. By moving the | | | | 7. Improve wireless network security |
| wireless router or access point to another | | | | Many homeowners consider their wireless |
| location, many of these common WiFi networking | | | | network a success when basic file and Internet |
| problems will be solved. | | | | connection sharing are functional. However, if |
| 3. Change the channel number | | | | proper security features are not in place, the |
| Another tip for improving a wireless home | | | | work of network setup remains unfinished. |
| network is to vary the channel used. In the United | | | | While the basic setup and equipment of the |
| States, as well as in most other nations, WiFi | | | | wireless network may be perfectly satisfactory |
| equipment can send signals on a variety of | | | | to the homeowner, part of the fun of technology |
| channels. Wireless routers usually are shipped | | | | is the opportunity to make good better and |
| with a default channel and many homeowners do | | | | better best. |
| not realize it can be changed. If the neighbor's | | | | |