Isn’t it ironic how our fascination with ridding the world of wires has risen at the same pace as our desire for remaining connected? We’ve got Wi-Fi to thank for this.
Wi-Fi has probably been one of the greatest inventions in the field of networking, paving the way for a new kind of connectivity. If configured correctly, it can make your digital life a lot easier. If not, then you’ve come to the right place.
Here are 7 ways that you can use to extend the range of your existing Wi-Fi network.
There is nothing as satisfying as a good “DIY”(Do it Yourself) technique that doesn’t even cost that much. When it comes to increasing the range and strength of Wi-Fi signals, a good antenna can do wonders.
Fortunately, it is fairly easy to create your very own Antenna using nothing but a few sheets of tinfoil.
As shown by the folks over at Neo.tv, the process can significantly boost your Wi-Fi range, even by up to 80%. Even if it doesn’t improve that much, there is no harm as the whole process will consume barely 5-10 minutes of your time. All you need is two tinfoil cans (one per antenna), a glue stick, and that’s about it. This method won’t even void your router’s warranty.
For more details, visit FreeAntenna.
If you have an old Wi-Fi router lying around, then you’re in luck. You can simply use it as a Wi-Fi repeater to extend the range of your existing Wi-Fi network, even if it doesn’t support it.
Pre-requisites
While the process of converting an old router may vary depending on its manufacturer and model, here is a generic list of steps you will need to go through:
The process of converting a Wi-Fi router into a repeater is different when using custom firmware. You can refer to this guide for more information.
The placement of your Wi-Fi router has a pretty important role in how the signals propagate across the whole area.
Here are some tips for optimal router placement:
You can also use tools like HeatMapper to visualize the weak and strong spots in your Wi-Fi network.
Heavy-duty appliances or electronic devices like cordless phones, microwaves, etc. running in close proximity of your Wi-Fi router can have a harmful effect on your Wi-Fi’s range. You can try moving these devices away if possible but if that’s not an option, another way to circumvent this issue is to buy a dual band router.
Your router can have a number of different channels on which it can operate. If you aren’t getting a good signal right now, you can try changing your router’s default channel. You can use a tool like WiFi Analyzer to find a channel that is interference-free and switch to that channel by going to your Wi-Fi’s admin page.
Sometimes, updating the firmware of your router can also improve performance. Most modern routers have a built-in update process but just to be sure, you can go through your router’s documentation to find out how to update it.
You can also install Custom Firmware called “DD-WRT”. This open-source project promises to improve your router to the point that you can utilize its full potential.
The process is pretty lengthy and you can refer to this guide for the full procedure. Do note that the installation process is fairly technical and you will definitely void your router’s warranty if you choose to flash a custom firmware on it. We advise you to proceed at your own risk.
Got any more tips for increasing the range of your Wi-Fi routers? Let us and your fellow readers know in the comments below!