Why is my wireless signal strength so low?

If a wireless network has a low signal strength, the transfer of information across the network could be slow or you might not be able to access certain parts of the network. Here are solutions to some common problems with low wireless signal strength:

• Your computer is too far from the wireless router or access point.

  Move your computer closer to the router or access point. If your computer is portable, try moving it around to determine the range of the wireless signal and the best place to use the computer.

  If you can't get closer to the router or access point, consider buying and installing an external antenna for your wireless network adapter. Many wireless network adapters are set up so that you can attach an external antenna to them, which provides better reception than the built-in antenna. Check the information that came with your wireless network adapter to see if you can install an additional antenna.

• The wireless router or access point is turned off or isn't working properly.

  There are two things to try:

  • Make sure the router or access point is turned on and that the wireless signal light is illuminated.

  • Reset the router or access point by turning it off, waiting at least 10 seconds, and then turning it back on.

  If you don't own the access point or don't manage the network, contact the network administrator.

• There is interference from other devices.

  If you have 802.11b or 802.11g network hardware, it uses the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency. Other devices that use this frequency include microwave ovens and cordless phones. If you have 802.11a network hardware, it uses the 5 GHz frequency. Some cordless phones also use this frequency. These devices can cause interference between your computer and the network.

  There are two things you can try in this situation:

  • If any devices like these are near your computer, turn them off temporarily or move them farther away.

  • Change the router or access point settings to use a different wireless channel, or set the channel to be selected automatically if it's set to a fixed channel number. Sometimes one wireless channel is clearer than others. In the United States and Canada, you can use channels 1, 6, and 11. Check the information that came with your access point or router for instructions about setting the wireless signal channel.

• The network you're looking for is set to not broadcast its network name (SSID).

  Wireless routers and access points can be set up so that they don't broadcast the network name. In this case, you can't detect that the network is in range (in order to connect to it) unless you've previously connected to the network or you manually connect to the network using the service set identifier (SSID). To connect to a network that's not broadcasting, follow these steps:

  1. Open Connect to a Network by clicking the network icon ( or ) in the notification area.

  2. Click Unnamed Network, and then type the network information.

     The network will be added to your list of networks and will be available to connect to in the future when your computer is in range of the network.

     8 Ways to Fix a Weak WiFi Signal

     In just a decade, WiFi signal has become almost as essential as food, water, and shelter. A weak signal can be a modern day nightmare. Poor loading times and lost connections can test your patience while browsing the internet. This guide will help you understand why your WiFi signal can become weak and how to improve it cheaply.

     
     
     

     Get a Modern Router

     I just moved and recently got cable. The Internet installer laughed, pointed, and mocked my wireless B router. I had no idea I was using caveman technology. Apparently WiFi speeds are much slower on wireless A, B, and G routers. Wireless N is all the rage when you want the fastest speeds possible. You will need both an N router and an N card in your computer for maximum speed.

     
     
     

     Check for Router Updates

     While not as annoyingly frequent as app updates, router manufactures sometimes issue stability resolutions via driver updates. Go to the manufactures website to download all new maintenance updates and changes.

     
     
     
     

     Don’t Hide Your Router

     Routers can be disgusting looking things and your first instinct is to hide it behind your television or in a box. Resist that urge as a wide open router, clear of obstructions and with antennas pointed upwards, will perform better. Make sure the router is relatively close to where you’ll be using the WiFi.

     
     
     

     Change WiFi Channel

     Wireless routers broadcast on numerous different channels, similar to radio stations. It can cause buildup and static if a lot of people are on the same channel. Newest routers feature automatic channel selection. If you have an older model, test and try another channel to see if you experience less interference.

     Use the free Wifi Analyzer Android app to pick the best channel for your router. The app works great by scanning immediate channels and helping you find a less crowded channel. Move the router around the house to maybe find an even better channel.

     For iPhone users, check out the $4 WiFi Explorer app to help find the right channel. Quickly identify channel conflicts, signal overlapping or configuration problems that may be affecting the connectivity and performance of your home or office wireless network. Get an insight into network details like name (SSID), MAC address (BSSID), device manufacturer, signal strength (RSSI), noise, channel, band, security configuration, supported data rates and much more.

     
     
     

     Use Two Routers

     Even if you have a fast connection, too many electronics can often overwhelm your WiFi. Using two routers can be very beneficial. Take advantage of the free (or cheap) router your cable provider gave you and use it as an access point. This is useful for a home entertainment system or a game console that can be constantly plugged in via Ethernet cables, leaving the WiFi for your smart phones and laptops.

     
     
     

     Kick Your Neighbors Offline

     Your freeloading neighbors will now have to search elsewhere. WPA encryption is much harder to hack than WEP, so go with WPA for your password. You can check if someone other than you is using your WiFi. Make sure your network, gaming console, and everything else using the Internet is turned off. Look to see if the wireless light is still blinking. If so, you may have a leech (or worse, a potential hacker) to deal with.

     Use a program like MoocherHunter, which is used by police in some countries, to find real-time users of your wireless network.

     
     
     

     Buy a Range Extender

     If your WiFi is having trouble reaching all ends of your house or large office, consider buying a range extender. A basic $50 extender should do the trick. This probably won’t make your WiFi any faster, but at least you’ll have Internet access in the basement and attic. You can also create a DIY extender, but I am certainly no expert on that.

     
     
     

     Do a Speed Test

     If you have followed most of these steps, and still don’t see an improvement, check out what kind of speeds you are getting at Speedtest.net. If the speed is significantly lower than what you are paying for, discuss this matter with your cable provider. Sometimes cable providers throttle down your Internet performance so they can hit you with a bandwidth usage fee. Research your provider and consider switching to a company who doesn’t limit your Internet speeds.

     There’s plenty of more tricks and tips for faster WiFi speeds, like using a beer can. Do you have any WiFi hacks to share with the class?