Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Improving Wi-Fi reception at home
• Method 2 of 2: Travel
• Tips
• Warnings

In June 2007, a new WiFi distance record of 382 kilometers was set. That's probably not achievable with the network you have at home, but it's an admirable goal. Here are some tips on how to achieve better signal strength and some tips on how to avoid as many obstacles as possible.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Improving Wi-Fi reception at home

1. Place large pieces of furniture along the outside walls of your house. Signals retain their strength better when they do not have to force their way through large furniture.
2. Hang as few mirrors as possible. Metal surfaces reflect Wi-Fi signals and most mirrors have a thin layer of metal.
3. Position the router so that the range is as effective as possible. It is very important where you place the router. Preferably place a router:
   • Near the center of the house on the top floor. Radio waves prefer to travel down and laterally.
   • Not on the floor, preferably on the wall or on a high shelf.
   • As far away as possible from your neighbor's Wi-Fi router (which of course uses a different channel).
   • Away from DECT telephones and microwave ovens, because they also use the 2.4 Ghz frequency.
   • Away from power cords, computer wires, baby monitors and halogen lamps.
4. Increase the range with a repeater or wireless bridge. If your office is far from the wireless access point and you have to walk around often to get the best signal, purchase a repeater. That way you can extend the signal range without much hassle or laying cables. Place the repeater halfway between the access point and the computer.
   • A wireless bridge (or ethernet converter) is used for better reception for wired devices.
5. Change from WEP to WPA / WPA2. WEP and WPA / WPA2 are security algorithms that prevent hackers from breaking into your network. WPA / WPA2 is much more secure than WEP, so if you don't want your network to be compromised, it's a good idea to switch to WPA / WPA2 as soon as possible.

Method 2 of 2: Travel

1. Set your wireless adapter for maximum coverage.
2. If you cannot find WiFi, turn off the adapter. When you get back to a city you can turn it on again.

Tips

• You can purchase an external high gain antenna to amplify the signal. This amplifies the signal horizontally, not vertically, so if you need good signal on multiple floors it probably won't work. Then you can think of a WiFi amplifier to amplify the signal.
• Reflectors can also help. Use NetStumbler to determine the placement of the reflector. You can use CDs or something that looks like a parabolic reflector. You place the reflector behind the antenna of the receiving device. The signal can improve enormously because of this. This also works with cell phones, by the way.
• The computer case can be a significant barrier - try to position the computer so that the case is not an obstacle between the wireless adapter and the router.
• Depending on the make and model of your router, you may be able to replace the built-in software with open source software. With this software you often have many more options and you can set the strength of the antenna.
• Use the best available wireless standard, ideally 802.11n instead of 802.11g or 802.11b.

Warnings

• Replacing the firmware of your router will void the warranty. You can also irreparably damage the router.