#BOOST WIFI SIGNAL ON LAPTOP HOW TO#
#BOOST WIFI SIGNAL ON LAPTOP INSTALL#
#BOOST WIFI SIGNAL ON LAPTOP DRIVERS#
#BOOST WIFI SIGNAL ON LAPTOP UPDATE#

You can use a wireless repeater to extend the range of your wireless router without moving the router itself or installing any extra wiring. For example, a high-gain antenna for a Linksys WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router - one of the most popular routers on - costs about $8 via the online retailer.

#BOOST WIFI SIGNAL ON LAPTOP HOW TO#

The documentation that came with your router should provide specific instructions on how to replace the antenna.įortunately, replacement antennas aren’t expensive. On the other hand, if an omnidirectional antenna works best for you (for instance, if your router is placed in the center of your home), consider purchasing a longer antenna, as these generally boast better performance. Installing a high-gain antenna can maximize your router’s signal strength, as it allows you to aim the wireless signal in a single direction. However, if your router is positioned near an outside wall or in the corner of your home - and you can’t move it - half or more of the signal will be lost as the antenna beams data into the wall. These antennas are typically omnidirectional to ensure that the signal reaches every part of your home equally. Finally, select “Browse my computer for driver software” and select the file you downloaded from the manufacturer.Īlthough most new routers feature internal antennas - which are difficult to modify or replace - some still use external antennas.

#BOOST WIFI SIGNAL ON LAPTOP UPDATE#

Once there, click the Driver tab and select Update Driver. Otherwise, head back to Device Manager and double-click the name of the wireless adapter. If the file is an executable (i.e., a “.exe” file), just run the program.

#BOOST WIFI SIGNAL ON LAPTOP DRIVERS#

Next, go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your device. Head to Device Manager in the Control Panel once there, expand Network Adapters to find your adapter’s model and make. To get the latest drivers, you’ll need to find out which manufacturer the adapter comes from. Like your router, your wireless adapter also receives periodic updates, some of which can boost your Wi-Fi performance. Let the upgrade process complete before clicking on any other link on the router configuration page.

#BOOST WIFI SIGNAL ON LAPTOP INSTALL#

After you’ve downloaded the file, install it by opening the router’s configuration page (described in the previous tip), opening the tab for Firmware Upgrade and choosing the downloaded file as the source. With those in hand, go to the manufacturer’s website to find the latest firmware for your router. First, look on the back of your router to find the model and version numbers. The good news is that downloading and applying the update is a fairly simple process.

Unfortunately, wireless routers don’t often inform users that an update for their firmware is available. Router manufacturers routinely roll out new firmware for their products, which fixes bugs and increases performance and reliability. Like any piece of hardware, your router can eventually fall out of date. You can change your wireless channel from there. Then type that address into your browser’s address bar. Switching your wireless channel is easy enough - just read the documentation that came with your router to find the IP address for its configuration page (or type “ipconfig” into a command line, and find the address listed for Default Gateway). If the majority of surrounding routers are using channel 1, for instance, those people will suffer from limited range and power. You can use a free tool such as inSSIDer ( to scan for nearby Wi-Fi networks and detect which wireless channel they’re using, then switch to a channel that’s more open. The more routers operating on a certain channel, the slower all their connections will be. Wireless routers use specific channels (one of 11) to send and receive data.

Boost wifi signal on laptop