People are using the internet in ever increasing numbers worldwide. They're connecting to the net through their laptops or computers, through their mobile phones, on their tablets or even on their games consoles and wireless network connections or Wi-Fi connections are the most popular way of making that connection.
We are told this is the most modern, effective and speedy way of connecting but still people are experiencing some problems and asking how to increase Wi-Fi speed. The urge and demand for high speed internet can be satisfied by taking action.
Wi-Fi Speed Test
The first thing you should do is a connection speed test. Many websites offer this service for free and it takes a few seconds. Note down the speed of your wireless internet connection and then take the following steps to increase Wi-Fi speed and then do the speed test again and your Wi-Fi speed should hopefully have increased.
Wireless Network Signal
Check your wireless signal, if you live in a big house with thick walls and floors the signal may be weak in places so consider purchasing a range extender (an old router can do this job). Also try to make sure you position the router in a location where the signal is not disturbed or interfered with, so don't place it under a desk or table or near power cables or other wireless devices.
If your neighbours or other electrical devices are using wifi then your wireless network signal may become weakened so you should switch to another channel by opening the settings page on the router web page. If your wireless internet connection is still slow or weak and you are on a Windows computer then use the feature to repair your network connection for information about what may be causing the problem.
Wireless Internet Security
Also try to ensure that your wireless network is secure and many modern routers make this process a lot easier so that the process for configuring and securing your internet connection is automated when your computer first connects with the router.
This is known as Wi-Fi protected set-up and if your router doesn't support this feature you will have to encrypt your network to prevent others from stealing your bandwidth. WPA encryption is recommended moreso than WEP which is more vulnerable to hackers so again go to your router settings page to complete this encryption process and to safeguard your wireless internet security.
Increase Wi-Fi Speed
You can also choose to simply upgrade your equipment and the 802.11n wireless networking standard is now available and delivers a much improved Wi-Fi speed and extends the range of signal too. This Wi-Fi standard is backwards compatible with the more commonly used 802.11g hardware but if you want to see you Wi-Fi speed increase then you'll need all your connected devices supporting the new standard.
Other measures to increase your Wi-Fi speed include expanding your wireless network by adding a wireless printer or games console or even a digital camera. These extend the signal and allow more possibilities to access the wireless network. Finally if you are getting your wireless signal from a mobile phone company you can move your USB dongle nearer the window so it's better positioned to pick up the signal or you can add an antenna to the dongle.
Wi-Fi speed is directly linked to signal strength so the key to increasing Wi-Fi speed is being in the optimal position to pick up the signal. If you want to know how to increase Wi-Fi speed some or all of the advice described here should ensure your wireless network connections are running much faster than they are now.
Nathan Fulham - I have an Honours degree in English Literature and History and a first class Honours Post-Graduate Diploma in Technical Communication. I ...
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