![]() ![]() There are many universal antennas out there, as well as replacement antennas that are guaranteed to work with the more popular router models. If you have a Wi-Fi router with removable external antennas, you could try purchasing high-gain antennas. Linksys manufactures high-gain antenna upgrades for its WRT-series routers. If you don’t have the manual, it’s likely available as a PDF on the manufacturer’s website. Most newer routers will download the files automatically others need you to download the file to your computer and then upload it to the router via its user interface.Ĭonsult your router’s manual for specific instructions on how to upgrade. In general, however, you’ll log into the router’s dashboard its app or web browser, go to the “Administration” or “Advanced” section, and select the firmware upgrade option. That’s why checking for firmware updates is always a good idea.Įxactly how you upgrade your firmware depends a lot on your brand of router. There are times when routers can end up with a bug or some other software issue that inhibits performance. ![]() Now we’re getting a little more advanced, but this is the last step before we recommend buying stuff. ![]() You might also be able to prioritize by device using MAC addresses. Some routers will have more fine-grained controls with ways to set rules for specific services or networking protocols. If QoS is already on, you can typically rank various types of network traffic for priority, assigning the highest priority to things like VoIP, video streaming, gaming, web browsing, and file downloads in that order. If it’s not, turn it on, and then see if that improves performance after a few days. To adjust your router’s QoS settings, log in to its admin panel using its app or web interface and check to see if its QoS feature is enabled. You’ll need to have an idea as to which network clients are performing the most poorly for this to be useful, though if you’ve read this far you probably already do. If your router has user-configurable QoS settings, make sure the setting is active and that it’s properly configured for the way you use your Wi-Fi network. QoS ensures that applications intolerant of network lag-media streamers, gaming consoles, and the like-get higher priority than applications, such as file downloads and Torrents, that aren’t negatively impacted by lag. This is low-voltage wiring, so the work doesn’t require a licensed electircian. If your broadband gateway (your DSL or cable modem, for instance) is separate from your router, consider leave it in place and just pulling ethernet cable (CAT5e or better) to the place you want to set up your router. In most homes, these connections are located on the inside of an outer perimeter wall. ![]() TIP: You might need to hire a technician or contact your broadband service provider to string telephone wire (for DSL) or coax cable (for CATV service) to this central location. The more obstacles a Wi-Fi signal must pass through, the weaker it becomes. In a two-story home, the best location would be the ceiling of the first floor, or as close to the floor that you can get on the second floor. If you live in a multi-level home, the ground floor might not be the optima You can expect devices like cordless phones and microwave ovens to disrupt your wireless router-particularly the 2.4GHz band-while they’re in use. Obstacles such as appliances, fireplaces, metal file cabinets, cupboards, and cabinets can also absorb Wi-Fi signals. Walls aren’t the only barriers that can slow down wireless performance. We’ve placed a star for the ideal spot in this single-story home (assuming coverage in the garage isn’t essential). The best place to set up your router is in the center of your home. If it’s buried in a closet, banished to the basement, or sitting on the periphery of your home, the Wi-Fi signal will have difficulty reaching the places it needs to be. For a more permanent performance improvement, move your router to a central location inside your home, clear of surroudning clutter. ![]()
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