Improve the Performance of Your Home Wireless - Four Things to Check

Many people who use a computer around the house have a wireless network in our homes. Even if you have only one computer, a wireless network allows you to take a laptop anywhere you need to go, and gives you flexibility. A wireless network is ideal for connecting your home with a workshop, or an outdoor area where you want to work while enjoying the sun.

However, few things are as frustrating as a wireless network which doesn't perform well. Sources of interference can be difficult, if not impossible, to pinpoint, and are often impossible to eliminate after you know what they are. And if you can't find it, you can assume the source of interference comes from a source outside of your control, such as a neighbor.

Channel Surfing
The first thing to try, if your network performance has degraded or never lived up to your expectations, is to change the channel. You will that your equipment allows 11 channels - numbered 1 through 11 - but of these only three are unique channels. The others overlap. These three channels you should consider are 1, 6, and 11. You may find that one is noticeably better than others, just like turning the radio dial and hearing some stations more clearly. You may find that circumstances change later and you need to adjust your channels again. Your computer(s) will automatically find the new channel being used. (If you are using more specialized equipment such as a bridge or print server, you can't count on it updating automatically.)

Interference
The next thing to try is to pinpoint sources of interference in your home. Many people find that running the microwave causes interference. If your connection occasionally drops for about three minutes, was someone making popcorn? Electronic devices like cordless phones sometimes operate in the 2.4GHz frequency that your wireless network is using. Check the specifications for cordless phones, baby monitors, and similar devices with are transmitting in your home.