Step one: Have a beer and wash out the can. Typically, a beer is something best enjoyed after a home improvement project is complete, but in this case, it's necessary to drink one before you even get started: The aluminum in beer and soda cans reflects and extend the signal farther than the router itself. Keeping a router’s antennas perpendicular to each other will ensure a solid connection between your home network and your smartphones and laptops. Internal antennas vary in mobile devices, depending on how you’re holding them (in portrait or landscape mode). Wi-Fi works best when signals are parallel to a device’s internal antenna, which are horizontal in laptops and vertical in desktop computers. If yours are parallel, it's time to switch things up and go perpendicular. Most routers have two adjustable antennas on top. And remember: It's best to buy a new router every seven or eight years.
AT HOME WIFI BOOSTER SOFTWARE
But if you have an older router, those updates ensure your router's software is running at its best and most efficient. Yes, we know-running firmware updates is annoying and time consuming. (It's also probably the first thing your Internet provider will ask you to do when you call to complain, so head them off at the pass.) And if you buy an outlet timer, you don't even have to worry about it: Set the timer to reset your router once a day at an off-peak time. It sounds simple enough, but a majority of tech support problems can be cleared up by simply resetting or rebooting your router or modem on a regular basis. You should also avoid placing your router near metal objects, which can absorb signal strength.
If you want an easier fix, most routers have an automatic option to find the best channel for your location.
AT HOME WIFI BOOSTER WINDOWS
Using online tools- Acrylic Wi-Fi for Windows and AirGrab Wi-Fi Radar for Mac, for example-can help you find the right wireless channel with the least amount of interference. To reduce interference, place your router away from household appliances and set it to a different wireless channel and frequency. Microwaves, cordless telephones, flourescent lights, and even other routers in your neighbor’s home or apartment may interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.