How to strengthen the wifi signal with a second router. The simplest methods to boost your router signal

Wi-Fi bandwidth allows laptop users to connect to the global network at speeds reaching 60 Mbps. However, sometimes it happens that due to some malfunction in the device, the signal level does not reach completely, and therefore the connection speed also decreases.

This material will look at some ways to solve the problem of a weak WiFi signal on laptops from Asus, Acer, HP and other models.

Update your driver

The first thing to do is if the level of WiFi received by the laptop begins to decrease. Pay attention to the router that provides connection to the network. If the same problem occurs on other computers working in the system, then you should take care of updating the drivers of the distribution device.

Another way to fix the problem of a weak WiFi signal on a laptop is to update the driver on the network card of the device itself. You can perform this procedure as follows:

• Enter the phrase "Device Manager" in the search bar.

• Open the standard application offered by your computer.
• In the list that appears, find the section called "Network adapters".

• Open and check each connected device for new drivers. To do this, right-click on the name of the required adapter and select driver update from the list that opens.

Can't see the network

Another option for the problem of a weak WiFi signal on an HP laptop or other models may be an access point recognition error. The cause of this malfunction may be a disabled wireless module. To resolve this issue, you need to perform the following algorithm:

• Launch the Windows Settings window.
• Go to the section called "Network and Internet".
• Here, find the line that will be called “Configure adapter settings” and activate it.

• Here check the status of the current connection.
• If it turns out to be disabled, the missing signal can be corrected by simply right-clicking on its icon. In the list that opens, select the line to connect and disconnect the network.

Now check again if the laptop finds the access point. And also look at the signal level.

Device changes

Sometimes the answer to the question of why there is a weak WiFi signal on a laptop can be the load on the distributed network. The problem that has arisen is a consequence of the fact that within the radius of your device several more computers or other gadgets use the Internet. As a result, the speed will be greatly reduced. It may even get to the point where the connection starts to drop every 15 seconds.

You can solve this problem with the help of one useful utility - WiFi Analyzer. It can be purchased from the Windows 10 Store absolutely free.

The essence of the program is as follows:

• it checks which wireless networks are available within the radius of the computer;
• analyzes their parameters, frequency characteristics, throughput and current workload;
• After all the described procedures, the user can choose the channel that best suits the characteristics and connect to it.

Adapter improvement

To improve a weak WiFi signal on an HP laptop or other models, you can try upgrading the distribution device. By the way, this primarily applies to those who connect the adapter directly to the laptop itself. It is important to note that direct connection has a negative effect on the speed of the received signal.

To avoid this, use extension cords or specially designed signal amplifiers. This should help solve the problem of a very weak Wi-Fi signal on your laptop.

Safety first

Sometimes it can happen that the connection speed was of high quality, but then suddenly dropped sharply. A fairly common reason for this phenomenon is unauthorized connection of other users to the adapter. Most likely, your neighbors simply hacked your password and started using your Internet, thereby loading the network.

To prevent situations from repeating, come up with the most complex password.

This should help improve the weak WiFi signal on the laptop.

Electrical appliances

The presence of a large number of electrical devices around the router, such as cell phones or various household appliances, can negatively affect the speed of the distributed signal. Consequently, the connection level on the laptop will be quite low.

A simple solution to the problem would be to install items so that various electronics have minimal impact on the router. In the event that it is not possible to rearrange objects (working in an office), then all that remains is to find a point with a stable connection by changing the location.

Presence of barriers

It is worth noting that one of the reasons why the WiFi signal is weak may be the presence of various interferences. This means mirrors, aquariums, brick or concrete walls, and household appliances.

Due to the fact that it is not possible to move everything listed above, you should simply try to find a point in the current location with the most stable signal distribution level.

Amateur performance

If you need to improve reception as quickly as possible, you can try to build your own signal amplifier. Methods for making various devices of this type can be viewed on YouTube or simply found in a search engine. Either way, there are just a ton of options.

But it is worth keeping in mind some disadvantages:

• The quality of operation of such a homemade amplifier will be quite low, in contrast to those devices that are sold in stores.
• Often the appearance of such devices is too unattractive. But these are minor things.

However, this option can temporarily boost a weak WiFi signal on a laptop while special equipment is not available.

Additional router

If two or more Wi-Fi signal distribution devices are working simultaneously in your current location, the quality of the Internet will deteriorate. Most often, residents of apartment buildings encounter this problem.

The bottom line is that the signals from one router interfere with another, and therefore it cannot provide a stable and high-speed connection to the network.

This problem can be solved in several ways:

• Change the location of the signal distribution device and change the antenna settings to ensure stable operation.
• Buy reflectors at the store. They are attached to the antenna and amplify the signal in the place where they were directed.

Big investment

If the WiFi signal received by the laptop is weak, then you can try to find a modern and high-quality router in hardware stores. This option will significantly improve the quality of the received signal and also ensure its stability. The only problem is whether you can afford big expenses. Since modern receivers cost a lot of money.

Install a repeater

A weak Wi-Fi signal on a laptop can be fixed using an additional device. To perform this operation, you need to purchase an additional router. The best option would be exactly the same as the one currently in use.

As a result of this procedure, you can significantly improve a very weak WiFi signal on a laptop.

Antenna operation

Many models of WiFi signal distribution devices have the ability to replace the antenna. And it will be necessary to carry out the change procedure. It's only a matter of time.

The problem is that the parts that come with the router are often not of the best quality. As a result, they quickly fail and the signal level decreases.

It has been repeatedly tested and confirmed that replacing the antenna of the distribution device can significantly increase the Internet speed on a laptop.

Power handling

On laptops, it is possible to set priorities for energy consumption. Initially, these parameters are prioritized, which ultimately leads to a decrease in the WiFi signal strength on the device. Fixing this situation is quite simple:

• Open Windows Settings.
• Go to the section called "System". He will be the very first one in the window.

• Here, go to the "Power and Sleep" tab.
• On the left side of the screen, open advanced power options.
• In the new program, activate the section for creating a power plan.
• Complete the setup by setting preferences to Maximum Performance.

• After creating the power plan, save the changes and check the signal level.

Changing the location of the distribution point

Quite often, users prefer to place the router somewhere far away so as not to get caught in wires or be distracted by light signals. However, we have already discussed the interference that may occur in the path of the signal emitted by the device.

As a result, you should not hide the access point somewhere high (on a closet) or far in the corner of the room. The best solution is to install the latter closer to the center, with a minimum number of objects around as sources of interference.

Amplifiers

Don't forget about additional devices that can boost your Wi-Fi signal. We are talking about special amplifiers. Most often, they can be found in stores, in the form of a small antenna that connects to a portable device via USB ports. Thanks to the use of such an item, the signal level increases. And as an additional plus, the coverage area is expanding.

The problem is in the house - Wi-Fi reception is poor, the Internet barely loads. You can only access the Internet from your phone via Wi-Fi while sitting next to the router. How we understand you! Is it possible to somehow solve the problem with the signal without delving into the technical details at the blonde level? Not always, but there is a chance. Here are some simple tips on how to try to improve the Wi-Fi signal from the router in your apartment, so that even in the toilet you can hang out with your phone longer.

Place the router in the center of the apartment

If the layout of the apartment allows you to place the router in its center, do it. The signal from the wi-fi router will be more evenly distributed throughout the apartment, penetrating into the farthest rooms and corners.

Raise the router as high as possible

Do not place the router on the floor; the higher the router is from the floor, the better. A router on the floor helps your neighbors receive a signal more than it does your phone or laptop. If it is possible, throw the router on a cabinet, no one will touch it there and at the same time the signal will spread better.

Move the router away from equipment

Equipment that is too close to the router degrades the signal, creating interference. There is no place for a router near a microwave. Move the router away from the TV, stereo system, or desktop computer. The quality of the Wi-Fi signal is also affected by a large number of wires near the router. This is another argument why a router on the floor is not the best solution.

Twist the antenna

If you are in the same room with the router, then the position of the antenna will have almost no effect on the signal, but if you go to other rooms, the kitchen or toilet, then it makes sense to rotate the antennas. If the router has an external antenna, twist it as best you can, check the signal. If the router has two or three antennas at once, place one antenna vertically, the other at a large angle, and turn the third even steeper. Experimentally find the best antenna position.

Use hint apps

Now you can turn your smartphone into a whole measuring device. For the same Android, there is a free Wi-Fi Analyzer application that allows you to show you all Wi-Fi networks nearby and their signal strength, including the signal from your router. Moving with a phone in your hands and an application running on it, you can use the graph to see where the signal in the apartment is best. Or put the phone in a place where you usually access the Internet wirelessly and move the router.

Did it help at least a little? Has the Internet signal in your apartment become a little better? Share the link to this Ivstar page with others.

Repeatedly I came across questions, the essence of which boiled down to whether it was possible to somehow increase the signal strength of a wireless network by changing the settings of the router. Usually those who are installing and configuring a router are interested in this. Especially when they discover that Wi-Fi is only available in certain parts of the apartment/house.
This also happens. For example, my router (model TP-Link TL-WR841N) basically supports the network, but in one of the three rooms of the apartment it is unstable. The computer and laptop somehow find it, but the phone (and I have it in a metal case) cannot do this.
You should think about the coverage area even at the stage of purchasing a router. Take into account the number of rooms in your home and the thickness of the walls.

Increase Wi-Fi Power

If it so happens that you have already purchased a router and installed a router, and the signal strength is unsatisfactory or in some areas it is completely absent, you can, of course, experiment with the settings; if nothing works, you will probably have to buy an additional antenna or repeater.

As for experimenting with the settings, you can change the channel and its width. Sometimes the coverage area from such manipulation increases slightly. Changing the channel can even change the Internet speed (we talked about this in one of our previous publications).

Antennas and repeaters

Laptop owners often encounter a problem when the Wi-Fi adapter built into the laptop has poor Wi-Fi signal reception. This problem may also occur among owners of Wi-Fi USB adapters that have low power and sensitivity.

There are situations when the computer shows a good signal level, but does not connect to the access point, or connects, but the Internet does not work. This can happen if the laptop is within the coverage area of ​​a powerful access point, but at a great distance from it or behind walls. It turns out that the Wi-Fi point transmits the signal to you, but the laptop adapter in the opposite direction cannot transmit the signal over such a distance or through walls.

Typically, the built-in Wi-Fi adapter of a laptop works up to 100 meters in an open space, and up to 35 meters indoors, depending on the walls.

To strengthen the Wi-Fi signal on a laptop or computer, you need to install a powerful external access point or a powerful Wi-Fi USB adapter.

Installing an external access point has its drawbacks. It must be installed, secured, and connected to a 220V outlet. Therefore, an external access point does not have the same mobility as a Wi-Fi USB adapter, which can be taken into a bag with a laptop and turned on anywhere by connecting to a USB connector.

In this article, we will test the Wifistation Wifi adapter from Ubiquiti and determine how much it can boost the Wi-Fi signal.

Ubiquiti produces the Wifistation adapter in two versions: Wifistation and Wifistation-EXT.

Wifistation EXT has an omnidirectional antenna, and an RP-SMA connector to which you can connect an external directional antenna. The adapter can be used outdoors and is not affected by water. The adapter is powered via the computer's USB port. This model is popular among sailors who are anchored in ports and want to connect to Wi-Fi access points on shore. Sailors connect an external panel antenna to the Wifistation EXT and can receive Wi-Fi signals from a greater distance.

Wifistation has a built-in directional antenna. This allows it to operate further than the Wifistation-EXT with an omnidirectional antenna. The adapter is powered via the laptop's USB port. Wifistation is suitable for laptop owners who need mobility and a long range.

Testing Wi-Fi adapters D-Link DWA-120 and Ubiquiti Wifistation

For testing, we took the D-Link DWA-120 adapter and Ubiquiti Wifistation.

Let's do a simple test, connect Wi-Fi adapters one by one and see how many Wi-Fi networks they find.

As we can see the result is obvious. Wifistation made it possible not only to strengthen the signal of Wi-Fi points found by the D-Link adapter to 100%, but also found an additional 13 new Wi-Fi networks.

Wifistation is a very powerful and very sensitive Wi-Fi adapter that will enhance the Wi-Fi signal on a laptop or computer.

By default, Wifistation is not configured to maximize Wi-Fi signal strength. This is due to the fact that different countries allow different powers of Wi-Fi adapters. Let's configure Wifistation to use its full potential.

Open Device Manager from Control Panel → Computer Management.

On the Ubiquiti Wifistation icon, right-click and select Properties.

Now open the tab Additionally, select Property: Country Code and in the dropdown list Meaning: select Compliance Test.

Now with Wifistation you can maximize your Wi-Fi signal and see more Wi-Fi access points.

If you need to improve Wi-Fi reception on your laptop, then you will need a powerful and sensitive Wi-Fi adapter with a good antenna.

Nowadays, powerful Wi-Fi adapters from the Taiwanese manufacturer Alfa Network have become very popular. They have earned their popularity primarily among sailors, who use them to connect from a ship to Wi-Fi points located at great distances on the shore. We will look at the two most popular models of Alfa Wi-Fi adapters.

What are the benefits of using these Wi-Fi adapters? To answer this question, we decided to conduct a test and compare how much Alfa adapters will help improve Wi-Fi reception on a laptop compared to its built-in Wi-Fi adapter.

After scanning the air using standard Windows tools, we received the following:

• The laptop found only one Wi-Fi network of the router, which is installed indoors.
• Found Wi-Fi adapter Alfa 036H 8 wireless networks.
• Found Wi-Fi adapter Alfa 036NHR 13 wireless networks.

The clear favorite in terms of the number of networks found was the adapter Alfa 036NHR.

But the number of Wi-Fi networks found is not yet an indicator. The wireless adapter can see the network, but if it has a weak signal, it won't connect to it. Therefore, you still need to look at the level of Wi-Fi signal reception. The free Homedale program will help us determine the signal level. Let's scan the air with its help.

Let's look at the signal levels in the screenshot. The lower the dBm number, the better the signal reception. For example, a signal -63 dBm- it's better than a signal -73 dBm. An ideal Wi-Fi signal is considered to be between -60 dBm to -65 dBm. Everything above -60 dBm(for example -45 dBm) - this is too powerful a signal, anything lower -80 dBm ( for example -87 dBm ) - signal is too weak.

The picture shows that the adapter has the best Wi-Fi signal reception levels Alfa 036H, which means it will have the longest range. However, this adapter does not support data transfer using the higher speed N standard. That's why he found fewer Wi-Fi networks than the adapter Alfa 036NHR.

The following conclusions can be drawn from the tests:

• Wi-Fi adapter is the most sensitive and long-range. But due to the lack of support for the N standard, it will not be able to connect to wireless networks that operate only in the N standard.
• Wi-Fi adapter is the optimal Wi-Fi signal amplifier for a laptop. It is fast, powerful, and can work with wireless networks that operate only in the N standard.

If Alfa adapters with a native 5dBi omnidirectional antenna do not give you the required gain, then you can connect a directional antenna with a higher gain. As an example, we took a compact panel antenna with a gain of 15 dBi, which sailors often take with them on voyages.

In this configuration, the Alfa 036H adapter found as many as 22 wireless networks and significantly improved Wi-Fi reception on the laptop.

Therefore, if you complement the Alfa adapter with a directional antenna, you will get the most powerful Wi-Fi signal amplifier for a laptop.

Offhand two options
1. Special antennas are sold, more serious than standard ones. You won’t get a significant improvement, but there will still be results
2. Buy a WiFi Range Extender (sometimes called a Range Booster) - they help a lot if the weak signal is a consequence of the distance.

style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Quote(GrayWolf @ 7.06.2008 - 15:15) 1182161

Gan, you are an evil guy, you fix all the deflections :)

Quote (don_Gan @ 7.06.2008 - 14:29) 1182148

Quote (Danil Sergeevich @ 7.06.2008 - 14:00) 1182140

Quote (don_Gan @ 06/04/2008 - 12:05) 1180702

Increase the signal strength at the point and/or subscriber equipment.

4. Did you want to demonstrate your originality? DEFLECTION IS FIXED! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

1. Tell me, how can I increase the power of the received signal on the subscriber device? (if this device is not Windows XP).

2. If you have nothing to say, do you start using the “you’re a fool” style?

3. Please tell me where in Windows XP I can find “change the received signal strength” and set it there, say, -30 dB, otherwise -60 somehow doesn’t work.

4. no, what are you talking about? The recognized expert here is clearly you and I’m not going to rise to your level. sit on your tree.

Danil Sergeevich:
See point 1 of my answer - the power of the RECEIVED signal cannot be increased.
And I never talked about changing the power of the RECEIVED signal.
The same goes for the device called "NEWINDOWS XP".
The points should be considered one by one, i.e. Clause 3 makes no sense without clause 1 and 2.

There are two output options:
1. If a smart person wanted to make a joke, he failed.
2. If you’re a fool, we won’t agree.

My laptop is connected to a neighbor’s Wi-Fi. I want to strengthen the received signal using an external modem or router, I don’t understand anything about this. Please advise something.

Dear:
wasary
Aurum792
Danil Sergeevich
There are several ways to solve your problem, so:
let's call the WiFi emitter point A, and your receiver (laptop) point B
1) to increase the signal power at point B, it is necessary to install an antenna with a more powerful gain at point A
2) to improve reception at point B, it is necessary to install an external antenna at point B aimed at the emitter, but since you have a laptop, and as far as I remember they don’t have external connectors for connecting an antenna, this option doesn’t suit you.
3) well, the third option is to place between points A and B, point B (WiFi repeater), which will amplify the signal weakened by distance.

P.S. And lastly, don’t pay attention to comrade “Don Gan” - oh, just read his nickname by changing Don with Gan and it will become clear to you why he behaves this way...

Dlinka has an access point DWL-2100AP, it can work in repeater mode, here is a link to its description: http://dlink.ru/ru/products/2/243.html

What is the essence of a repeater: when a given point in the settings is set as a WiFi repeater, there in the settings you indicate which of the existing signals around it (it will show you what it will pick up) needs to be strengthened. Well, after successful setup, you will connect your laptop to the signal amplified by the repeater. It is advisable to install it approximately in the middle of the distance between points A and B.

Every year we buy more and more different gadgets that have Internet access: netbooks, tablets, smartphones, Smart TVs, I’ve even seen a refrigerator with WiFi in the store. All this modern technology has a WiFi module. Of course, even if this device has a LAN port, everyone still wants to connect it via WiFi. And here sometimes you have to deal with the fact that the wireless network coverage area is not enough. Any literature on wireless networks states that the range of the network depends on the type of wireless access point or router used, the supported 802.11 B/G/N/AC standards, the number and power of antennas. But it is not always mentioned that the coverage area is also greatly influenced by external factors: the location of devices in the apartment, the material from which the walls are made, the presence of mirrors, furniture, household appliances, access points in the neighborhood, etc. And here the user naturally faces the question - how to improve the level of reception and strengthen the WiFi signal?! In this manual, I will talk about two main directions of action that I use myself: software and hardware. The meaning of the first is to optimally configure existing equipment. The hardware method consists of improving existing equipment, or purchasing and installing additional devices.

But before you start experimenting with the settings and buying additional accessories for your router or access point, take a close look at their location. It is advisable to install them so as to cover the maximum area of ​​the home with the network:

The second point is to pay attention to the walls and partitions between rooms. They can be an impenetrable obstacle to radio waves. The cause of a poor signal may be a wall covered with plasterboard or made of expanded clay, gas or foam concrete blocks. It’s even worse if the wall is concrete and with reinforcement. In most cases, the fittings play the role of a kind of screen, which, although it transmits the radio signal, significantly dampens it. Even having a large mirror or an aquarium on the wall can significantly reduce power. In this case, it makes sense to experiment with the location of the wireless router in the apartment. And not only horizontally, but also vertically.

How to programmatically boost a WiFi signal?!

Unfortunately, many owners of routers and wireless access points do not particularly bother with setting up a wireless network, limiting themselves, at best, to changing the SSID and entering the network security key. They leave the rest as default. And this often plays a cruel joke on them if several wireless networks appear in the neighborhood.
1.The reason for the weak signal is the coincidence of frequencies of wireless network channels.

I don’t know about you, but in my building there are only about 15 wireless WiFi networks within reach. This is not entirely good - the networks will intersect and occupy the same channel. The result will be poor reception even at relatively short distances. Therefore, if you want to strengthen the WiFi signal, the first action should be to select a radio channel. To do this you will need a special program. The most popular of them is. It must be installed on a computer or laptop with a WiFi adapter and run:

In the table you will see all available wireless Wi-Fi networks in the area and the frequency channels they occupy. In Russia, channels 1 to 13 are used. We are looking for free channel numbers and Now you need to go to the router settings ( http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1) and in the “Wireless” section find the “Channel” parameter:

In the list of channels, you need to select the number of a free channel and click the “Change/Save” button to apply the settings.

2. Bad signal from the low power transmitter on the router.

On some models, you can adjust the WiFi signal transmission power in the advanced network settings. To do this, in the “Advanced settings” section of the network, find the “Wireless Transmit Power” parameter:

The values ​​of this parameter can be either a percentage or abstract values ​​- High, Medium and Low. Set the maximum value and click the Save button. Unfortunately, the ability to regulate Wi-Fi signal strength is not available on all SOHO-level devices. But in this case, alternative firmware such as DD-WRT, Open-WRT, Tomato, etc. can help out. Of course, provided that one exists for your model.

3. Set the wireless WiFi standard to 802.11N.

Until devices with 802.11ac went on mass sale at a low price, the 802.11n standard is the most modern and fastest. But besides this, it has another big plus - an increased coverage radius due to the use of several antennas. The only condition under which a transition to the 802.11n standard is possible is that it is fully supported by all devices from which you will connect to the wireless network. Otherwise, they simply won't see it. In order to switch the operating mode of the Wi-Fi module of your router to the 802.11n operating mode, you need to set the “Operating mode (Wireless Mode)” parameter in the Web interface in the “Wireless” setting section to “ 802.11n". This is what it looks like on Asus devices:

And this is how the 802.11n mode is set on TP-Link:

4. Transition to the 5 GHz band.

The 802.11n standard has one more, very significant advantage: more expensive models of wireless routers can also operate in the 5 GHz band (802.11a). If your Wi-Fi router is dual-band, that is, it can work both in the usual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, then I would advise transferring the maximum number of clients to it:

The 5GHz range is now virtually completely free and not littered with frequency interference from neighboring access points and other devices (microwaves, phones with Bluetooth, etc.), which means it will provide the maximum coverage radius. But I repeat once again - WiFi adapters of connected devices (laptops, computers or tablets) must also be able to operate in the 5 GHz range.

5. We improve reception on a computer or laptop.

This advice is more relevant for users of laptops running Windows 7 and Windows 8. The thing is that they can be set to “Energy Saver” mode to save battery.

Moreover, some users set it when working from the power cable. This can lead to poor Wi-Fi signal reception on your laptop due to the fact that the wireless module is “starved” and lacks power. In order to fix this, you need to go to the “Control Panel”, select the “Electrical Control” section and select the “Balanced” scheme, or better yet, “High Performance”.

We amplify the signal using additional hardware.

If you have poor reception quality and low speed even after you have configured your router to the maximum signal level, do not worry, not all is lost. There are a number of other actions that can be used. Their purpose is to improve or modernize your wireless equipment.

1. We change or modify the antennas.

There are many different ways on the Internet to boost the signal from your router’s standard antenna. Most advice boils down to turning an omnidirectional antenna into a directional antenna. And they do it as best they can. Some people make screens from beer cans:

Others are simply made of foil:

Out of curiosity, I tried similar methods to strengthen the signal and did not get practically any obvious or significant effect from it. But a really effective result can be achieved by replacing the antenna with a more powerful one. At the same time, the cost of an 8dBi antenna is somewhere around 300 rubles apiece. Agree - not expensive! As an option, you can buy an antenna with a stand and an extension cable. This will allow you to move the antenna around the room to find the best location without touching the router.

Note: This replacement will be effective if you are replacing a 2dBi or 3 dBi antenna with an 8 dBi antenna. From my own experience, I will say that replacing 5dBi antennas with 8 dBi ones did not bring a significant effect. Perhaps in an open space the effect would have been noticeable, but in a city apartment I did not feel any real improvement in the reception level on client devices.

It’s another matter if your router has 3 antennas, like the Zyxel Keenetic Ultra. In this case, the cost of antennas will be around 1000 rubles. It is more efficient to buy a repeater (repeater). Or an inexpensive router that can work in WDS mode. I would recommend the same solution to owners of devices with non-removable antennas or with internal antennas.

2. Installation of a repeater to increase the coverage area and improve the level of network signal reception.

This method is extremely effective and allows you to obtain acceptable coverage quality through the use of special repeater devices or, as they are also called, WiFi repeaters.

The point of this device is that it connects to the existing network as a client and further expands its coverage to the radius that its antennas can cover. Wi-Fi repeaters are small and inexpensive devices. As you can see from the picture above, the repeater is made the size of a small power supply that plugs into an outlet. Its settings are simple. The price in Russia is about 900-1000 rubles. If you order a device in China, its price will be about 600 rubles including shipping. There are devices on sale that perform only repeater functions, and there are routers that support WDS technology (Wireless Distribution System - allows you to expand the coverage area of ​​a wireless network by combining several WiFi access points into one network without the necessary presence of a wired connection between them). An example of such a universal and inexpensive device is the Asus RT-N10:

The advantage of buying just such a device for use as a repeater is that it is a universal device: you can connect it to an existing network either via WiFi or via cable. In addition, today you use it as a repeater, and tomorrow, perhaps, you will connect the Internet through it from another provider. To find out whether a particular model can work in repeater mode, look at its characteristics on the manufacturer’s website; it must have support for WDS technology.

3. Upgrade the adapter on the computer.

You can also improve signal reception on the client device. True, this advice is more relevant for computers to which adapters are connected via USB or a PCI slot. For laptops, tablets and smartphones with an integrated adapter, this advice will not work, because Their antennas are non-removable and hidden in the body. The point of the advice is that firstly: if you buy a wireless adapter, then it is better to take one that has a large external antenna. Pay attention to the photo:

I think it is clear that on the same standard at the same data transfer rate, the adapter on the right will have a better reception level than the adapter on the left, due to the use of a large external antenna. If you have already bought an adapter and it has a weak Wi-Fi signal reception level, then you can do the following: if you can replace the antenna, you can change it to one that has a gain of 5 or 8dBi. If you bought a small USB adapter (the so-called “whistle”), then in this case you can try connecting it not directly to the computer, but through a USB extension cable.

Using an extension cord, you can move the adapter around the room and select the areas of best signal reception. Please note that the maximum cable length will not exceed 3 meters. Nevertheless, when moving the adapter along such a radius, you can find a point with a higher level of WiFi signal reception.

People are already accustomed to using such a benefit of civilization as wireless Internet. But they’re not always happy with how well their devices receive or distribute Wi-Fi. Is it possible to do something about this? Of course, there are options. Depending on what exactly you want to achieve, there are several different paths.

Strengthen distribution

There are several universal methods that help improve signal quality. All of them, by the way, are written in the instructions for the devices (routers), but it would be useful to repeat them. So, how to strengthen the WiFi signal for distribution.

Location

Pay attention to where your router is located. The radius of the devices is usually 25-30 meters. Mobile ones (those produced by cellular operators to work with their SIM cards and tariffs) are somewhat smaller - 10-12 meters. However, all this will not be enough if the router is installed incorrectly. To ensure that the signal is heard equally everywhere, it is advisable to place it in the center of the room. It is very important to keep metal objects away from it. They significantly degrade the signal quality. For example, it is better not to place a router in the kitchen at all. The stove, refrigerator and household appliances can really ruin your online experience.

Interference

Other common causes of a bad signal include various types of interference. For example, mobile phone signals. The closer the router is to the mobile phone, the worse it distributes the Internet. How to deal with this? Some people simply sit away from the router with their phone, and there are those who have radically solved the problem. Some resourceful users simply wrap the equipment in food foil. Why by her? It does not transmit microwaves that are emitted by a mobile phone. That is, it does not affect the reception signal or transmission in any way.

Antenna

If your router is equipped with an antenna, then using it you can significantly improve Internet distribution. For example, your device is located on a cabinet in the room, and you most often sit in the corner at a table. Just turn the antenna in the direction where you usually are. This way the signal will not go to the side. If the standard antenna is too short, with a small range, then you can replace it. A special WiFi signal amplifier is not suitable for every model, but some still support this option. It would be a good idea to consult with experts before purchasing.

Another router is a hindrance

In apartment buildings, many people use Wi-Fi technologies. And, of course, almost everyone has their own router. This often causes problems. The signals overlap each other and prevent devices from working normally. How to deal with this? First, you can try relocating your router. Secondly, rotate the antenna, giving a directional signal. Which is not always convenient. Thirdly, you can use reflectors. How to strengthen the WiFi signal using them? Look for such devices in specialized stores. They are usually attached to the antenna, preventing the signal from spreading beyond the foil. Yes, the reflectors are made from it. You can make it yourself by giving the desired shape to the device. In this case, the signal from the neighbor’s router simply will not reach you. This means that Internet distribution on your device will increase significantly.

How to improve reception on a smartphone?

Modern mobile phones catch various wireless networks quite well and quite quickly. But they don’t always hold the signal well. Especially when it comes not from your router, but, for example, from a neighbor’s. Is it possible to fight this? How to strengthen the WiFi signal for reception?

Special Applications

If your phone runs on the Android platform, then there should be no problems with amplification. The Play Market contains a sufficient number of different applications that help strengthen Wi-Fi signal reception. After testing several, you can settle on one that ideally meets your requirements. Wi-Fi Overview 360, by the way, has earned many flattering reviews from grateful users. The application allows you not only to enhance signal reception, but also to significantly increase the reception radius. You may even catch hands that are quite far from you.

For Apple products

The developers of devices from a well-known company made sure that their customers did not suffer from poor signal quality. However, various amplifiers have additionally appeared in the iTunes catalog. Some are paid, some are free. For example, the WiFi signal booster for Apple Wi-Fi Boost is in particular demand because it has both Beta and PRO versions. This application allows you not only to catch a good signal, but also to hold it reliably. According to the principle “once I catch you, I won’t let you go.” Of course, within reasonable travel distances from the router's location.

Frequency

Typically, Wi-Fi signal adjusters set all devices to the same standard frequency. And this is what plays a significant role in distribution and reception. Especially if there are several such devices in an apartment building. How to deal with this? How to strengthen the WiFi signal in this case? Change frequency! Of course, if your router supports it. Read the user manual for your device carefully. Perhaps all actions are performed manually. But for owners of mobile routers, it is useless to fight the frequency and distribution channel. So far, mobile operators do not provide such an opportunity. It is possible that over time this deficiency will be corrected.

Special utilities

Has your computer or laptop begun to have poor signal reception? Or didn’t he take it very well in the first place? There are some utilities that can be installed to help improve Wi-Fi reception. It is advisable to download them from the websites of the program developers, since many files on the Internet are uploaded by scammers and hackers.

Speedtest.Net

In general, initially it was an application for mobile devices. And at the moment, the developers have created a computer utility that significantly increases the performance of both the PC itself and Wi-Fi signal reception. The program interface is simple and clear, all settings are in Russian.

Drivers

Often the problem with signal reception lies in the fact that the system drivers are simply outdated. How to deal with this? First, update all drivers on your computer or laptop. You can do this on the official website of your device or software. Secondly, you need to update your router drivers. This will also require an official website. If you already have an option such as automatic software updates, you can use it. After all, if it doesn't affect the signal quality, at least it won't hurt.

Instead of output

Before you go to extremes and download a lot of applications and programs, first decide on the location of the router. In most cases, the quality of the signal both for distribution and reception by devices depends on this. Try to remove all interference from the router as far as possible. Remember that the higher the device is located, the less it will interfere with signals from other home appliances. For example, a microwave oven, even at a remote distance, can significantly degrade Wi-Fi distribution. If you move the router to a height that does not intersect with it, the quality will increase. It is not recommended to place the device on the floor, as the floor covering may negatively affect the Wi-Fi signal.