How To Maximize Or Increase The Speed Of Your Wi-Fi Connection

Today, enterprises are deploying wireless LANs for corporate applications and home users that involve e-mail, Web browsing, and access to various server-based databases. The need for higher data rates and techniques to improve performance of wireless LANs is becoming crucial to support these types of applications. To get that extra performance, you may have a lot to consider.

Select The Right Physical Layer

An important element that impacts the performance of a wireless LAN is the selection of the appropriate Physical (PHY) Layer (i.e., 802.11a, 802.11b, or802.11g). 802.11a offers the highest capacity at 54Mbps for each of twelve (maximum) non-overlapping channels and freedom from most potential RF interference. 802.11b provides 11Mbps data rates, with only three non-overlapping channels. 802.11g will eventually extend 802.11b networks to have 54Mbps operation, but the three non-overlapping channels limitation will still exist. Of course requirements dictate needs for performance, which will point you toward a particular PHY. If you need maximum performance, then 802.11a is the way to go, but you may need more access points because of the weaker range it has compared to 802.11b.

MIMO ANTENNA

If you are using 802.11g – consider getting an MIMO antenna (which allows faster speeds at greater distances.)

Replace Other 2.4 GHz Devices

You may need to replace your 2.4GHz cordless phones with either a 900Mhz or 5.8GHz style cordless phone due to interference. These phones and other nearby wireless LANs can offer significant interfering signals that degrade the operation of an 802.11b wireless LAN. These external sources of RF energy in the 2.4GHz band periodically block users and access points from accessing the shared air medium. As a result, the performance of your wireless LAN will suffer when RF interference is present. So obviously you should strive to minimize sources of RF interference and possibly set the access point channels to avoid the interfering signals.

Properly Set Access Point Channels

The 802.11b standard defines 14 channels (11 in the U.S.) that overlap considerably, leaving only three channels that don’t overlap with each other. For access points that are within range of each other, set them to different channels (e.g., 1, 6, and 11) in order to avoid inter-access point interference. You can also take advantage of the automatic channel selection features that some access points offer. With 802.11a, this is not an issue because the 802.11a standard defines separate, non-overlapping channels.

Maximize RF Coverage

If access points are too far apart, then some users will be associating with the wireless LAN at something less than the maximum data rate. For example, users close to an 802.11b access point may be operating at 11Mbps; whereas, a user at a greater distance may only have 2Mbps capability. In order to maximize performance, ensure that RF coverage is adequate and spread out nearby for optimum performance.

Same Router And Network Adapter

Choose your router and network adapters from the same company. Manufacturers usually have a proprietary “turbo” mode that only works when using both their router and network adapters. As a side benefit; your overall configuration is usually easier.

Upgrade Your 802.11b

Upgrade your 802.11a and 802.11b devices to 802.11g, which is much faster, and is backward-compatible with 802.11b devices, although a small one room environment (i.e. apartment, dorm room) with no future expansion should use 802.11a.

Wired Connection

Whenever possible, connect computers using a wired connection! Yes, this is an “Anti-tip” because you’re not even using the wireless network – but a direct connection is dramatically faster and more secure!

Wireless Router On Central Location

If possible, place your wireless router (or access point) in a central location. Obviously, the closer you are to the access point; the better. But do not necessarily place the device on your roof (or up too high) – 4 to 6 feet off the ground is perfect.

Update Your Windows Wireless Network Driver

Update your Windows Wireless Network Driver. While Microsoft Update, is “supposed” to notify you of updates to your drivers – it’s best to visit the manufacturers website to double-check. Updates usually only add a new feature, or increase stability and security; but sometimes can improve performance.

Update And Upgrade Your Router

Update your Router’s firmware. Most routers easily update their firmware directly from their software. Updates add new features, increase stability and security; and also sometimes help in improving the performance. The antenna that comes with your device is usually a low powered and omni-directional. Upgrade to a more powerful (powered) antenna. If your router is near an outside wall, get a high-gain antenna that focuses the wireless signals only one direction.

Portable Computer Antenna

Even though it’s more convenient to have a portable computer’s antenna horizontal – it should be oriented vertically (up & down).