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It wasn’t that long ago that network cables snaked through doorways, around corners and in and out of improvised holes in walls and carpets. By contrast, wireless networking is unobtrusive and very easy.
But it’s not without its limitations. If you’re installing a wireless network in a large house or office, you may be disappointed at how limited your coverage actually is. The problem is that reported range (i.e. where it says “Up to ‘x’ metres” on the box) refers to the best range you’ll get … on a windless day in the desert.
Know the frequency
Wireless networks operate using radio waves. With the exception of the rarer 802.11a (which works exclusively at a frequency of 5 GHz), most wireless networks have an operating frequency of 2.4 GHz. It’s worth knowing that this is the frequency at which many cordless phones operate, and more intriguingly, it’s close to the frequency that microwave ovens use to cook food. This won’t cause big problems if your computer is near your wireless access point, but barriers between them can create chaos.
- Hint 1: Avoid interference – Keep your wireless router and your notebook away from cordless phones and microwave ovens – interference can cause serious signal problems.
- Hint 2: Change the channel – Wireless access points use ”channels”. Set your access point to use a different channel if there are other wireless access points in the area on the same channel.
- Hint 3: Clear the airways - Wireless network signals are absorbed in plaster, and don’t penetrate brick or concrete very well. Minimise the number of the walls directly between your access point and your computer.
More power
If the hints above don’t yield any relief, a little bit of hardware tweaking might pay off. Most wireless access points use screw-on antennae. Don’t be fooled into thinking that having two antennae gives twice the signal strength – your access point only uses one at a time, based on whichever is receiving the strongest signal at any given moment.
If your access point came with three antennae, you’ll get better range and signal thanks to newer MIMO (Multiple-In, Multiple-Out) technology, which can pick up softer, reflected signals. Don’t throw your two-antenna access point out just yet though – there are a few simple ways to achieve some big range improvements:
- Hint 4: Boost the power from the web interface – With some routers and access points, it’s as simple as logging into your router or access point’s web interface, and setting it up to transmit at a higher power. Some are even capable of transmitting at two or three times the strength they’re initially set up for.
- Hint 5: Get some new antennae – In most places you can go to your local computer store and buy a bigger (i.e. higher-gain) omni-directional antenna or two at a very reasonable price. These will boost the power and sensitivity of your wireless access point considerably.
- Hint 6: Double your pleasure – Routers and access points can be set up in ”Mesh networks”, where multiple access points talk to each other to create one big network. You can buy another wireless access point and add it onto your network – just make sure that it’s able to ”mesh” with the one you already have!
Last but not least – the combined strength of the improvements that are listed here may well send your wireless signal out across the street and halfway down the block. Be sure to test and see if you’re broadcasting further than you’d like, and to make sure that your wireless security is set up properly. |
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