Every year there are more and more various gadgets that have access to the Internet. Almost every apartment has a laptop, smartphone, tablet or TV, and maybe even a refrigerator with a Wi-Fi module. At the same time, users often face the problem that it is not always possible to "catch" the connection to the Internet. The reason for this may be too great a distance from the router to the device. The coverage radius of the router is about 30 meters, and sometimes even more. However, there are a number of other factors that can affect the signal level.
Interference can be caused by:
There are software and hardware methods by which you can solve this problem. The following guidelines will help you improve Wi-Fi connectivity and a more comfortable Internet experience.
Software gain
The most common mistake when using wireless access points is that the owners pay too little attention to the network configuration. Oftentimes, users set up a security key and change the SSID. This is where all the machinations end. At the same time, there are still a lot of parameters that remain by default. Setting them up will help to increase the coverage area. Let's consider the main methods of software amplification of signal delivery.
Video: Boost WiFi Signal
Correct location
First of all, you need to pay attention to the location of the router in the apartment. It is recommended to place the router closest to the device from which the Internet is accessed. If it is difficult to calculate such a place, and the connection is made from different rooms in the house, then it would be best to install the router in the central part of the apartment.
Photo: the location of the router in the apartment
Thus, as much space as possible will fall within the radius of action.
If the apartment or house has two levels, then the router must be placed on the ground floor at the highest point, it can be a mezzanine or a closet. Do not litter the place where the router is located with various objects (including metal). This will allow the signal to propagate unhindered.
Matching device frequencies
In apartment buildings in the availability zone, there may be up to 20, or even more, wireless networks. It's not good for a job alone. specific device... All available networks tend to overlap and use the same frequency channel. As a result, the supply level of the network deteriorates even at a relatively close distance.
In this case, it is very simple and easy to amplify the Wi-Fi signal, even the most inexperienced user can figure it out. To begin with, you should install a special program on your laptop, with the help of which a free channel is determined. The most commonly used is inSSIDer. After launching the program, the screen will display a list of all available wireless networks and the frequency channels they occupy. You must select a free channel. To do this, we perform the following actions:
If all channels are already in use by other people's routers, you should choose the least loaded one. In order for the settings to take effect, you need to click "Save / Change".
Modern Wi-Fi protocol - 802.11n
The 802.11n standard is the newest to date. In addition, it is also the fastest due to the increased coverage radius. If all devices in the apartment from which the Internet is accessed support this standard, in this case, the transition to 802.11n is possible.
In order to switch to the 802.11n standard operation mode, you must:
Low transmitter power
Many router models are equipped with a function to adjust the strength of the Wi-Fi signal. It is necessary to make the appropriate changes in the settings of the router:
Transition to 5 GHz
Most routers operate in the 2.4 GHz band. However, more expensive models routers can supply a signal in the 5 GHz band. Therefore, it is recommended to switch to this particular range, since it is practically free and not occupied by other devices. In this case, the coverage will spread over a large area.
Transition to the 5 GHz band is possible if the connected devices can operate in this band.
Hardware enhancement of Wi-Fi signal reception
If all of the above steps are carried out, and the access to the network is carried out with interference, do not despair. Perhaps all is not yet lost. There are several tricks that can help solve this problem. This requires upgrading the wireless device. You can increase the coverage radius using a second router. To do this, a wireless bridge must be configured between the two devices using the Wireless Distribution System technology. It will increase the coverage area by connecting several routers into one network.
You can also do some antenna tampering. Most routers are equipped with external detachable antennas. They are often not powerful enough around 2 dBi, sometimes 5 dBi. They can be easily replaced with stronger ones. To do this, it is worth unscrewing the old ones and placing new ones in their place with a high coefficient. In addition, you can purchase an antenna with a cable and a special stand. It connects to the router. At the same time, it can be moved around the apartment, thus providing coverage without changing the position of the router.
If the device has more than two antennas, it will be too expensive to replace them. It will be cheaper to purchase a repeater. It is also called a repeater. In other words, a repeater.
Using a repeater
Users often face the problem that in large apartments the range of the router signal is not sufficient to provide coverage in all rooms. Aids will be helpful in solving this problem. A repeater can be used as a signal amplification device. This device connects to an existing network as a client. With its help, the coverage area expands. It must be installed between the router and the work computer.
The repeater is compact and relatively inexpensive. The repeater looks like a small power supply and operates on mains power. There are many options for such devices on the market.
Improving the adapter on a computer
You can also enhance the reception of the broadcast signal on the client device. This advice will be useful to those users to whose computers adapters are connected via USB port... However, this option will be useless for owners of tablets, smartphones and laptops, since the antennas are built-in in such devices. When using a USB adapter to access the Internet, do not connect it directly to your computer. To get started, you can use an extension cord,
and connect the device through it. A long cord will allow you to move the modem around the house in search of a network.
You can also purchase a USB dongle amplifier. It is able to provide network access in areas with a weak signal. A modem is connected to this device and placed in a place with Wi-Fi coverage.
Reboot the router
Weak signal and interference may occur due to outdated router firmware or if installed drivers require updating.
There is no financial cost required to update the drivers. They can be downloaded for free on the official website of the router manufacturer. Installed them on a computer, the level and quality of the signal will increase.
Antenna upgrade
This method will help you retrofit your device using a reflector. To make it, you will need foil and thick paper or cardboard.
A parabola with two holes for the antenna is cut out of paper and attached to a rectangle made of foil. The resulting device must be fixed to the antenna. Thus, the signal will become directional. Alternatively, you can use a beverage can as a reflector by cutting it lengthwise, cutting off the bottom, and placing it behind the router. The reflector is directed to the side where coverage is required.
By following these simple tips, you can greatly enhance the Wi-Fi signal on your laptop. You don't have to spend a lot of money to buy new devices for this. One has only to take a little time to study the settings of the router, or use the tools at hand and upgrade the device with your own hands.
The low speed of the Internet via wifi on a laptop is a misfortune that can really fray your nerves. Of course, if such is provided by the provider itself under the contract, then it will not be possible to increase it (except for connecting a "faster" tariff).
But if you suspect there are still unused resources, then some improvement can be made.
How to improve wifi reception on laptop?
Immediately, we note that almost all options for amplifying the wifi signal relate to the settings of the network, router or external devices. On the laptop itself, in order to improve wifi reception, you should make settings in the "Power supply" mode, namely:
- - Depending on the operating system installed, open the "Control Panel" (for XP / 7) then "Power supply" and set the "High performance" mode.
- - Next, open the section "Configuring the power plan" - "Change advanced power settings". In the list, find the line "Wireless adapter settings" and in the line "Power saving mode" set the value "Maximum performance" when operating both "on battery" and "plugged in".
In addition, do not forget about the importance of updating your wireless adapter driver and keeping the most up-to-date and workable version.
The laptop does not receive a wifi signal: what to do?
Now about the main thing: why the laptop does not catch wifi well, and how to strengthen the reception of the wireless network signal?
- 1. It has a huge impact on the quality and stability of the signal relative to the connected devices. It is logical that the greater the distance and the number of "obstacles" between the router and the device using the resources of the wireless network, the lower the signal received by the laptop and, accordingly, the speed of the Internet connection.
The ideal location of the router is in the center of the network, at the same distance from all devices connected to it (or closer to those devices that consume more traffic).
Ways to increase the radius of the WI-FI network coverage
- Installation of a second router for distribution in an area not covered by the main emitter. Often this option allows with minimal cost solve the problem of. The figure explains the principle of distribution using a repeater:
- You can purchase a high-quality router for which three to four floors in a panel house are a normal service area. This is the most reliable, but also the most expensive option;
- You can significantly increase the service area by replacing the standard router antenna with a more powerful one. Typically, larger antennas have a higher gain;
- Quite good results can be achieved by installing a simple signal reflector near the antenna (the design of one of the options is discussed below);
- If it is not possible to amplify the signal of the router, then you can try to find a place in the apartment from which distribution will be carried out with minimal losses. This is a simple but very effective method.
Practical options for enhancing the signal of a wifi router
The old truth that the best high-frequency amplifier is an antenna has not been canceled. Here's an example of a simple but highly effective Wi-Fi antenna that provides 2x to 4x signal amplification:
If the manufacture of this antenna is difficult or there are no necessary skills, then you can install a reflective screen near the standard antenna:
Despite the elementary nature of the design, the effect of its use is simply amazing, it is not for nothing that they say that simple solutions are the most workable. In fact, the installation of the screen does not in any way affect the radiation power of the WI-FI router.
But by directing all the energy into a confined space for the user, this is tantamount to doubling the radiated power.
A similar effect is achieved in pocket flashlight or a table lamp by means of a reflector that directs the light in a given direction.
Antenna modification
Among folk craftsmen, this method of improving the reception quality of router antennas is most widespread. Its essence lies in the fact that the working element of the antenna is additionally equipped with metal elements like tin cans or pieces of foil. According to this scheme, you can strengthen the antenna of the router without harm to the device itself. So it makes sense to experiment a little with different designs. Many users emphasize that when using such designs, it is quite possible to achieve a good effect. However, one should not expect serious results from such devices. This way of solving the problem loses the replacement of the antenna with a more powerful modification. However, it is possible to increase the coverage area of the antenna using various metal accessories.
Using a repeater
You can use a Wi-Fi repeater to directly amplify the signal strength. The principle of operation of this device is that it connects to the network as a normal client. In the future, the repeater plays the role of a distributor of the received signal. The coverage area will be expanded in accordance with the capabilities of the antenna itself. The repeater is identical in size to the power supply, so it does not take up much space. Its acquisition is also quite beneficial in terms of maintenance. With the help of a repeater, you can amplify the signal, as well as expand the coverage area using WDS technology. Thus, the device makes it possible to combine different access points without the need for wired contacts. On average, the cost of budget models of repeaters varies from 700 to 1000 rubles. Devices with higher performance can cost from 2,000 to 3,000 rubles.
Extension cords for adapters
To get rid of the problems associated with Wi-Fi signal reception, it is recommended to purchase powerful adapters with an external antenna. Receiver models that are integrated into laptops and tablets are less effective in this regard. However, a special extension cord can be provided for such devices. Using an extension cord, you can move the modem in search of an optimal receiving location. If you have a question about gaining a Wi-Fi antenna on a laptop, this option will be beneficial, since the mobility of the device expands the possibilities for finding the best location point. It is worth saying that the cable length for USB devices can be up to 3 meters.
Conclusion
Quite rarely, it turns out to significantly increase the quality of Wi-Fi signal reception by using one of the above methods. The thing is that the implementation of the recommendations presented above may not bring any effect if the minimum power value is selected in the device settings. The opposite situation is possible: all software parameters are focused on the optimal operating mode of the device. In this case, even the interior partition can spoil the high quality of reception.
It is possible to strengthen the Wi-Fi antenna only by using a set of measures. It is worth analyzing the settings used and assessing the location of the device. Practice shows that the most effective solution for amplifying the receiving power is to purchase more technologically advanced modern equipment. The latest models open up ample opportunities to work in new frequency bands, while ensuring stable data transmission.
Enhanced wi-fi is necessary to improve the quality of receiving and transmitting various data and watching video over a wireless network. Since the quantity various devices(smartphones, tablets, laptops), the work of which depends on the availability of Internet access, increases every year, then a weak or unstable radio signal worries almost every owner of a router.
The reasons for the decrease in the speed of the Internet over the wi-fi network can be interior partitions, load-bearing walls, mirrors, Appliances or other nearby access points to the worldwide network. There are several ways to solve this problem.
Changing the channel used by the wi-fi router
Anyone who wants to have enhanced wi-fi should choose a channel that is free from the influence of extraneous radio signals. Such a popular program as inSSIDer will help to determine the degree of its workload (the official website also contains free version for Android), which you can install with your own hands on a computer (or laptop) with an adapter. The utility helps to determine the optimal channel for the network by scanning and diagnosing in real time all those closest to the computer wi-fi connection... After familiarizing yourself with all the networks and channels presented, you must perform the following actions:- select the section "Wireless mode" ("Wireless network" or "Wireless") located in the router settings;
- click on "Settings wireless mode”And change the value of the“ Channel ”parameter, choosing a free (or least loaded) channel.
Changing the location of the router
Thanks to the correct placement, it transmits wifi router amplified signal, allowing you to expand the coverage area of the network. To do this, it should be located in the immediate vicinity of the device that is used to access the Internet. At simultaneous connection to the Internet of several devices located in different rooms, it is recommended to install the router as high as possible, choosing for this the central part of the apartment (or house). Such an arrangement, characterized by the absence of remote premises, will help to enhance wi-fi on a laptop, computer, smartphone or tablet due to an even distribution of the signal.
Setting the maximum power value in the router settings
Before using this method to amplify the wi-fi signal, you must study the instructions attached to the router, since the procedure depends on the model and manufacturer. Most often, to increase the power of the router at home, in the "Settings" (or "Advanced settings") section, change such a parameter as "signal strength" by setting the highest value ("100%" or "High").
Systematic update of router firmware
It is possible to enhance wi-fi on a laptop, computer or tablet after updating the outdated (or defective) "firmware" of the router. Usually, in such cases, manufacturers offer a free download posted on the official website current version firmware, since wi-fi can be strengthened only after fixing errors in the "firmware". Ensure compatibility before starting the update. new version firmware and model of the router, and for this it is necessary to determine the hardware and current version of the "firmware". Information about current version can be found through the device interface located in the router settings. The factory parameters are indicated on the back of the router.
Replacing the standard router antenna with a more powerful one
An amplified wi-fi antenna, the coefficient of which has the highest value (5 - 8 dBi), will help to increase the coverage area of the home network. This method is suitable exclusively for owners of routers with external (removable) antennas. It is also necessary to remember that if the model of the router assumes the simultaneous presence of two (or three) antennas, then all are subject to replacement. To ensure a stable signal, antennas should not be placed in different rooms (they should be close to each other).If the router has only a built-in antenna, which cannot be replaced, then to improve the signal and increase the wi-fi coverage area, manufacturers recommend changing the location of the antennas, spreading them in different directions (up and sideways).
Installing a wi-fi repeater
A repeater (or repeater) is a special receiving and transmitting device, the main purpose of which is to increase the coverage area of a wireless router by completely repeating, amplifying and retransmitting all received signals. This gadget is easy to use. It is usually installed between a signal source (router or modem) and a computer by directly plugging into a regular electrical outlet. To configure the device, you only need to know the name (ssid) and password of the network used.
Purchasing a 5 GHz router
Because of wireless connection is now installed in almost every apartment, the frequencies of home networks often overlap, leading to overload of the same channel. Household appliances (microwave ovens, cordless phones, video surveillance systems, etc.), which, like most routers, operate at 2.4 GHz. Therefore, buying a router capable of transmitting a signal in the 5 GHz range can solve this problem. This range is almost always free from various interference, since it does not intersect with channels using the 2.4 GHz frequency, its coverage extends over a large area, providing channels free from other networks (about 44). But the transition to such a range is possible only when other devices (tablets, radio telephones) can use it for work.
Using the above effective ways, you can significantly increase the speed home internet via wi-fi, and for this you do not need to purchase expensive gadgets. It is enough just to study in detail the settings of the router or use additional inexpensive devices.
Several years ago, TV devices began to be equipped with LAN connectors, and then with separate Wi-Fi adapters. In the initial version, adapters were offered as external functionality, but later they were introduced as internal hardware microcircuits.
At the same time, the TV was offered: multimedia functions, a special player for watching video content, options for integrating into local area network, Internet connection and social media applications. The presented functionality was dubbed by the developers by the general name "Smart TV".
What you need to connect to the Internet on your TV:
- Wi-Fi router;
- television;
- patch cord UTP cat 5 (cable);
- LAN connectors.
Initially, you need to install a Wi-Fi router in the room. The device is installed in the center of the room to improve the routing of wireless radio waves over the entire radius.
A router is required regardless of the method of connecting to the TV (cable or Wi-Fi). The router will act as a converter of Internet streams. It is capable of converting the received traffic into a radio signal for portable devices or transfer to the given home network.
How to set up a Wi-Fi router and the Internet for a TV? No special settings are required to enable the Smart TV function; all you need to do is activate the DHCP server in the router (on the LAN tab). If the user prefers to connect a TV when Wi-Fi assistance, then you need to configure the wireless network.
Connecting the TV to the Internet with a Cable
To connect the TV to the router, you need to make sure that there is one free LAN port on both devices. In addition to ports, you need a network cable with a UTP cat 5 patch cord. In cases where the premises are undergoing repairs and the cable needs to be pulled over an impressive distance, you can stock up on two PowerLine adapters (PLC). They will allow you to conduct a home network bypassing the electrical one, or immediately connect via wireless connections.
For example, consider the connection method on Samsung TVs, but if another brand is available, then this is not a problem, since almost all manufacturers have similar settings.
Go to "Settings" and select the "Network" option, and then go to the "Network Settings" tab. After that, the "Network Settings Wizard" will start, where you need to select "Start". Then you will need to click the connection type: "Cable". An Internet Protocol address will be assigned to the TV and a network connection will begin.
How do I set up my TV's Wi-Fi connection to the Internet?
Go to "Settings", select "Network" and go to "Network Settings". The "Network Settings Wizard" will start. On the Connection Type tab, select Wireless & networks and click Next. A menu will open showing all available wireless networks. If any type of encryption is set in the router settings, you will need to enter the previously set password. After entering the password, the router and TV device will start working on the same home network.
If you study the modern TV market, then for the most part they support Smart TV functions. For example, LG has webOS TVs, Samsung has its own Smart System, while Sony and Philips use Android TV. Of course, there are still many other manufacturers, but that's not about that now. You should understand that Smart TVs are an additional source of income for manufacturers, as they aim to sell additional accessories with a good marketing approach.
With these TVs, users can take advantage of a ton of cool tricks. Among them, accessing the Internet directly from TV, watching YouTube, reading news, monitoring the weather and many others.
But you need to draw the attention of those who do not like to overpay, what will be more profitable - buy a TV with Smart TV or buy a TV without these functions, but choose a set-top box for it. All because it is not uncommon for an ordinary Android set-top box makes the TV much more “smart” than built-in systems. But for now we will not talk about this either, since the article is about how to connect a TV without wi-fi to the Internet via wi-fi.
Many TV models with a built-in Smart TV are supplied to customers without a built-in wi-fi receiver. Of course, the vast majority of new 2017 models come with a built-in receiver. Let's look at how to connect your TV without a wi-fi receiver to the Internet via wi-fi.
If the TV is not connected to the Internet, then there is no access to Smart-functions. The present LAN port does not always solve the problem, since the extra cable around the apartment will be annoying if it is not stretched along the box in the wall. And now this is still not enough, since not everyone has the opportunity to do this. And the cable is annoying with its presence because of the possibility even to simply hook it and topple an expensive TV.
TVs with Smart TVs without a wi-fi module can be attributed to the insidious plan of manufacturers. You can also equip the TV with a wireless module and make it a little more expensive within a couple of dollars. But they do not do that, wanting to sell the original wi-fi adapters at an overpriced price of three. It is not uncommon for the price of such an adapter to start at $ 100. And finding these adapters is not so easy. It is interesting that TV without wi-fi modules are sold and do not take into account the wishes of customers to connect to the World Wide Web using the usual wi-fi.
There are several options for how a TV without a wi-fi module can be connected to the Internet via wi-fi.
To begin with, we advise you to simply study in detail specifications Your TV and use the information from the manufacturer's official website for this. It happens that wi-fi is already present on your TV and it can be connected to wireless networks... Often, instructions for LG TVs help, as well as a separate instruction for connecting Philips to Android TV. If, nevertheless, there is definitely no built-in wi-fi receiver, then there is the option of buying a branded external USB adapter.
The second option is to buy the usual wi-fi adapter manufactured by TP-Link, D-Link and others. It just needs to be reflashed to work with the corresponding TV. We ourselves have not tried to do this, but it is very easy to find such information and firmware options on the Internet. Although according to the information provided, this process is clearly not an easy one.
The third option is to buy an ordinary inexpensive wi-fi router or repeater and subsequently configure the device to act as an adapter for TV without wi-fi. And now in more detail about this option for connecting a TV without wi-fi to the Internet via wi-fi.
How to makewi-fi adapter from router for TV with Smart without built-inwi-fi modules.
Everything is very, very simple. Almost any modern router can work in different modes... More precisely, as an amplifier (repeater), in the role of an access point, adapter or wireless bridge.
And now step-by-step instruction on how to make a wi-fi adapter from a router for your TV in order to connect the latter to wi-fi.
1. Buy a router. Any old one can be used. You can use completely cheap models like Netis and Totolink. Here the choice is yours, since routers from other manufacturers are also suitable.
2. We configure the router to adapter mode. If this mode is present, then the selected router will receive Internet from the located home wi-fi network and transmit this Internet to TV over a regular network cable. You can also use the bridge mode or the same network amplifier. Only in this mode will the router still strengthen your wi-fi network ..
3. Use a network cable to connect your TV to the router.
As a result, your TV set receives Internet via wi-fi and you do not need to pull a separate cable through the whole apartment.
Approximately it will look like this:
As an adapter, you can also use a regular repeater with a LAN port. Fortunately, LAN ports are present on almost all models.
What happens. A router or the same repeater can be purchased at any of the stores, including ours. Compared with branded Wi-Fi receivers from LG, Philips, Samsung and so on, the price may differ significantly. It all depends on what you choose. It's just that the original adapters are very expensive.
We hope that we were able to solve your problem with connecting a TV without a wi-fi module (receiver) to your home wireless network.
