How to maximize range, speed & router location placement

Poor wireless signal and slow connectivity in your home network are mainly caused by physical obstructions, wireless interferences and sometimes by the wireless configuration set on your Linksys router.  If you are experiencing problems connecting your devices to the network, check on the common factors causing these issues and their recommended solutions below:

I.   Physical Obstructions
II.  Wireless Interferences
III. Wireless Security

I. Physical Obstructions

Wireless networks are susceptible to obstructions that may lead to low or poor signal connection.  Often, the signal gets reflected, refracted or absorbed by the obstruction.  Common obstructions are:  cabinets, mirrors, glasses, metal objects, thick walls and ceilings  
 
Solution:  If you have any of these objects between your wireless adapter and access point/router, consider relocating your access point/router somewhere high or in an elevated area to get around the obstruction.
 
II. Wireless Interferences

Neighboring wireless networks or any appliance that operates on the same frequency as your wireless device (e.g. 2.4 GHz) may cause interference affecting your wireless connection and signal.  Common sources of interference are:
  • Neighboring wireless networks
  • Microwave ovens
  • 2.4 GHz cordless telephones
  • Bluetooth devices
  • Wireless baby monitors   

Solution:  To resolve this, change the wireless channel on your access point/router.  In the U.S., preferred wireless channels to use are 1, 6 and 11 since they’re considered non-overlapping channels.  To learn how, click here.


QUICK TIP:  For Wireless N Dual Band-Routers, it is best to use 20 MHz when in a 2.4 GHz or 5 Ghz populated area to avoid wireless interference.  For less crowded networks, you can use 40 MHz on a 5GHz to your advantage.  If you're unsure, you may leave channel width at Auto.  This will automatically adjust the settings to 20 or 40 MHz, depending on which best fits your network.

III. Wireless Security

In order to take full advantage of the speed and range that your router’s wireless technology has to offer, the security settings configured on the router must be compatible with the adapter.

Solution:  If the wireless adapter, wireless router and all other devices in your network are Wireless-N, the following settings should be configured on your router for optimum Wireless-N performance:
  • Wireless network name (SSID)
This is the name of your wireless network.  If your default SSID is “Linksys”, it is recommended that you personalize it for security purposes.  To learn how to change the SSID on your router, click here.
  • Wireless Channel
For Wireless-N dual band routers, it is best to use 20 MHz when in a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz populated area to avoid wireless interference.  For less crowded networks, you can use 40 MHz on a 5 GHz.  If you're unsure, you may leave channel width at Auto.  This will automatically adjust the settings to 20 or 40 MHz, depending on which best fits your network.  To learn how to change the wireless channel, click here.
 
NOTE:  If you are selecting the 5 GHz wireless network, ensure that your wireless devices and adapters have a 5 GHz capability for selectable dual-band.  Otherwise, do not change the frequency of your router.  For instructions on how to check your wireless adapter’s capability, click here.
  • Wireless Security or Passphrase
It is the encryption method used to protect a wireless network from intruders.  For best Wireless-N performance, encrypt your router with WPA2-AES.  To learn how to configure this setting, click here.

After configuring your router with these settings, make sure that all wireless devices are in sync with the router’s wireless configuration. 

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