Top 5 simple tips that can spread Wi-Fi throughout your houseStep 1: Figure Out The Right Network Standard For YouStep 2: Design Your NetworkStep 3: Purchase Your GearStep 4: Hook Up Your NetworkStep 5: Secure Your Network
The last few years have seen the sudden rise and use of wireless networks. Wireless networks can be a lifesaver like most advanced technologies. In comparison to wired networks, the speeds are either equal or in some cases even faster. However, on the other hand, it becomes very frustrating when your home wireless network is moving at a snail’s pace. The speed of wireless network connection in reality actually depends on your proximity to the router. For instance, if you are on the farther side of the house, you might get slow Internet or nothing at all. Such a connectivity when you are trying to check an important email or trying to send an important file. So, how do you take full advantage of the home tech? Well, the solution is simple. Provided below is the five-step guide that will help solve your wireless networking problem, when you find yourself overwhelmed by bad reception and painfully slow download speeds:
Step 1: Figure Out The Right Network Standard For You
There are five wireless network standards: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac. Any of them can be used, while keeping in mind the below:
802.11a is particularly used by large corporate networks.
802.11b is low-cost, but it has a slow maximum speed (11 Mbps) and tends to get some interference from home appliances. Provide enough space in-between your router and objects like cordless phones and microwaves to avoid this problem.
802.11g is the newest of the three standards, and it combines the best aspects of 802.11a and 802.11b. It’s also backward-compatible with everything that runs on 802.11b. 802.11g has a maximum speed of 54 Mbps, which is solid for most home use.
Recently finalized with a top speed of 600 Mbps, 802.11n standard is the best so far. The N routers are still new and may have problems with devices configured for 802.11b/g networks. Irrespective of the standard, ensure that all your equipment like computer, router, etc. runs on the same one. For instance, an 802.11g router won’t run with an 802.11a range extender. You can get away with 802.11g for personal use, or some 802.11ac equipment, if you want to be fancy.
Step 2: Design Your Network
The next step is to decide where to place the gear and how much of your house to cover. Majority of users dont give a damn to this all important aspect. Normally the Wi-Fi router is placed in a prominent position without consideration for the size of the home, material used to construct the walls or the walls that could interfere with the signals. Brick or concrete walls, for instance, will need a different layout than a wood-frame home. Depending on your home’s size (for anything under 1200 square feet, a router alone should be fine), you should plan to buy one wireless router as well as at least one range booster. Placing the gear in central locations would be the best option: The router should go within easy wiring distance of your ISP’s Ethernet modem, with the range booster accessible to force out greater coverage.
Step 3: Purchase Your Gear
Cisco, Netgear, and Alfa are just a few of the wireless networking gadgets names available on the market. Note that there is no perfect way to run this, as every router can come with its own set of problems. However, you need not worry too much as long as you stay within the same family, since the wireless standards are fairly common. If you have got a small studio apartment, then probably you don’t need that range extender, and can get away with a less expensive wireless router. However, on the other hand, if you want better-quality coverage through an entire house, then, in that case, you may likely want to jump for a higher-end system. All boils down to budget, but when it comes to wireless networking equipment, you get what you pay for.
Step 4: Hook Up Your Network
The simplest part is installation, irrespective of which router and repeater you choose. Power down your ISP’s modem, plug your new router into the appropriate output port, and then plug your router into your primary computer. Power everything up and wait for the on-screen instructions to appear and help you set up the router. It will take a few minutes, but once the lights blink green on the router, you are good to go on at least one floor of your home. Your repeater/range extender installation runs much the same way. However, before keeping the extender where you want, ensure that is recognized on your network. You can do this by getting the extender into the same room as the router and powering it on. Once your extender is identified by the router and the software has been installed to make them talk to each other, you can move the device where you actually want it. Note that radio interference can cause havoc with your network.
Step 5: Secure Your Network
Simply installing your router can result in an unsecured network that anyone can get access to, which in turn can kill your bandwidth and potentially make your files fair game for theft. To make it secure, create a network password and encryption profile. All you need to do is enter the admin dashboard for your router, which can be done in any one of two ways: Either through the software package that came with your router, or by visiting www.routerlogin.com and entering the default username and password (found in manufacturer instructions). Follow the on-screen instructions, set a strong and proper password. It’s done. From now on, you should have a secured wireless network that is available throughout your house and, if done right, maybe into your yard too.
