Speed ​​up tips for wireless routers

Network administration - Every network has a router to access the Internet, but not everyone knows how to make the router work better. In this article we will introduce some router tips to speed up wireless connectivity in the network .

The router is the device that provides Internet connection for other devices on the network, so its speed is the main concern of users. However, unlike wired networks, in wireless networks, network signals suffer from interference from other devices in everyday life. In addition, the speed of wireless networks is also affected by many devices that use the same access point. Your device must compete with those devices in a limited bandwidth.

There are many ways to improve a wireless network, such as placing the router in the center of the covered area, leaving the router away from metal objects that may interfere with radio transmission, or ensuring There are not many devices that use radio waves at 2.4GHz (this is the standard frequency for most older routers). However, there are other tips that can speed up your wireless network:

Speed ​​test

Although there are many ways of evaluating a wireless network as slow or fast, however, by checking the speed of the connection, we will ensure the network connection speed is within the registration range for the provider. LAN Speed ​​Test software can help you realize that, it will provide upload and download speeds in Mb per second, from which you can check the speed according to the provider registration. service. Need to test several times and at different times of the day to know the actual results of Wi-Fi connection, thereby concluding whether there is a need to change the service pack to have a better connection speed. is not.

Change channel

To improve wireless network speed, you can adjust the broadcast channel to find channels with less interference from neighboring wireless routers. New routers can automatically select channels, but if you own older routers, you should follow the instructions below.

First, go to the router's console by entering the router or gateway address into the browser address bar on the computer connected to the router. It is possible to find the address of each router's web console in the user manual or online documents. For example, if using a D-Link router, the address to enter is http://192.168.0.1; If using a Linksys router, the address to enter is http://192.168.1.1 . After entering the correct address, the browser will ask you to enter the password and username.

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Using items in the GUI interface on each router is very different, but when you find the wireless options of the router (usually below headings like 'LAN' or 'Network'), you will see the option. Select the 'wireless channel'. Try each of the three channels (1, 6 and 11) and see how your network speed changes.

Add hardware

Adding hardware is also a way to expand coverage as well as speed up wireless networks. Most routers use multidirectional antennas (meaning they can broadcast radio signals in all directions), but you can invest in a single direction antenna to increase signal strength in one direction. some need. This method is quite great in case you have to put the router next to the wall and don't want to waste half of the remaining resources.

► Increase Wifi waves with . beer cans

Wireless repeaters also allow you to extend the coverage by repeating the signal emitted from the router. These repeaters cost about $ 20, but you can also create yourself a free wireless repeater using software.

Check who is accessing the network

There are many different security levels for each router, you must go to the router's GUI and check its wireless security settings. Normally, there will be a drop-down menu that allows you to set different security levels. WEP is the weakest type of security and is easily hacked; WPA and WPA2 are better, with WPA2 being the most secure and only available in newer routers.

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In the router's configuration (underneath the ' wireless ' or ' status ' section) there will be a list of devices connected to your system. It should be noted that this list of devices will have laptops, phones that have recently used Wi-Fi networks, in addition to printers or other devices that allow wireless access around your home. If you are unsure, you can compare the MAC (Media Access Control) address listed in the router's GUI with the MAC address of each device.

If an intrusion is detected, you can change the access password. Some routers allow to limit the number of devices connected to the network. There are also a number of programs that allow you to localize the location of network-based unauthorized access devices.

Block adult content sites by using OpenDNS

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OpenDNS can block fake attacks and adult sites

Many routers have Parent control options, but if the router is old and doesn't have this feature, you can use the OpenDNS service to control the content. When the browser receives an order to invoke a URL, OpenDNS will use its DNS lookup technique to find the address to visit and that will allow blocking some phishing or adult sites that do not match. suitable for young children.

OpenDNS does not require you to register (but the free version will appear some ads). Just go to the router's GUI and switch to using a static IP address; then in the DNS fields, enter the OpenDNS search number (can be found on the OpenDNS site). Doing this on the router instead of configuring OpenDNS on a specific computer will help protect all computers connected to that router.

Install upgrades or custom software

If you own an old router or the router settings do not provide all the desired functions, then you can upgrade the router's software. Typically, the router manufacturer will provide software upgrades that you can download on their website. In addition, there is another way to do this is to use the software provided by DD-WRT.

You can check the DD-WRT website to see if your router is compatible with this software. This upgrade will allow you to get a better firewall, specify the amount of bandwidth for each device on the network, and even allow the isolation of clients so that computers connected to the network cannot see each other (one Important options for hosting public access points). Follow the instructions on the site to install the new software for the router and use it to change the router according to your needs.