Business | Technology
Use extenders to boost weak signals
Having problems staying connected or receiving a signal with your wireless home network?
- By Scott Shuey, Chief Business Reporter
- Published: 00:56 March 29, 2008
Remember that your wireless network operates on radio waves, but unlike radio stations, the wireless signal in your home is much weaker. The router may say it has a range of 100m, but that's only in ideal conditions. A range of 30m is more realistic. Try these tips to help you stay connected.
1) Is there a lot of concrete between the wireless router and your computer? Concrete, a top construction material in Dubai, is one of the biggest inhibitor of low-frequency radio waves. If you're trying to connect from one floor to another, you're going to have a hard time maintaining a strong signal if you can even get one in the first place. Try to place your wireless router in a way to minimise this interference.
2) Try using a range extender, a device that attempts to boost a weak signal. These devices are placed in between your wireless routers and your computer. Extenders aren't too expensive (Dh300+) but they may give you the extra range you need. However, they can be difficult to configure.
3) Upgrade to a N-band wireless router. The A-, B-, and G-band routers are the most popular, but the N-band, which came onto the scene about two years ago, will provide a significantly stronger signal. Remember that when upgrading your router, you will also have to upgrade the wireless card in your computer.
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