Step-by-Step: Creating a Wireless Network - Part 3 (Troubleshooting) Let the Troubleshooting Begin Aaron Weiss
In Part 2 of “Creating a Wireless Network” we set up and configured your network, beaming data across your home or office. But sometimes, things go awry.
What if your network seems too slow or is unreliable? In the conclusion to our three-part series, we look at some common factors that can undermine your wireless network and offer suggestions for how you might be able to improve its performance.
Whether you've set up an 802.11b network, a “g” network, or an enhanced network with speeds of 108Mbps or more, experiencing maximum speed depends on the signal strength between your wireless router and your wireless computer.
Wireless networks are designed to slow down as the signal degrades, which generally is a good thing – it means your network isn't simply on or off, but capable of working under a variety of less-than-ideal conditions. But if yours is slowing down unnecessarily, you may have options to improve its speed.
Your signal strength will vary depending upon your wireless computer's location relative to your wireless router.
In Windows XP (see screen above) you can double-click the wireless networking icon in your taskbar to see your signal strength.
Mac OS X users can click the AirPort icon in the toolbar and choose Open Internet Connect from the drop-down menu to see a detailed signal strength meter (see screen above).
In practice, you may not see 100 percent signal strength yet still achieve near maximum network speed. Wireless performance is divided into segments. If your connection seems to hover under 60 percent or so in strength, consider why that may be.
Wireless Router Placement
Often, signal-strength problems are due to the location of your wireless router. Ideally, the more of a "bird's eye view" your wireless router has of your home or office, the stronger the signal will be throughout. Central, open locations on higher floors are ideal.
Of course, in practice, your wireless router needs access to power and, probably, your broadband modem. You may be able to relocate your broadband modem depending where your cable or phone lines enter your home or office, or extend the cabling between your broadband modem and router.
In particular, avoid placing your wireless router in basements or other locations surrounded by thick walls, which will weaken the wireless signal. The same rules apply to the other end of the connection, too — your wireless computer. Obviously, your distance from the router is one factor in signal strength, but within its rated operating range, distance is less important than dense physical obstacles.
Be sure that the antenna(s) on your wireless router are in an upright position. Usually this works best, but if you continue to experience signal strength weakness, try re-orienting the antennas by small amounts.
Unfortunately, all hardware is not created equal. Some models of wireless routers simply perform better than others. And different models of wireless add-on cards and built-in wireless reception on portable computers can vary widely. It's not uncommon for one model of portable computer to receive a weaker signal strength than another model or brand right beside it due to lower quality components.
Often, signal-strength problems are due to the location of your wireless router. Ideally, the more of a "bird's eye view" your wireless router has of your home or office, the stronger the signal will be throughout. Central, open locations on higher floors are ideal.