Few things you can do to get a better Wi-Fi signal
When you are on the go, you probably have even less time to fiddle with various devices to strengthen a Wi-Fi signal. The following tips should save you time and land you a better connection.
- Maximize coverage in your adapter settings. Switch Power Management and Transmit Power to maximum, and enable Throughput Enhancement.
- If you brought your Wi-Fi adapter or are using a built-in one, turn it off. Switch it on after five to 10 minutes or after you have reached a new locality.
- Chances are that your wireless router has two settings: 802.11b and 802.11g. Switch off the 802.11b setting; it is out of date and decreases your connection speeds.
- You may be travelling where there is no Wi-Fi. No problem. You can either adjust your wireless plan to turn your smartphone into a Wi-Fi hotspot, or you can opt for a Mi-Fi hotspot. Mi-Fi devices are pocket-sized and enable you to connect several devices through your cellphone carrier. As of 2014, a Mi-Fi device costs about $50 and likely comes with a two-year contract. Expect to spend about $20-$30 a month on a data plan.
- When you are using public Wi-Fi, the more users there are, the slower your connection. Hotels and other public places often position their routers in ceilings or wall panels and places out of view. This often means you must move closer to entrances such as the door of your hotel room. Hotels often have only one base station, with Wi-Fi repeaters for each floor or every other floor. The closer you are to the repeater or base station, the better.
- Sometimes an old-fashioned method such as checking out signal strength from various points works best.
