How to Increase a Wireless Device's Bandwidth

Wireless Internet is now accessible in such locations as coffee shops, libraries, airports and bookstores. Wireless networks offer users much easier connectivity and greater mobility than do wired networks. But the lack of wires can slow down connection speeds for your laptop or PC. While it is not actually possible to increase your wireless device's bandwidth--short of purchasing a faster Internet connection from your Internet service provider--certain things can be done to increase the speed of the wireless connection and use the current bandwidth as efficiently as possible.

• 1

  Locate your router close to your computer, or vice-versa. If a router is closer to a computer--and if it does not need to pass through walls--then the connection will be stronger. If you plan to move your computer around quite a bit, put the router in a central location.

• 2

  Purchase a USB wireless card. Most laptops have internal wireless cards. This means that the wireless signal must pass through the casing of the computer to reach the card, which will slow down the signal; more important, however, is that internal wireless cards lack antennae. USB wireless cards are external and have antennae; this will speed your connection considerably.

• 3

  Buy a new antenna for your wireless router. A high-gain antenna can dramatically increase the efficiency of the wireless signal.

• 4

  Adjust the channel on which your wireless signal is running. This can help reduce signal interference. Instructions on how to do this can be found in your router's user manual.

• 5

  Move your wireless router out of contact with metal objects or other electronics, as these can cause signal interference.