How to Increase Data Rate Over Wireless Channels

Wireless Internet has, over the last decade, become incredibly widespread in public locations. In contrast to wired Internet, which requires all computers to be physically connected to an Internet network, wireless Internet requires no physical connection and, as such, allows for many easy connections to the wireless network; it also allows for greater mobility, as the positions of computers are no longer limited to the greatest length of Ethernet wire possible. However, the lack of wires does slow down Internet speed, and so, in some events, it is important to find ways to increase your wireless data rate.

• 1

  Update your router's firmware. You can find updated firmware at the website of your router's manufacturer.

• 2

  Upgrade your equipment. There are many wireless protocols; some are old, some are new. For example, 802.11g is significantly newer than 802.11b, and it performs much more efficiently. Note that routers are set to use a certain wireless protocol, so you will need to buy a new router if you desire to move to a newer wireless protocol.

• 3

  Buy a USB wireless adapter for your computer. Most computers---especially desktops---have wireless cards that are installed inside the computer's casing. This means that wireless signals have an extra layer of material to penetrate before they can reach the wireless adapter. USB wireless adapters are located outside of the computer's casing.

• 4

  Move the wireless router away from close contact with other electronics. Other electronics can cause interference, which will slow the wireless signal.

• 5

  Avoid portable phones in the 2.4 gigahertz frequency range. 2.4 gigahertz is the frequency that wireless routers use, and two wireless devices operating on the same frequency will interfere with each other.

• 6

  Move your router closer to your computer or vice-versa. The shorter the distance the wireless signal needs to travel, and the less walls it must penetrate, the faster the connection will be.

• 7

  Change the channel that the wireless router is operating on. This can help clear up interference. For information on how to do this, read your router's documentation.