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Speed
Up Wireless - Nov. 13
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November 13, 2011
Ways To Speed Up Wireless Dear Computer Dude, Can I speed up my LAN with a different wireless router? I know I can't speed up what my Internet provider does, but sometimes my home network seems boggy. Would a new wireless router help?
Dear
Cindi, As a former boss once told me, you can do anything if you have enough money. Fortunately, there are some inexpensive things you can do first to improve your wireless network speed. For starters, use the same technique I recommend anytime a piece of computer equipment gets sluggish or balky - turn it off. Turn off your wireless router and your computer. Then after at least 60 seconds, turn on the router first, then the computer. This will flush whatever might be in virtual memory and the cache on your computer, and will force the router to re-search for the internet IP address. Sometimes internet providers that use dynamic IP's for their internet connection will change IP addresses, so this will ensure you're using their newest and fastest. Another tip is to check and see if your wireless router is getting interference from your cordless phone, wireless camera, or other wireless device. For example, if you're using a 2.4mHz router, and your cordless phone is also 2.4mHz, you may be getting interference that will slow down your wireless connection when the phone is in use. A common speed issue occurs if your wireless is being mooched by someone else. Make sure you have enabled the security on your wireless router. It's a pain to have to set it up and occasionally re-enter the key from your laptop, but a neighbor could be slowing you down by tapping into your wireless internet without you knowing it. As always, you want to make sure your computer is running at top speed. If you have a lot of programs open, especially those you might not be aware of, it will cut into your computer's hustle factor. Click the < at the lower right on Windows-based machines. If you have a lot of icons there, you have a lot of programs eating up your resources. Close a few, and even uninstall those you don't use (like MSN Messenger, WeatherBug, etc.). Doing a Disk Cleanup and Disk Defrag should also give you a performance boost. On Windows machines, go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and Disk Cleanup. Once that process runs, go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and Disk Defragmenter. These processes will take some time, sometimes as much as an hour, but it's a good housekeeping idea. If none of the above get you the speed you want, start by checking your actual internet speed. Use a speed test like www.speedtest.net. Be sure to use the "Begin Test - Recommended Server." Avoid the "Scan Now" and "Start Now" buttons at the top and right side, because they are simply come-on ads that will want you to pay for something. Make sure the speed shown in the test is close to the speed you are paying for from your internet provider. If it's slower, contact your provider (the phone company, the cable company, whoever is providing your internet) and ask them nicely to check into why your speed seems slow. Sometimes it's something simple they can fix on their end. If after all this you still think your wireless is slow, upgrade your wireless router. A "G" class router is what most people are using, which transmits at 54 mbps (megabits per second, a speed rating). You can upgrade to an "N" class router which transmits at 108 mbps, but be sure your wireless laptop or desktop device is N class compatible. (Older laptops won't be). In some instances, you'll have to also get an N class wireless device for your laptop or computer. A new N router will run you anywhere from $30 for a cheap Belkin to $80 for a good Netgear dual band router (The dual bands claim a transmit of 300 mbps, but I'm skeptical). An N wireless adapter (receiver) that plugs into your USB port will run between $30 and $50. As always, if you're uncomfortable with things like this (when you say "wireless" or "networks," that includes most people), call a professional technician to do it for you, who will make sure you get the right and compatible parts. Hope this helps!
*Computer Dude If you have a question or need advice about a computer problem, e-mail it to help@compuhelpus.com and we'll try to answer it here in a future column. Or to schedule an appointment for a Computer Help technician to come to your home or business in the Mesquite, Nevada area, call (702) 346-6357 and mention this story for the lowest rate in town. |
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