Fix Wi-Fi broadband problems

Why does my wireless connection keep dropping?

Plenty of things can block a Wi-Fi signal – brick walls, concrete, metal and mirrors are the worst offenders. Make sure your wireless router is positioned fairly high (on top of a desk rather than under it) and there are not too many solid items in the way of the signal. Also make sure your wireless adapter is fully compatible with your router – made by the same manufacturer and offers the same speed, coverage and advanced features.

Interference from nearby wireless devices or electrical equipment can mess up your Wi-Fi signal, so it might be worth changing the channel your router transmits on to solve this. Access your router's settings through its web configuration interface and look under Wi-Fi. Select a new channel and apply it. The change will be made instantly - you don't need to disconnect or reboot.

How else can I improve my wireless signal?

Another way to improve a weak Wi-Fi connection is to add a wireless repeater (also known as a range extender) to your network. This device receives the Wi-Fi signal from your router and boosts it, thereby eliminating any dead spots and providing greater coverage. You can add multiple repeaters to a set-up if required.

One way to shape your wireless signal is to add a parabolic reflector to the back of your router. This is essentially a curved dish which can eliminate your signal from one area (preventing it from passing through an external wall, for example) and enhance it everywhere else. It's cheap and easy to make - all you need is a pair of scissors, some cardboard, sticky tape and a roll of tin foil - parabolic reflector template.

How can I turn a plug into a wireless access point?

A HomePlug Powerline network consists of adapters which connect to any plug socket in your home and transmit data alongside the electrical wiring (power uses the 50Hz band and data the higher 2-28MHz frequencies).

This guarantees you a rock-solid connection throughout the house, but without having to worry about any messy trailing wires. Best of all, you can now also buy the plugs with an integrated wireless interface built in, which basically means every electrical socket in the house has the potential to be a full-strength wireless access point. The dLAN Wireless extender Starter Kit costs from £87.

How can I secure my wireless connection?

To prevent people connecting to your wireless network and prying into your online activities, you'll need to encrypt it. This is done through the router settings page. WEP encryption should mostly be avoided (unless it’s the only option on offer) as it’s now very easy to crack. Instead go for WPA or WPA2. When securing your network you will need to enter a network key. This 'passphrase' should be a mixture of numbers and letters – the longer the better. You may be given up to 63 characters to play with.

If you have a router the chances are it will have a hardware firewall built in, which will help to protect you from outside intrusions. This can be configured via the router settings page. You should also make sure you install a software firewall if you haven’t already done so. The best free ones include ZoneAlarm, Comodo Firewall Pro, and PC Tools Firewall Plus.