Faster Wi-Fi: top wireless tips

1) How to find your router's settings

A router with Wi-Fi is the most common means of providing wireless internet in the home. Some of the following tips involve changing settings to the router, which usually means you need to type its IP address into a web browser, then enter a username and password.

In Windows XP, go to Network Connections in the Control Panel and double-click the wireless connection. On the Support Tab is the default gateway. Next to this will be a number - 192.168.2.1 or something similar - which is the router's IP address. 

In Windows 7 and Vista, go to 'Network and Sharing Center' in the Control Panel and click 'See full map'. Let the mouse hover over the gateway and you'll see the router's IP address.

Accessing the router's settings is like browsing a website - you'll find lots of forms, buttons and drop-down menus. Look for the wireless section to tweak the settings. This is different for each model of router so if you run into problems, check your manual.

2) Reset your router

Sometimes the internet slows down or stops completely. Resetting the router often helps as does restarting the computer. If there's a power switch on the router, then switch it off, wait a few seconds and switch it back on. You'll find the internet is faster and more responsive.

3) Change your Wi-Fi channel

Wi-Fi equipment broadcasts on channels. If your router and your neighbour's router are both broadcasting on the same channel, you may get slow or poor internet access. Go into the router settings and choose a new channel in the wireless section. You'll need to save the settings and restart the router afterwards. If you don't know which channel your neighbour uses, WiFi Stumbler will set your router to an unused channel.  

4) Use Windows to access your Wi-Fi

There are two ways to access wireless networks - you can either use the software supplied with the Wi-Fi adapter or use Windows instead. If there's an icon at the right-side of the Taskbar to access the wireless networking software, try right-clicking it to see if there's a menu, or open the full program to check for options. You may see one that says something like 'Use Windows wireless zero configuration'. If you have problems with your Wi-Fi network, it's worth trying. You may find it easier to connect to and use the wireless networks if you're using the Windows software.

5) Use the same Wi-Fi brand

Using Wi-Fi adapters and wireless routers from the same company sometimes makes for better network performance and faster internet access than mixing devices from different manufacturers. Stick to the same brand if you can. 

6) Reduce Wi-Fi interference

Most wireless networks use the 2.4GHz frequency band. To improve the quality of the signal and get better internet access, make sure other devices in your home, such as cordless phones, use a different frequency band. It reduces the potential for interference.

7) Move your Wi-Fi router for better performance

Problems connecting to your home network may be solved by moving the router. It obviously needs to be within reach of the telephone socket, but it may help to move it to a higher position, away from walls and nearby objects. If you have a second telephone socket in the house, try that one instead.

8) Extend your Wi-Fi aerial

Some computers have built-in Wi-Fi, but if you have a wireless dongle or a screw-in aerial at the back of the computer, you can easily boost the speed and range of your network. A USB extension cable with a male socket on one end and a female on the other will let you places in the wireless dongle in a better position. Some, such as the Belkin Wireless N+ USB Adapter (£49.99), come with an extension and stand included. An aerial extension lead may also be available if there's an aerial socket at the back of your PC.

9) Use faster networking standards

Routers tend to default to the most compatible mode of operation so they work with any device, but this means you may be using older, slower networking standards. Go into the router set-up and, in the wireless settings, you'll find options for 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n and various mixtures. 802.11n is fastest, so if your devices support it, choose it as the only standard to use.