Tech Support

Resolving Weak Signal Issues

Here are a few things that you can do to try to resolve a weak signal issue.

1. Try moving your device outside or near a window.

If you have seen access points on your street, use a window near the front of the house, otherwise try out the back of the house.

2. Upgrade to the ‘N’ standard

Although wireless-G (802.11g) may be the most common type of wireless network, wireless-N (802.11n) is at least twice as fast and it has better range and stability. Wireless-N is backward-compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g, so you can still use any existing wireless equipment that you have—though you won’t see much improvement in performance until you upgrade your computer or network adapter to wireless-G, too.

If you’re using wireless-B or wireless-G and you’re unhappy with your network’s speed and performance, consider replacing your router and network adapters with wireless-N equipment. If you’re buying new equipment, definitely choose wireless-N. Linksys Wireless-N routers, for example, are powerful, secure, and simple to set up. So are Linksys Wireless-N USB wireless network adapters.

Find out which wireless technology is installed on your computer:

Windows 7

  • Click Start, and then click Device and Printers.
  • Right-click the icon of your computer, and then click Properties.
  • Click the Hardware tab. Scroll through the list until you see your wireless card or adapter. Under Name, you will see 802.11n or Wireless-N, 802.11g or Wireless-G, or 802.11b or Wireless-B.

    • Windows Vista

  • Click Start, click Network and Internet, and then click Network and Sharing Center.
  • On the left, under Tasks, click Manage Network Connections.
  • Double-click Wireless Network Connection, and then click Details. Under the description, you will see 802.11n or Wireless-N, 802.11g or Wireless-G, or 802.11b or Wireless-B.

    • 3. Reduce Wireless Interference

    The most common wireless technology, 802.11g (wireless-G), operates at a frequency of 2.4 gigahertz (GHz). Many cordless phones, microwave ovens, baby monitors, garage door openers, and other wireless electronics also use this frequency. If you use these wireless devices in your home, your computer might not be able to “hear” your router over the noise coming from them.

    If your network uses wireless-G, you can quiet the noise by avoiding wireless electronics that use the 2.4 GHz frequency. Instead, look for cordless phones and other devices that use the 5.8 GHz or 900 megahertz (MHz) frequencies. Because 802.11n (wireless-N) operates at both 2.4 GHz and the less frequently used 5.0 GHz frequency, you may experience less interference on your network if you use this technology.

    4. Try out a CPE Wireless Antenna

    The Old Brooklyn CDC is developing a lending library that will offer Wireless N antennas as loans so that residents may “Try it before they buy it”.  Residents will have to fill out an application, provide a valid ID, and a deposit equal to the value of the unit.  A late fee may be assessed for units not returned in the required time period, and deposits will be forfeited for devices not returned.

    5. Purchase a CPE Wireless Antenna

    The Old Brooklyn CDC is working with a local vendor to make CPE’s available.  For more information on how to order a CPE Wireless Antenna call 216-509-1740.