If you are reading this post then chances are that you are on a wireless network. WiFi or wireless fidelity (yes that's the full form) is one of the way in which we connect our devices to the internet. There are various standards based on IEEE 802.11 with 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) used in most devices. 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac i.e 2.4GHz and 5GHz band support is available in almost every flagship phone and some high end devices.
Usually when we get a new WiFi router, we just change the name of the wireless network and setup the password. However, there are various other settings and tweaks by which we can make the most out of the network.
Most of the budget routers available are based on the 2.4 GHz band. High end routers support both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. I personally make use of the TP-Link TL-WR841N router which is a 2.4 GHz budget router (Rs. 1200 or ~$ 19). If you live in any apartment or have many other residences nearby chances are that every household may have their own wifi network. Hence, interference does take place at times which may hinder your network. The reason for this is that the 2.4 GHz band consists of various channels. Now, usually in the auto mode of channel selection, we may find many networks clogged into some channels inspite of some being vacant.
Lets consider a case : There is a 6 lane highway and there are 6 vehicles. Consider it to be an expressway where there are no exits and other passes. The most ideal scenario for vehicle movement would be one vehicle in a lane. This will ensure seamless movement without any other vehicle's hindrances. However, if all those 6 vehicles are made to move in just 2 lanes then the traffic increases in those lanes and the condition worsens if restricted to just 1 lane.
Lets use this analogy in the case of multiple Wifi networks. Every network is a car and the highway is the 2.4 GHz band. Every lane is a channel. In the auto mode usually the condition of traffic takes place inspite of other channels being vacant. Therefore for a seamless movement we can select a particular channel that is vacant and make our network to operate in it. But What's the benefit ? Well, the major benefit would be in terms of the data speeds although limited to your pack and FUP also the changes will not be major depending on clogging. If the interference is very high only then one would notice considerable changes in speeds by shifting to a vacant or minimum crowded channel.
To detect such clogging and determine which channels are vacant, we can make us of apps like WiFi Analyzer which displays a map of various networks present in different channels. From that we can determine the channel ideal for our network.
Usually when we get a new WiFi router, we just change the name of the wireless network and setup the password. However, there are various other settings and tweaks by which we can make the most out of the network.
Most of the budget routers available are based on the 2.4 GHz band. High end routers support both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. I personally make use of the TP-Link TL-WR841N router which is a 2.4 GHz budget router (Rs. 1200 or ~$ 19). If you live in any apartment or have many other residences nearby chances are that every household may have their own wifi network. Hence, interference does take place at times which may hinder your network. The reason for this is that the 2.4 GHz band consists of various channels. Now, usually in the auto mode of channel selection, we may find many networks clogged into some channels inspite of some being vacant.
Lets consider a case : There is a 6 lane highway and there are 6 vehicles. Consider it to be an expressway where there are no exits and other passes. The most ideal scenario for vehicle movement would be one vehicle in a lane. This will ensure seamless movement without any other vehicle's hindrances. However, if all those 6 vehicles are made to move in just 2 lanes then the traffic increases in those lanes and the condition worsens if restricted to just 1 lane.
Lets use this analogy in the case of multiple Wifi networks. Every network is a car and the highway is the 2.4 GHz band. Every lane is a channel. In the auto mode usually the condition of traffic takes place inspite of other channels being vacant. Therefore for a seamless movement we can select a particular channel that is vacant and make our network to operate in it. But What's the benefit ? Well, the major benefit would be in terms of the data speeds although limited to your pack and FUP also the changes will not be major depending on clogging. If the interference is very high only then one would notice considerable changes in speeds by shifting to a vacant or minimum crowded channel.
To detect such clogging and determine which channels are vacant, we can make us of apps like WiFi Analyzer which displays a map of various networks present in different channels. From that we can determine the channel ideal for our network.
The above image shows the different channels and the networks. The Red waveform is our network which has been allotted channels automatically. The corresponding speed has been shown. Now, consider the below image.
The above image shows the channel allotted manually (in our case we selected channel 11) and the corresponding speed. Here, the download speed did improve and was very close to the designated speed. Well, it can be seen that there has not been a major improvement however the results will be best viewed in highly clogged areas. We did multiple tests and observed similar results to support the fact.
If you want to change the channel then head on to your WiFi router settings after log in (IP usually 192.168.X.X or might vary). From the settings select channel and change it from auto to the desired channel and you are good to go.
The above measure will ensure better connectivity and hindrance free usage. There are various other tips and tricks to get most out of the WiFi network including extending the range which we will be compiling it in the upcoming days. If this method assisted you in improving the speeds or network quality then do let us know in the comments below.