How to Increase a Wireless Signal From Upstairs
- 1). Position your wireless router in a central location. If you have multiple computers in the home, try to set the router in an area that shares the signal equally. Keep it away from walls, elevated off the floor and out of corners. Be mindful of what's around it, and avoid setting it near other wireless devices that may interfere with the signal. The more walls or obstacles you have between the wireless router and your computer, the weaker the signal.
- 2). Reposition the antenna on your wireless router so it's standing upright. A wireless router's antenna is known as an omnidirectional antenna. This means the signal goes in all directions, so if it's lying down or leaning too far to one side, it may not be getting the signal required to keep you connected to the Internet.
- 3). Replace the antenna on your wireless router. Depending on how old your router is, it may just need a new piece of equipment. Contact the manufacturer of your wireless router to order a replacement.
- 4). Attach a wireless repeater to your existing router. This helps to extend your wireless signal and increase its reception, as the repeater picks up signals the original wireless router might not.
- 5). Upgrade your internal network cards. This is especially true if you're trying to connect an older system. Newer network cards offer a stronger signal when trying to connect wirelessly to a network or the Internet.
- 6). Add a wireless adapter to the computers with weaker connections. An adapter these days is a smaller antenna you connect to your PC or laptop through a USB port. The extra antenna connected to your computer boosts the signal as if you were connected directly to your wireless router.