Better Wi-Fi made easier

How do I …. improve my home Wi-Fi signal?

Roughly one of every two wireless access point-routers don’t deliver anything near maximum signal power for the average home user.

Several minor tweaks can improve overall performance.

Here are the basic fixes:

•Reboot all devices using the Wi-Fi router. Turn off the PC, shut down your modem, then shut down the access point router. Then reboot the modem, reconnect the access point, then finally boot the computer.

•Change the channel. Sometimes your signal is getting interference from something else — such as a phone. Go into the access point settings and change the channel to five channels different from the current one (if you use Channel 1, choose Channel 6, for instance).

•Try relocating the router. Generally, the higher and more central its location, the better reach inside a building.

•Check the router manufacturer’s Web site and download available updates.