How To: Wireless LAN Performance Improvement



Introduction

Probably the most frequently asked question about wireless LANs is how to improve their performance. Although the focus is usually on improving range, what people many times want is to get a better (or any!) wireless connection from a specific location in their home or small office.

There are actually a lot more options than you might think for attacking this problem, and this NTK will attempt to leave no stone unturned in the quest for a more satisfying wireless experience. What it won't cover, however, are techniques for wireless bridging, i.e. connecting multiple wired lans via wireless links. That info is presented in my Wireless Bridging NTK. I'll also be primarily focusing on indoor/short-range WLANs and leave the subject of long-range wireless LANs for another article.

NOTE: Please read references to access points (AP) or wireless routers as applicable to both kinds of products unless otherwise noted.