Digicare Ltd
Unit C
Stafford Park 12
TELFORD
TF3 3BJ
DIGICARE TOP TIPS & HOW TO GUIDE
First what we need to understand is that the speed of a wireless network depends on several factors. Wireless
local area networks (WLANs) feature different levels of performance depending on which Wi-Fi standard they
support. For example:

802.11b offers a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 11 Mbps.

802.11a and 802.11g offer theoretical bandwidths up to 54 Mbps.

802.11n offers a theoretical bandwidth up to 300 Mbps. (if your Network Interface Card (NIC) only supports
2.4Mhz your bandwidth is cut in half)
So what does that mean to you? Basically the performance of Wi-Fi networks in practice never reaches
the theoretical maximum. 802.11a/b/g/n networks generally operate no faster than about 50% of their
theoretical max. The difference between theoretical and actual real life performance comes down to protocol
overhead, signal interference, and decreasing signal strength over distance. Some factors can be addressed
while others cannot like overhead and most signal interference cannot.
So how do we solve these issues? Usually it takes some patience and a little luck.
First let’s address shared bandwidth - The more users you have on the same network the lower the available
bandwidth, the slower the apparent network speed. So let’s remove, disable or turn off all other devices that
may be communicating on your wireless network. For example, any other PC’s, your game system, the TV and
Blu-ray player may all have wireless access and may in fact be competing with your PC. This does not mean
that you cannot use all these devices simultaneously, only that they could be affecting your network speed.
Changing the connection method of some of these other devices could improve your connection. (For
example, using an Ethernet connection for your Desktop PC, TV, Blu-ray player and gaming system)
Now that we turned off the sources that may be competing with your PC we need to check your network and
security settings - These settings can be draining your connection speed. So where do you start? Start by
selecting something other than "mixed network" and selecting a standard that's supported by all your devices.

In an 802.11b/g/n mixed network, you can get good network speed by using 802.11n if connecting alone,
however once an 802.11g or 802.11b user joins the network, your network connection speed may be slowed
by half or more. Therefore, we suggest you use the wireless adapters that support same wireless standard
(802.11n, 802.11g or 802.11b) on wireless network to have better wireless network performance, and at the
same time you can configure wireless router to support that particular wireless standard only. So if your PC has
an 802.11b/g NIC you don’t want to set your router to support 802.11b/g/n.
Now that we have selected the best possible standard, let's take a look at your security settings. They may
have been this way all along and you haven't had any issues until now, but there is always a first time. Take
into consideration that the type of encryption you are using maybe wicking away up to 15% of your network
speed. WEP supposedly takes away ~5-10% of speeds due to the encryption method used, WPA isn't as bad,
and WPA2 is much better.
Now that we have the network and security settings squared away, let's try locating any devices that may be
the source of your network interference - These include but are not limited to: Other wireless networks,
Electronic devices and the router/AP's physical location
Other wireless networks – there may be nothing that you can do about this but there are a few things you
should consider. If you live in a location where your internet access is provided by one or two service
providers' and they use the same equipment it may be causing some interference. To try and correct the issue
change the router/AP channel to auto or select either 1, 6 or 11 as these three channels offer widest possible
range. By default most wireless equipment is set to 6. So if the default setting of your router is 6 you may
want to select 1 or 11, because odds are that your neighbors are set to that default channel.
The Microwave – I know it's strange, but your microwave while being used will operate near the 2.4GHz range
and can effect and even disrupt your internet connection. So moving your router/AP away from your
microwave is always a good move.
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Digicare Ltd
Unit C
Stafford Park 12
TELFORD
TF3 3BJ
DIGICARE TOP TIPS & HOW TO GUIDE
The cordless phone – many cordless phones operate and the same frequency that we use for internet
connectivity. Check your phone; it may be in fact operating at either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz range. With some
phones you can change what wireless channel they use. So change the channel from Auto to 1, 6 or 11 or as
far away from your router/AP channel as possible. If you can't change the channel or switch between 2.4GHz
to 5GHz you may want to replace that phone with an older model that uses the 900MHz range or a newer
model that uses a range higher than 5GHz. If you can't do any of those you may want to relocate either the
phone or router/AP to another location.
The router/AP physical location – This is a big one and you would be surprised how often it's overlooked. If
you are setting up your network for the first time this may be a good time to pick an ideal location, otherwise
you may need to contact your network provider for assistance. The best possible location for your router/AP is
the center of your home away from as much electronic equipment as possible and away from objects that
contain large amounts of metal. For example, if you live in a home with several floors select the middle level to
house the router/AP. Also center the router/AP so that it in the center of your home front to back. While
locating the router/AP in the center of your home is a great start you should also consider placing it off the
floor away from other electronic devices, perhaps placing it on a bookshelf or table to give it the best available
location. Of course other factors need to be considered like your furnishings and the materials' used to build
your home.
Good Router/AP Placement
Poor Router/AP Placement
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Digicare Ltd
Unit C
Stafford Park 12
TELFORD
TF3 3BJ
DIGICARE TOP TIPS & HOW TO GUIDE
Poor Router/AP Placement with AP/Repeater
The last thing you should consider is decreasing signal strength over distance. How far away your router/AP is
when you’re attempting to connect or stay connected. You will always have a better connection if you’re near
your router/AP. But what can you do if you can’t be near your router/AP? There are a few things you can do
and some might not be very popular but they work.

Install an additional AP/repeater to expand the range of your network

Replace the antenna on your router/AP (if the antenna is screwed onto the router/AP you may be able to
replace it with a better antenna)

Install an Ethernet connection in locations that have poor wireless network connectivity
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Digicare Ltd
Unit C
Stafford Park 12
TELFORD
TF3 3BJ
DIGICARE TOP TIPS & HOW TO GUIDE

Upgrade your router/AP (unfortunately some routers are better than others)
Slow Internet speeds can be affected by numerous factors. Firstly make sure the wireless is
enabled and not switched off on your NotePC.
Wireless connection enabled

Also make sure you router is correctly wired and connected to the internet using the
manufacturers specific guidelines.
 Generally the closer you are to your wireless router the better the signal is. So if you
are further away your signal is going to degrade. Test this by using the notebook in
different rooms away from the router. I you have solid internal walls then expect
the wireless signal to be weaker.
Full signal strength next to router
Try a ping test using the by typing the following into the CMD prompt will this establish that
your NotePC has internet connectivity.
Typing ping yahoo.com or ping yahoo.com or ping yahoo.com –t for a continuous ping test
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Digicare Ltd
Unit C
Stafford Park 12
TELFORD
TF3 3BJ
DIGICARE TOP TIPS & HOW TO GUIDE

The power management on your NotePC can also affect the performance of your
Wireless connection i.e. does the signal and network performance drop when not
plugged into the AC adaptor and working off battery power. You may need to change
a power management setting using the battery icon in the system tray.
1.2 How To Connect To A Wireless Network In Windows 8
Before You Begin
This guide explains how to connect your PC to a wireless network.
Before connecting your computer to your wireless network, you will need the following information from your
router or access point:

The SSID (or Network Name)

The type of security encryption if any (WEP, WPA, etc.)

The security encryption key or passphrase

The wireless standard used by your network (802.11a/b/g/n). Not all computers are compatible with
all wireless standards. Check the specifications page of your users manual for details.
If you are unsure of any of this information, contact your network administrator, internet provider or the
manufacturer of your router or access point.
Note: If you are setting up your wireless router or access point for the first time, be sure to complete the
router or the access point's initial setup before continuing. Consult the documentation that came with your
wireless router or access point for information about how to complete the initial setup.
Connecting To Your Wireless Network
To connect your PC to your wireless network, follow these steps:
1.
Make sure your wireless LAN is on by pressing the Fn key and the F key that displays a Wireless Icon.
On most laptops this is the F12 key though it can also be the F9 or F8 key.
2.
Move your mouse icon to the top right of your display and then move it vertically down the screen to
access the Charms menu.
3.
In the Charms menu, select Settings.
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Digicare Ltd
Unit C
Stafford Park 12
TELFORD
TF3 3BJ
DIGICARE TOP TIPS & HOW TO GUIDE
4.
In the Settings Menu, click on the Wireless symbol.
5.
A list of available wireless networks will appear. Click on the name of your wireless network and then
click Connect.
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Digicare Ltd
Unit C
Stafford Park 12
TELFORD
TF3 3BJ
DIGICARE TOP TIPS & HOW TO GUIDE
6.
If prompted, enter your wireless encryption key or passphrase in the field and then click OK.
7.
You are finished connecting to your wireless network.
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Digicare Ltd
Unit C
Stafford Park 12
TELFORD
TF3 3BJ
DIGICARE TOP TIPS & HOW TO GUIDE
1.3 How Do I Connect My PC To A Wireless Network? (Windows 7)
Before You Begin:
This guide explains how to connect your PC to a wireless network.
Note: If you have already followed the directions in this article and you are experiencing problems connecting
to a wireless network, please visit our Troubleshooting guides.
Before connecting your computer to your wireless network, you will need the following information from your
router or access point:

The SSID (or Network Name)

The type of security encryption if any (WEP, WPA, etc.)

The security encryption key or passphrase

The wireless standard used by your network (802.11a/b/g/n). Not all computers are compatible with
all wireless standards. Check the specifications page of your user's manual for details.
If you are unsure of any of this information, contact your network administrator, internet provider or the
manufacturer of your router or access point.
Note: If you are setting up your wireless router or access point for the first time, be sure to complete the
router's or the access point's initial setup before continuing. Consult the documentation that came with your
wireless router or access point for information about how to complete the initial setup.
Connecting To Your Wireless Network:
To connect your PC to your wireless network, follow these steps:
1.
Make sure your wireless LAN is on by pressing the Fn+F9 key. Wireless LAN ON will appear on the
screen when activated.
Note: On some models, you need to press the Fn+F8 key. To confirm which keys to use, see your
Users Guide.
2.
Left click the wireless network icon in the system tray (near the time display). The wireless networks
list will appear.
3.
Click the name of your wireless network, and then click Connect.
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Digicare Ltd
Unit C
Stafford Park 12
TELFORD
TF3 3BJ
DIGICARE TOP TIPS & HOW TO GUIDE
4.
If prompted, enter your wireless encryption key or passphrase in the field, and then click OK.
5.
After you see the wireless network icon turn completely white, you are finished connecting to your
wireless network.
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Digicare Ltd
Unit C
Stafford Park 12
TELFORD
TF3 3BJ
DIGICARE TOP TIPS & HOW TO GUIDE
1.4 Problems Connecting To A Wireless Network
If you are experiencing problems connecting to your wireless network, you could have an improper network
setup or outdated drivers and firmware.
Before You Troubleshoot
Before troubleshooting your wireless network connection, you should remove the wireless network from the
preferred networks list on your computer.
Note: If your network requires you to enter a password or key code to connect, then it has security and you
should verify the password or key code.
To verify the password or key code, click Start, and then type in your network security key or password.

If it does not show up correctly, ensure that NumLock is disabled by pressing the Fn key and the F11 key at the
same time, and then type it again.

If key or password shows up correctly, click the Start button again to close the Start menu.
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Digicare Ltd
Unit C
Stafford Park 12
TELFORD
TF3 3BJ
DIGICARE TOP TIPS & HOW TO GUIDE
Removing The Wireless Network From The Preferred Networks List
To remove your wireless network from the preferred networks list, follow these steps:
Right click the Wireless Network Connection icon in the system tray, and then left click Network and Sharing
Center
1.5 Wireless Adaptor set to Maximum performance on Battery
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Digicare Ltd
Unit C
Stafford Park 12
TELFORD
TF3 3BJ
DIGICARE TOP TIPS & HOW TO GUIDE


Most ISPs use some sort of traffic management whereby internet speed can be
affected by the time of day you use it. For instance on the Peak time of the day; you
may find that your internet speeds are slower than lower traffic times. In addition
you may have an internet fair use policy which may have been exceeded and causing
your speeds to be very slow.
Sometimes if you are able to test two similar specification machines you can get an
idea whether a system is performing badly.
2.1 How To Disable/Enable The Touchpad (Windows 7)
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