Since we have to rely on wi-fi only, I thought I'd throw a little tidbit out there.
In the US we have 11 channels to choose from. Quite often the default is channel 6, not a good choice for everyone. You can change your channel from your router's admin page. Ideally, you'd want at least 3 channels difference between your router and the others in your neighborhood. If you're in a large apartment complex, that may be difficult.
I was having trouble with my wireless earlier today so decided to check out the channel along with some wireless tools. Some interesting apps I found were Wifi Analyzer, Network Tester, Fing Network Tools, and WiGLE Wifi Wardriving. Unless you're REALLY interested in the network around you, probably just Wifi Analyzer will be of interest to you. I'm an IT person so I'm more network oriented than most of you.
This is a sample screenshot of Wi-fi Analyzer (from the Market page), showing all the wireless signals within range of your wifi device:
You want your wifi channel to be as far as possible away from other strong signals in your proximity. In the above scan, if I was Tom, I'd shoot for channel 10 or 11 so my devices would have less competition/interference from the other channels. Technically, your device will just transmit on the center of that channel, but strong signals can interfere with the channels next to it.
Bear in mind that this does not take into account wireless baby monitors, phones or other devices so testing should also be a part of your decision.
Some other useful wifi pointers:
How to improve your wireless network and boost its signal
How to chose the right WiFi channel
In the US we have 11 channels to choose from. Quite often the default is channel 6, not a good choice for everyone. You can change your channel from your router's admin page. Ideally, you'd want at least 3 channels difference between your router and the others in your neighborhood. If you're in a large apartment complex, that may be difficult.
I was having trouble with my wireless earlier today so decided to check out the channel along with some wireless tools. Some interesting apps I found were Wifi Analyzer, Network Tester, Fing Network Tools, and WiGLE Wifi Wardriving. Unless you're REALLY interested in the network around you, probably just Wifi Analyzer will be of interest to you. I'm an IT person so I'm more network oriented than most of you.
This is a sample screenshot of Wi-fi Analyzer (from the Market page), showing all the wireless signals within range of your wifi device:
You want your wifi channel to be as far as possible away from other strong signals in your proximity. In the above scan, if I was Tom, I'd shoot for channel 10 or 11 so my devices would have less competition/interference from the other channels. Technically, your device will just transmit on the center of that channel, but strong signals can interfere with the channels next to it.
Bear in mind that this does not take into account wireless baby monitors, phones or other devices so testing should also be a part of your decision.
Some other useful wifi pointers:
How to improve your wireless network and boost its signal
How to chose the right WiFi channel
