Maximize your Wi-Fi signal on a minimized budget

We would love to get a new router for our home computers. Unfortunately, it's not in the budget right now. Sigh. So we continue to work with the one we have. And our Wi-Fi connection is...meh. If you find yourself in the same boat, just know there are things you can do to maximize the power of the router you have. I found some dandy suggestions at Yahoo's tech blog.

Well, okay, okay. The blogger's first suggestion is to upgrade to newer and more powerful technology, which I've already ruled out for myself. However, his subsequent tips reminded me that any wireless connection can be improved with a little patient experimentation. For example, did you know that the antenna on your router does not have to stand straight upright? Twist it around. Go nuts. Second, play around with your router's location. Help that good Wi-Fi juice flow through all the obstacles in its way (primarily walls, electronic devices or appliances), and make its way to your laptop. Heck, I've heard that even a soda can could improve your connection!

There are also a couple cool little add-ons you can try with your existing router. Option one: try a high-gain antenna to replace the standard one on your router box. Option two: you could also try a range extender. Finally, if you're comfortable getting more technical, you can try switching your router to a different channel. Go to your router manufacturer's website for instructions on how to do this.

This not your problem? Got so much Wi-Fi power your neighbors are stealing your signal? Yes, we can make that little problem go away, too!

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