Sometimes Wi-Fi doesn't seem to make any sense. You're trying to connect to your home network but you're getting a stronger signal from the neighbor's router than your own router.

Inconsistent coverage is one of Wi-Fi's big problems. It always seems to stop just short of where you need it. Even when you do connect, the signal is spotty and unbearably slow. Fortunately, there are several tricks to boost a Wi-Fi signal. Even better, most of these tricks are free.

Before we get started, there's always one in every crowd. If your Wi-Fi is already perfect, I still have one trick up my sleeve for you. Go to to find out how to speed up your Internet for free.

Choose right location

Most Wi-Fi antennas are omni-directional - the signal goes every direction equally. So if you put the router along an outside wall, you're wasting half your signal outside. In fact, many times that's why you get such a strong signal from your neighbors. They're making the same mistake.

Cool trick: If you need to send a Wi-Fi signal a long-distance in just one direction, you can add a parabolic reflector to your antenna. Go to to learn how to make one with a beer can (or any can). If your router has an internal antenna, a sheet of curved aluminum foil set behind the router can work as well.

For the best all-around signal, you want your router as close as possible to the middle of the house, or the middle of the area where you need it. That means if you live in a two-story house, you want it either on the first floor near the ceiling, or on the second floor near the ground.

You should also pay attention to what's around the router. Putting it right next to a wall or inside a bookcase can partially block the signal. And definitely keep it away from metal, a microwave or a cordless telephone.

Change the channel

If you've moved the router and it didn't help as much as you'd hoped, then you might need to tweak a router setting. This mostly applies to 802.11g and older 802.11n routers. If you have an 802.11n router purchased in the last few years or an 802.11ac router, it should do this for you automatically.

To access the settings, open your computer browser and type in the router's IP address. The IP address will be in your router's manual, which will also tell you the default router username and password so you can log in.

Can't find your manual? Download free manuals for thousands of gadgets at

Important side note: If you haven't changed your router's default password, you're leaving it wide open for hackers. So, be sure to change the password while you're in the settings.

Once you're in the settings, you can adjust the router broadcast channel to reduce interference with other routers. Most 802.11n and g routers are set to channel 1, 6 or 11, and you should stick to one of those. For example, if your router is set to channel 1, try switching to 6 or 11 and see if that improves your signal.

If you want to see what's really happening in the invisible world of radio waves, grab a program like Vistumbler at for your laptop or the Wi-Fi Analyzer app at for your Android gadget. Both will show you the routers in your area and what channels they're using.

You don't want too many routers using the same channel. See how many routers are using channels 1, 6, and 11 and use whichever channel is least crowded.

Upgrade your router

If you do have an 802.11b, 802.11g or older 802.11n router, it might be best to upgrade to a new router.

Newer routers often have better range, faster speeds and extra features like guest networks.

Go to to read my essential router buying guide for more advice.

You can also buy a Wi-Fi booster or range extender, but unless you have an especially large house, those shouldn't be necessary.

If you do buy a new router, you might be able to use your old router as a range extender - go to to learn how.
