First, it is a good idea is to find the limits of the internet connection based on the distance from the signal. If you are using a laptop, walk around with your computer to try to find where the signal is strongest. You’ll also want to prevent interference from objects that can block the signal. As you look for the strongest signal, avoid walls, windows, fences and even other electronic devices. All of these things can weaken the signal of the connection.
You may look rather odd doing this in a public location, so consider doing it during non peak hours, or while wearing a disguise.

You may also need to upgrade your wireless modem, or its drivers. and consider purchasing an antenna, or just paying for your own internet connection like I did.

Common household appliances and electronic devices, such as television sets and microwave ovens, often emit their own electrical signals that could hamper wireless reception. Therefore, as a first step, positioning routers away from these forms of interference can greatly enhance the connectivity of multiple users. Additionally, programming individual router units to broadcast separate frequencies can help prevent signal confusion and improve network security.

Because electromagnetic waves are reflected by metallic materials, wireless network signals can also be directed toward individual computers with the use of reflectors constructed out of tin foil. Simply position these items behind routers and nearby computers to direct any lost receptions toward their proper destinations for extended range and strength.

With some basic planning and preparation, a wireless network’s signal can be cheaply and effectively boosted without any headache or much time invested. Not only will your Internet browsing be faster, but it will be considerably more reliable.

1. Secure your wireless router and access point with a password. Many people skip this step and leave their network accessible by anyone in the vicinity. Even more people use the password feature but use passwords that are embarrassingly easy to guess. Think of a secure password that will prevent unwanted users with unwanted intentions.
2. Don’t broadcast your Service Set Identifier (SSID). This way, when you or anyone near you goes to connect to a wireless network, the name of your network and the option to connect to it will be invisible.
3. Enable Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption instead of Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP). WEP encryption has many weaknesses that make it extremely vulnerable to hackers. WPA is easier to use and provides much better protection. If you have a Windows XP or modern hardware, the WPA support is most likely built in. However, if your wireless device only supports WEP encryption, the protection it provides is still better than nothing. Choose a complex encryption key and change it often to get optimal protection.
4. Use Media Access Control (MAC) filtering for access control. MAC addresses are unique to specific network adaptors, enabling you to limit network access to systems you approve. To use MAC filtering, enter the 12 character MAC address of the systems you approve to connect to the network. While this may be inconvenient, it builds a strong wall of protection against intruders.
5. Lower the power of your WLAN transmitter. Reducing the range of the signal reduces the perimeter the signal reaches so outsiders won’t have as good a chance of connecting.