If a wireless network has a low signal strength, the transfer of information across the network could be slow or you might not be able to access certain parts of the network.

Here are solutions to some common problems with low wireless signal strength:

Your computer is too far from the wireless router or access point.

Move your computer closer to the router or access point. If your computer is portable, try moving it around to determine the range of the wireless signal and the best place to use the computer.

If you can't get closer to the router or access point, consider buying and installing an external antenna for your wireless network adapter. Many wireless network adapters are set up so that you can attach an external antenna to them, which provides better reception than the built-in antenna. Check the information that came with your wireless network adapter to see if you can install an additional antenna.

The wireless router or access point is turned off or isn't working properly.

There are two things to try:

• Make sure the router or access point is turned on and that the wireless signal light is illuminated.
• Reset the router or access point by turning it off, waiting at least 10 seconds, and then turning it back on. If you don't own the access point or don't manage the network, contact the network administrator.

There is interference from other devices.

If you have 802.11b or 802.11g  network hardware, it uses the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency. Other devices that use this frequency include microwave ovens and cordless phones. If you have 802.11a  network hardware, it uses the 5 GHz frequency. Some cordless phones also use this frequency.  These devices can cause interference between your computer and the network.

There are two things you can try in this situation:

• If any devices like these are near your computer, turn them off temporarily or move them farther away.
• Change the router or access point settings to use a different wireless channel, or set the channel to be selected automatically if it's set to a fixed channel number. Sometimes one wireless channel is clearer than others. In the United States and Canada, you can use channels 1, 6, and 11. Check the information that came with  your access point or router for instructions about setting the wireless signal channel.

The network  you're looking for is set to not broadcast its network name (SSID).

Wireless routers and access points can be set up so that they don't broadcast the network name. In this case, you can't detect that the network is in range (in order to connect to it) unless you've previously connected to the network or you manually connect to the network using the service set identifier (SSID). To connect to a network that's not broadcasting, follow these steps:

1. Open Connect to a Network by clicking the network icon ( or ) in the notification area.
2. Click Unnamed Network, and then type the network information.

The network will be added to your list of networks and will be available to connect to in the future when your computer is in range of the network.