Wi-Fi Archives - Page 8 of 9 - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Why can’t I connect my Wi-Fi devices to my new Xfinity Modem/Router?

Posted on May 9, 2014

Question from Bethany Y.: Comcast just replaced my old cable modem with a new Xfinity Modem/Router (Model # SMCD3GNV). The wired connections work perfectly, but I can’t get any of my wireless devices to connect via Wi-Fi.

The Wi-Fi signal is very strong and I’ve checked the Wi-Fi settings several times and everything seems to be correct. But I just can’t get any of my devices to connect.

Any idea how to fix this? I called Comcast tech support 3 times and the foreigners on the other end of the line can’t help me.

They finally scheduled a service call from a technician but they won’t be here for almost a week! I need my Wi-Fi working ASAP!! I really hope you can help me.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Boost your router’s Wi-Fi signal with a DIY antenna booster

Posted on January 25, 2014

windsurfer-antenna-booster Does your router’s Wi-Fi signal have trouble reaching the far end of your home? If so, you can extend the reach of your Wi-Fi signal by making a simple antenna booster out of paper and a sheet of tin foil.

These DIY antenna boosters really work, they are easy to make, and the entire project will only cost you a few pennies (and a little bit of your time).

How do they work? By redirecting some of the radio waves transmitted by your router’s omni-directional antennas towards the area of your home where the signal is the weakest. [Read more…]

Q&A: Why does my Samsung Android phone keep turning on Wi-Fi all by itself?

Posted on August 22, 2013

Question from Evan: I have a Sprint Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G that keeps turning the Wi-Fi on all by itself. I can go into the settings and turn it off, but the next thing I know the Wi-Fi is enabled once again. I’ve had this phone for a long time and it only started doing this about a month ago. Can you tell me how to fix it? It’s driving me bonkers!

Rick’s answer: Evan, this is a fairly common problem among Sprint Android phones, and it isn’t limited to your particular model. The culprit is a pre-installed app called Sprint Connections Optimizer.

Sprint’s stated purpose for this app is to automatically connect your phone to any available Wi-Fi connection that you have used previously whenever it becomes available in order to speed up your data service. But I believe the real reason for it is to keep you off the Sprint data network as much as possible, freeing up available bandwidth for other users. [Read more…]

Prevent Android 4.3 from continuously scanning for available Wi-Fi networks

Posted on August 3, 2013

Do you keep the Wi-Fi setting on your smart phone turned off when not in use in order to conserve battery life? If not, you should, because your phone’s Wi-Fi radio is a major battery hog.

If you have a phone running Android 4.3, did you know that it continuously scans for available Wi-Fi networks even when you have Wi-Fi turned off? This isn’t good, and not just because of the battery drain.

Some major retail establishments now track your phone’s Wi-Fi radio to keep tabs on your exact location while you’re inside their stores. And if the private sector finds that capability useful, can you imagine what uses the government might have for it?

There is a way to turn this continuous scanning off, but it’s hidden within the bowels of Android 4.3’s settings menu. Follow these steps to disable it: [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I turn on the Wi-Fi on my Dell Inspiron Mini 1010?

Posted on July 26, 2013

Question from Larry K.: Rick, I have a Dell Inspiron Mini 1010 laptop running Windows XP and I can’t figure out how to enable the Wi-Fi on it.

One friend told me to slide a switch on the front of the case to the right, but there is no switch to slide.

Another friend told me to make sure Wi-Fi is enabled in the BIOS (it is) and then to press F2 while the PC is booting up. F2 does nothing regardless of when I press it. Can you please tell me what to do? I’m at a total loss.

Rick‘s answer: [Read more…]