Forgot your WEP Key ? you still can recover it back

Many wireless amateur set their local wireless router at home with a simple security by setting a WEP key. Even though this authentication method is not advisable for a secured environment... but it is a very simple deployment.

Normally, WEP key is set using a combination of 10 hexadecimal digit. Users normally save the key permanantly as a default setting. Combination of hexadecimal key is hard hard to remember. For instance try to remember this combination 1A4D5F9A01... it is hard right !

Let say you forgot your WEP key, how to recover it back ? You can retrieve your WEP without reset the wifi router. You can give a try to this free ware utility which is able to recover your wireless key from your system.

I don't know how many of you maintain a database of small utility but i always keep a database of small utilities because these utilities comes handy once in a while but at the time when you need them the most

you can download the WirelessKeyViewer from the below given link

Link: Download

Maximize home network performance

Wireless routers (and access points) normally contain a built in WiFi antenna that radiates signal equally well in all directions. These antennas are sometimes called omnidirectional. An omnidirectional antenna makes router setup easier. When the router is installed in the center of a home and wireless clients are distributed throughout the rooms, an omnidirectional antenna helps ensure all corners of the house can be reached.

Sometimes, however, it is better to replace the router's built-in antenna with a different one. An omnidirectional antenna can have difficulty reaching a long distance because its signaling power must be expended in all directions.

To address this problem, some router manufacturers sell external omnidirectional antennas that are significanly stronger than the router's built in antenna. Installing a stronger omnidirectional antenna obviously allows far-away locations to be better reached. Because WiFi connections are distance-sensitive, a stronger connection also often leads to increased network performance.

A wireless antenna that is too strong, however, raises security concerns. Omnidirectional WiFi signals are more likely to bleed outside the house into neighboring areas where the signals can be snooped. Greater WiFi range can also be achieved with a high gain directional antenna that sends a strong signal in a particular direction. By focusing the signal, a high gain antenna allows the signal to be better controlled, literally aimed toward the area of the home where wireless devices are located.

In summary, consider replacing the wireless antenna on a router to improve wireless network reach and performance if possible. Many routers support an external antenna jack that allows connecting the new antenna. Consult the router product documentation for details.

Top 7 Tips for Improving a Wireless Home Network

A basic Wi-Fi home network can be assembled fairly quickly. However, many homeowners aren't aware of all the options available for making their network better. Consider the below ideas for improving the capability, performance and security of your wireless home network.

1. Upgrade and Add the Right Equipment
Many homeowners have heard of basic Wi-Fi equipment like routers and wireless adapter cards. Many such products are available to choose from. The "best" choices are often unclear. Old equipment may need to be replaced with faster, more reliable or more compatible products. Folks also often fail to consider cool wireless gear like print servers, game adapters and video cameras. Before settling for a second-rate home network setup, do your research and acquire the right stuff at a good price.

2. Install the Wireless Router / Access Point Strategically
Some people quickly assemble their wireless home network only to find that it won't function in certain areas of the residence. Others enjoy a network functional at first but suffer quick disappointment later when it crashes as a microwave oven or cordless phone is turned on. Still others suffer from poor network performance but fear attempting to fix it. One easy way to address these common Wi-Fi networking problems is to move the wireless router (access point).

3. Change the Wi-Fi Channel Number
In the USA and most other countries, Wi-Fi equipment can transmit on any of several different "channels" similar to televisions. Most wireless routers ship with the same default channel number, and most homeowners never think about changing it. However, if a person experiences radio interference from a neighbor's router or some other piece of electronic equipment, changing the Wi-Fi channel just might be the best way to avoid it.

4. Upgrade Wireless Router (Access Point) Firmware
Wireless routers contain built-in programmable logic called firmware. A version of this firmware is installed on the router by the manufacturer, and this normally works well when first installing the device. However, many routers also offer a firmware upgrade capability that allows homeowners to install newer versions. Updated firmware can provide performance improvements, security enhancements or better reliability. As your router gets older, consider upgrading its firmware periodically.

5. Improve Signal Strength and Range of the Wi-Fi Router (Access Point)
No matter where in a residence a Wi-Fi router is installed, sometimes the wireless signal will simply not be strong enough. The likelihood of this problem increases with longer distances and with severe obstructions such as brick walls between the router and a Wi-Fi client. One way to solve this problem is to upgrade the Wi-Fi antenna installed on the router. Some routers do not support this option, but many do. The alternative involves installing an additional device called a wireless repeater.

6. Improve Signal Strength and Range of Wi-Fi clients
As with wireless routers, the signal strength of wireless clients can also be improved. Consider this option when faced with a Wi-Fi client that suffers from a very short range compared to the rest of the devices. This same technique can improve the ability of laptop computers to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots.

7. Improve Wireless Network Security
Many homeowners consider their wireless network a success when basic file and Internet connection sharing are functional. However, if proper security features are not in place, the work of network setup remains unfinished. Follow this checklist of essential steps for establishing and maintaining good Wi-Fi security on a home network.

Before You Buy a Wireless Internet Router

From Bradley Mitchell,

All wireless Internet routers might appear very much alike at first glance. In fact, many different wireless router models exist each with its own unique set of attributes. Use the checklist below to help decide which brand of wireless network router could work best for you.

Uncover Discounts and Generally Low Prices
All other things being equal, many consumers will choose the product that costs the least. Manufacturers will often offer rebates or other discounts from the full retail price of their wireless routers. You may be getting an older product instead of the latest and greatest, but with network gear, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Shop around and you're likely to land a good value for your money.

Research the Popular Models
An old adage says: "There is safety in numbers." Odds are, if many people are buying a particular product, it's serving a useful need. Top selling network gear tends to be current generation technology but not cutting edge. If you tend to play it conservative and run with the pack, check sales rankings at online retailers to start building your wireless Internet router short list.

Consider Terms of Warranty
Wireless Internet router manufacturers always provide a warranty package together with their equipment. The length and terms of these warranties vary widely. A better warranty may indicate a manufacturer more committed to support their products, while a lesser warranty could indicate a somewhat lesser standard of product quality or reliability. Always consider wireless router warranties when making your purchase decision.

Ignore (Most of) the Success and Horror Stories Told by Others
Countless consumers post opinions of their particular wireless Internet router to blogs, message boards, retailer Web sites and elsewhere online. For most brands of routers, a confusing mix of positive and negative anecdotes awaits you. Due to the complexity of home networking today, any given brand of wireless router that performs flawlessly in one person's home network could fail miserably in yours. Bottom line: Don't let someone else's experience, good or bad, sway your decision too much.

Try Brand Matching Your Network Adapters
Consider purchasing a wireless Internet router of the same brand as at least one of your wireless network adapters. The benefit is a small one, but sometimes vendors will optimize communication protocols of their own equipment; you may see slightly higher performance. Vendors may also more thoroughly test compatibility with their own equipment. If you don't own any adapters (or newer laptops with built-in wireless), consider purchasing all of your WiFi gear together from the same manufacturer.

Find a Good Fit in Size and Style
In many households, wireless Internet routers are installed in a visible central area of the residence. Purchasing a stylish router can make this an attractive addition to the decor that you will be proud to show family and friends. Routers vary in both size and shape. If you plan to install the router in a confined space, ensure you pick one with a suitable form factor. Small business owners and others interested in portability may likewise consider the class of "travel router" products.

Satisfy Your Need for Speed
You may be tempted to ignore all else and simply snap up the wireless Internet router with the highest speed rating (in Mbps). In fact, these speed ratings may be the least important of all factors listed here. Consider that the actual performance you will achieve in practice typically averages much, much lower than the maximum rating shown on the package. Furthermore, high-speed routers cannot directly speed up your Internet connection, that is usually the real bottleneck on a home network.