To:

Dr. Barrow
From: Caleb Vibbert
RE: Wi-Fi Channel Instructions
Date: October 1, 2015

Hey, here is the set of instructions for how to change your Wi-Fi channel. The audience is
people who know how to use a computer, but arent sure how Wi-Fi and routers work. The
audience would know how to access their various computer applications, such as their browser
and Internet settings, but wouldnt know what Wi-Fi channels are or how to access their router.
Intro and Finding the Router Address
I begin by giving the reader a quick run-down on how Wi-Fi channels work. I then give specific
instructions to both Mac and PC users.
Finding the Username and Password for the Router
This step is where many beginners will get stuck, and so Ive offered multiple solutions to
finding your username and password. Ive also explained how to reset your router to its default
username and password.
Changing the Channel
The intended audience will not care about the technicalities of changing your Wi-Fi, they will
only care about the results. Therefore, Ive directed them to the channels that will give them
the best signal. For users who wish to analyze their Wi-Fi signal in more depth, Ive directed
them to channel analyzing software at the bottom of the page, along with the following image.

Visual representation of Wi-Fi signal across multiple channels

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Changing your Wi-Fi Channel
This guide shows you how to change your Wi-Fi channel to minimize interference and to speed
up your Internet. Wi-Fi signals are sent on different frequencies. The most common frequency
is 2.4GHz, which is the most optimal signal for most homes. Because this frequency is most
often used, different routers have to use different channels to send the signal on, to avoid
interfering with each other. When you share the same Wi-Fi channel as your next-door
neighbor, you can expect interference and a slower Internet. Changing your channel is the best
way to speed up a slow, interfered Wi-Fi signal.

I. Finding your routers address

To access your routers settings, you need to find your routers address. There are different
ways to find your address, depending on if you are using a Mac or a PC.

Mac

1. Access your network settings by clicking
on the Wi-Fi icon, and then click
Advanced






2. Click on the TCP/IP tab. Your Router
address will be listed next to Router

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PC
1. Open the Command
Prompt located in the
accessories file, or type
Command in the search bar to
locate the command prompt

2. Type ipconfig and hit
enter. Your address will be listed
under Default Gateway


II. Finding your routers username and password

Depending on your Internet provider, you may have to find the username and password for
your router. There are a number of ways to access your username and password.

Check to see if your username is listed on your router. Many routers are shipped with
the username and password listed on the side.
Try common phrases. Many routers are defaulted to admin for the username. The
password is usually left blank, or is set to password.
Call your Internet service provider. They will have access to your username and
password.

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 If you have set your password and username
previously and have forgotten, try resetting
your router with the reset button on the back.
You can use a pen, or any sharp object to press
the button.
Hold it for three seconds, and release.




III. Changing your Channel

Most routers have a similar setup. The left side of the screen directs you to the various aspects
of your router. Because different router brands often have different page layouts. Consult
your routers manual if you have difficulty finding your channel settings.

1. Locate your Wi-Fi settings by navigating through the subheadings on the left side of the
page
2. Locate the name of your Wi-Fi network. It is often the name of your router brand
3. Access the settings. Many routers have an Edit or Settings button beside your Wi-Fi
network.

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 4. Set your channel selection to Manual
5. Change your Wi-Fi channel to 3, 8, or 13

IV. Finding the right channel

Visual representation of Wi-Fi signal across multiple channels

Channels 1, 6, and 11 are the default on many routers, and are the most used channels.
Because our goal is to minimize interference, we want to choose a channel with as little
interference as possible. Therefore 3, 8, and 13 are usually the best choices.

To see which channels nearby routers are using, download a channel analyzing software, such
as Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android.