A WLAN optimizer improves wireless network performance by disabling background scans for available networks. It can be used with single or multi-device networks and may offer additional options such as streaming mode. Changing system settings can achieve similar effects but may be complicated.
A WLAN optimizer is a software application designed to improve performance on a wireless network. It can do this, or at least attempt to do so, through a variety of methods. The most common is to disable background scans for wireless networks.
A WLAN optimizer works with wireless local area networks. These allow multiple devices to exchange information wirelessly through a central device, usually a router. In most cases, this router will also connect to the internet. Strictly speaking, a WLAN optimizer is not always used with a multi-device network. It can instead be used where a single machine such as a laptop connects wirelessly to a router.
One potential problem with wireless networks is the way the wireless adapter, the hardware in a device that handles wireless data transfers, is set up. It will usually be designed to scan the surrounding areas to discover wireless networks available to join. Many adapters are set to continue scanning at regular intervals, often every 60 seconds, even after a wireless connection has been established. This can be useful, as it may find a stronger connection that wasn’t available when the user went online.
The downside of this system is that scanning temporarily drains resources from your existing connection. In normal use, this is only a momentary “blip” and will have no noticeable effect. However, in some computing activities like online gaming or video streaming, it can cause interruptions. That’s because, while the scan doesn’t affect the speed of data transfer from your connection, it does slow down the response time between your computer and the Internet, an effect known as lag.
A WLAN optimizer will usually simply disable this background scan. It may also offer other options, such as disabling how your computer automatically configures itself to connect to known networks or offering a special streaming mode that blocks other actions that might interfere with smooth data transfer. In many cases, these extra options may not be necessary for most users.
Depending on your operating system, you can achieve the same effects as a WLAN optimizer by simply changing the system settings. However, this can be complicated and can even make it difficult for you to automatically connect to your wireless network in the future. While a WLAN optimizer may be easier to use, it is important to double check that the software is from a legitimate and trustworthy source.
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