A WLAN optimizer is a software application designed to improve the performance of a wireless network. You can do this, or at least try to do this, through a variety of methods. The most common is to disable background scans for wireless networks.
A WLAN optimizer is designed to improve performance on a wireless network.
A WLAN optimizer works with wireless local area networks. This allows multiple devices to wirelessly exchange information 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. Instead, it can be used where a single machine, such as a laptop, connects wirelessly to a router.
One potential problem with wireless networking is how the wireless adapter, the hardware in a device that handles wireless data transfers, is configured. It will usually be designed to scan the surrounding areas to discover wireless networks that are available to join. Many adapters are configured to continue scanning at regular intervals, typically every 60 seconds, even after a wireless connection is established. This can be useful as it can find a stronger connection that was not available when the user was online.
The disadvantage of this system is that the scan temporarily takes resources from the existing connection. In normal use, this is only a momentary “tick” and will have no noticeable effect. However, some computing activities, such as online gaming or video streaming, can cause interruptions. This is because while scanning does not affect the data transfer speed of 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 turning off the way your computer automatically configures itself to connect to known networks, or offering a special transmission mode that blocks other actions that can interfere with smooth data transfer. In many cases, these additional options may be unnecessary for most users.
Depending on the operating system in use, it is possible to achieve the same effects as a WLAN optimizer simply by changing the system settings. However, this can be tricky and can also make it difficult to automatically connect to the user’s own wireless network in the future. While a WLAN optimizer may be easier to use, it’s important to carefully check that the software comes from a legitimate and trustworthy source.
