If your Wi-Fi is wimpy, try these tricks to improve your connection...

Does your home have Wi-Fi dead zones? 

When the signal is weak, streaming movies and downloading can be frustrating and most homes have some Wi-Fi barriers built in. Here are some tips from Eric Geier, author of “Geeks on Call” to beef up your browsing:

• Make sure that the router signals aren't impaired by barriers like brick walls, heavy furniture and metal objects such as tall filing cabinets. 

• It's usually best to place the router in a high position, such as on a high shelf or on top of a bookcase, to avoid barriers such as furniture.

• Use a Wi-Fi Analyzer app to locate the strongest signal in your home. That’s where your router should be, assuming there’s an Internet cable or phone jack nearby. 

• Pay your Internet service provider for more speed. To stream HD movies, you’ll need at least 10 megabits per second to avoid having the picture freeze up, especially if you’ve got multiple streamers at home. 

• Add a wireless repeater. It’s a small device that plugs in at the outer range of your router’s coverage, extending it. It costs about $40.