Dell Migrate User's Guide

You can perform data migration using a 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz WiFi router based on the availability. If you have no option of being closer to the router or you have no LAN cables, you can opt for a WiFi connection for data migration. .

• 5 GHz is faster, but the range is less—approximately 122 meters. Ensure that you have kept the laptop closer to the WiFi router or the WiFi range extender.
• 2.4 GHz is slower than 5 GHz, but the range is greater—approximately 244 meters.

Data migration using 5 GHz band

If you are facing difficulties in connecting to the WiFi network, perform the following steps to establish a wireless connection between the PC and the router:

1. Go to the Start menu and select Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select Set up a new connection or network. The PC detects the router, and a WiFi icon is displayed in the notification area.
3. To check the connection, click the WiFi icon and see which WiFi network shows as Connected.
4. Click the network name and enter the password. The connection is established.

To complete the data migration process, see Migrate and erase data from old PC.

Data migration using 2.4 GHz band

If you do not have a 5 GHz WiFi band frequency, then you can use a 2.4 GHz WiFi band. The 2.4 GHz network provides a wider coverage area but operates at lower frequencies that slows down the data transmission. Use the following tips to speed up data transfer.

1. Reset the connection—turn your computer resources off, then on again. This includes the router, modem, and other devices that are connected to WiFi. Rebooting calibrates the modem to the default starting speed, making it compatible with the ISP signal.
2. Position your router at a central location
   • Aim for a central location to position your router where the signal is best optimized and can offer consistent coverage. Avoid placing your router in the corner of a room as the radio waves from other devices such as phone, microwave, bluetooth speakers, and so on, might interrupt the WiFi signal.
   • It is best to upgrade to a newer model with wireless 802.11ac and dual-band support for the fastest wireless speeds possible.
3. Align the router antennas—if the antennas are external and adjustable, adjust router antennas to get the best WiFi signal strength. Point your router antennas vertically to emit the WiFi signal to be sent horizontally, and conversely. Router antennas are omnidirectional that spread the signal equally in all directions.
4. Choose the right WiFi frequency band—to achieve maximum speed, switch to the 5 GHz band on each device as routers usually support two frequency bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
5. Change the frequency band channel—you might experience sudden slow data rates due to the frequency band channels of router that can interrupt the WiFi speed. If so, change the channel to a less-crowded WiFi channel or nonoverlapping channels to speed up the data transfer rate and remove any interference which is slowing down the WiFi speed.
6. Upgrade router firmware—if you are facing router issues, consider updating your router firmware. This ensures security and fixes issues to offer an enhanced user experience.
7. Extend your network range—if the signal is weak and you are experiencing connectivity issues, use the following tips to optimize the network coverage:
   • Use a WiFi booster device that sits between the router and the dead zone to amplify the WiFi signals and transmit them across all corners of the rooms.
   • Connect wired access points to a wired router using a LAN cable to distribute WiFi signals to a designated area.
   • Use two Powerline WiFi extenders or adapters that require two outlets. Connect one adapter to your router using a LAN cable. Connect the other adapter to the outlet that sends network data through electrical wiring.
     NOTE: A Powerline adapter is not as reliable as a LAN connection from your router to PC.
   • Get Mesh WiFi routers with multiple access points that work together to secure the network with faster speed and greater coverage. It operates on a single network that links to the modem to emit strong signals throughout the entire area.