Introduction
Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware for Optimal Performance
Your wireless connection will be stronger the closer your computer is to your Router or Access Point. Typical indoor operating range for your wireless devices is between 100 to 200 feet. In the same way, your wireless connection and performance will degrade somewhat as the distance between your Wireless Router or Access Point connected devices increases. This may or may not be noticeable to you. As you move further from your Router or Access Point, connection speed may decrease. Factors that can weaken signals simply by getting in the way of your network’s radio waves are metal appliances or obstructions, and walls.
To test whether performance issues are related to range or obstruction factors, try moving the computer to a position between five and ten feet from the Router. If difficulties persist even at close range, please contact Belkin Technical Support.
Important Factors for Placement and Setup
While some of the factors suggested below can affect network performance negatively, they will not prohibit your wireless network from functioning. In fact, you may not notice any problem at all. If you are concerned that your network is not operating at its maximum effectiveness, this checklist
may help.
1. Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware
Place your Wireless Router, the central connection point of your network, as close as possible to the center of your wireless networking devices.
To achieve the best connection for your “wireless clients” (computers enabled by Wireless Notebook Network Cards, Wireless Desktop Network Cards, and Wireless USB Adapters):
•Ensure that your Wireless Router’s or AP’s networking antennas are parallel to each other, and positioned vertically (pointing toward the ceiling). If your Wireless Router is positioned vertically, point the antennas a much as possible in an upward direction.
•In multistory homes, place the Wireless Router or AP on a floor that is as close to the center of the home as possible. This may mean placing it on an upper floor.
•Try not to place the Wireless Router or AP near a cordless 2.4GHz phone.
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