Belkin F6D3000 user manual Introduction, Wireless Router or Access Point Placement

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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 wireless devices is between 100 and 200 feet.

In the same way, your wireless connection and performance will degrade somewhat as the distance between your router (or access point) and connected devices increases. This may or may not be noticeable to you. As you move farther 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.

If you have concerns about your network’s performance that might be related to range or obstruction factors, try moving the computer to a position between five and 10 feet from the router (or access point) in order to see if distance is the problem. If difficulties persist even at close range, please contact Belkin Technical Support.

Note: While some of the items listed below can affect network performance, they will not prohibit your wireless network from functioning; if you are concerned that your network is not operating at its maximum effectiveness, this checklist may help.

1. Wireless Router or Access Point Placement

Place your router (or access point), the central connection point of your network, as close as possible to the center of your wireless network devices.

To achieve the best wireless network coverage for your “wireless clients” (i.e., computers enabled by Belkin Wireless Notebook Network Cards, Wireless Desktop Network Cards, and Wireless USB Adapters):

Ensure that your router’s (or access point’s) networking antennas are parallel to each other, and are positioned vertically (toward the ceiling). If your router (or access point) itself is positioned vertically, point the antennas as much as possible in an upward direction.

In multistory homes, place the router (or access point) on a floor that is as close to the center of the home as possible. This may mean placing the router (or access point) on an upper floor.

Try not to place the router (or access point) near cordless 2.4GHz and 5GHz phones.

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Contents Dual-Band Wireless A+G Desktop Network Card Page Table of Contents Page Advantages of a Wireless Network IntroductionWireless Router or Access Point Placement IntroductionChoose the Quietest Channel for your Wireless Network Avoid Obstacles and InterferenceCordless Phones Secure Connections, VPNs, and AOL Introduction Product Features OverviewProduct Specifications Applications and AdvantagesPackage Contents System RequirementsInstalling and Setting Up the Card Installing and Setting Up the Card Insert Insert the Card into your computerSection Installing and Setting Up the Card Your setup is now complete Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility How to Access the Belkin Wireless Network UtilityMonitoring the Status of your Network Connection Link Speed ChannelEncryption More…Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility Finding Available Networks in your AreaSecurity SignalNetwork Name TypeSetting up Wireless Network Profiles Transfer RateUsing the Belkin Wireless Network Utility Encryption Methods Securing your Wi-Fi NetworkWired Equivalent Privacy WEP Bit WEPWi-Fi Protected Access WPA Bit EncryptionEncryption Keys Network key= MyPassword Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility WEP Setup Bit WEP EncryptionC3 03 0F AF 0F 4B B2 C3 D4 4B C3 D4 E7 = 128-bit WEP key WPA-PSK no server WPA with server Settings Configuring your Belkin Wireless Card to Use Security Connecting to a Wireless Network using 64-Bit or 128-Bit WEPConnecting to a Wireless Network using WPA-PSK no server Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility Connecting to a Wireless Network using WPA-Radius Server or Troubleshooting Can’t connect to the Internet wirelesslyName of your wireless network appears in Available Networks Troubleshooting Card is not working Data transfer is sometimes slow Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Wireless Comparison Chart Technical Support Information FCC StatementInformation Belkin Corporation Limited Lifetime Product Warranty Wi-FIInteroperability Certificate 4372