Microsoft MN-820 manual Adjusting the Base Station Antenna

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OAvoid placing wireless components close to electro-magnetic devices, especially those with frequencies in the 2.4-gigahertz (GHz) range. Devices such as cordless phones, microwave ovens, radios, and televisions can interfere with wireless transmission.

OIf you notice poor connection speed in an area, try moving your wireless components closer together. Connection speeds will be slower if your wireless components are very far apart from each other on the network.

OBe aware that wireless signal range, speed, and strength can be affected by interference from neighboring wireless networks and devices.

Adjusting the Base Station Antenna

To improve wireless reception, you can adjust the base station’s external antenna.

Start with the antenna pointing straight up, and adjust the antenna if you get poor signal strength on an adapter. Certain areas, such as directly below the antenna, get relatively poor reception. Pointing the antenna toward another wireless component does not improve reception.

Understanding Wireless Transmission Standards

802.11is a series of wireless transmission standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for wireless local area networks. Currently, four specifications make up the 802.11 series: 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. The Microsoft Wireless Base Station and Notebook Adapter in this kit conform to the latest specification, 802.11g. The main features that distinguish these specifications are connection speed and radio frequency.

The following table summarizes the four specifications in the 802.11 series.

Specification

Connection speed

Radio frequency band

802.11

1 or 2 megabits per second (Mbps)

2.4 GHz

 

 

 

802.11a

Up to 54 Mbps

5 GHz

 

 

 

802.11b

5.5 and 11 Mbps

2.4 GHz

 

 

 

802.11g

Up to 54 Mbps

2.4 GHz

 

 

 

Note The benefit of the 2.4-GHz radio frequency band is that it allows for greater range than the 5-GHz band. The drawback is that it is susceptible to interference from other devices, such as 2.4-GHz cordless telephones.

Because 802.11b and 802.11g use the same radio frequency, the adapter and base station in this kit are compatible with 802.11b devices. However, when you transfer data between 802.11b and 802.11g devices, the connection speed is limited to the 802.11b maximum of 11 Mbps.

Note The Microsoft wireless base station and adapter are not compatible with 802.11a-only devices.

Chapter 1: Introduction 9

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Contents Page Avertissement Contents Using an Internet Connection over a Network Contents Page Your Wireless Base Station About Your Wireless Notebook KitBase Station Ports, Status Lights, and the Restore Button UPnP Standards and Your Wireless Base StationIntroduction To detach the stand Using the Base Station StandResetting the Base Station To attach the standYour Wireless Notebook Adapter Restoring Factory Default SettingsTo restore the base station to factory default settings Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, and Windows Me Adapter Status LightsCardBus Technology Windows XP or WindowsTypes of Wireless Networks About Wireless Radio ConnectionsPlacement of Wireless Components Understanding Wireless Transmission Standards Adjusting the Base Station AntennaEthernet Cables About Wired Ethernet ConnectionsTypical Setup SetupIf… Do this first… Gather Components, Tools, and InformationConnect the Base Station Run the Setup Wizard to Set Up the Base StationConfigure the Base Station Insert the Adapter into Your Computer Configure Your Adapter Test Your NetworkWhat’s Next? To set up the base station wirelessly Setting Up the Base Station WirelesslyPage Custom setup Base Station Setup Establish the Base Station PasswordOpen the Base Station Management Tool Establish Your Internet Settings Establish Your Wireless Security Settings Establish Your Wireless SettingsConfigure Your Computer Customize Network SettingsTest your Internet Connection Connect the Base Station to a Computer Access Point SetupEstablish the Base Station Password Set the Base Station to Access Point Mode Page Network activities Using an Internet Connection over a Network Logging on to Your NetworkTo log off and log back on to your network To remove an inactive device from the Network Devices list Using the Broadband Network UtilityTo start the Broadband Network Utility To refresh the Network Devices listTo share a folder or drive on your computer in Windows Using Files and Folders over a NetworkMake your files and folders available to the network To share a folder or drive on your computer in Windows XPTo access shared files on other computers Access shared filesUsing a Printer over a Network Using Other Peripheral Devices over a Network About Reading E-Mail Messages on a NetworkPlaying Games on Your Network and on the Internet Creating a Computer-to-Computer Ad Hoc Network To set up an ad hoc network in Windows XPTo join an available network in Windows XP Joining an Available Wireless NetworkPage To refresh the network device list Monitoring Your NetworkView Status View Network DevicesUpdating Software, Drivers, and Firmware View Adapter SettingsTo view adapter settings To upgrade software, drivers, or firmwareHelp Protect Your Network from Hackers Help Protect Your Network from Computer VirusesHelp Protect Your Network from Unauthorized Access Setup and Hardware Problems TroubleshootingIf your base station is connected with an Ethernet cable Setup does not recognize my wireless base stationSetup does not recognize my wireless notebook adapter If your base station is connected wirelesslyTroubleshooting To clone a MAC address Troubleshooting Network and Internet Problems Can’t stay connected to my wireless networkTo disable 802.1x authentication in Windows XP Troubleshooting Page Troubleshooting My network is slow Troubleshooting Page Can’t print to a networked printer Printing and File Sharing IssuesPage Troubleshooting Click OK to save the changes If the file is stored on a Windows XP-based computerTo determine which connection type your ISP provides Internet Connection TypeHost Name General Internet SettingsDynamic IP Dhcp Settings To locate your Internet settingsStatic IP Settings To locate your static IP address settings Windows XPTo locate your static IP address settings Windows PPPoE Settings Workgroup NameTo determine your workgroup name in Windows XP or Windows Wireless Network Name Wireless Security SettingsTo determine your workgroup name in Windows Me and Windows Technical Support Options Getting HelpRegulatory Information United States Radio and TV Interference RegulationsCanadian Radiocommunication Regulations Base Station Technical SpecificationsTo +40 deg C To +35 deg C System Requirements END-USER License Agreement for Microsoft Software General Provisions Limited Warranty Contrat DE Licence Utilisateur Final Pour Logiciel Microsoft Dispositions Générales Garantie Limitée Page Glossary Page Glossary Page Glossary Page Index Page Index Typical Setup base station, 11 preparing for My Network Settings
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