Introduction
Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware for Optimal Performance
Your wireless connection will be stronger the closer your computer is to your wireless router (or access point). Typical indoor operating range for your 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 wireless router (or access point) and connected devices increases. This may or may not be noticeable to you. As you move farther from your wireless 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 wireless 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.Placement of your Wireless Router (or Access Point)
Place your wireless 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 Cards, Wireless Desktop Cards, and Wireless USB Adapters):
•Ensure that your wireless router’s (or access point’s) antennas are parallel to each other, and are positioned vertically (toward the ceiling). If your wireless router (or access point) itself is positioned vertically, point the antennas as much as possible in an upward direction.
•In multistory homes, place the wireless router (or access point) on a floor that is as close to the center of the home as possible. This may mean placing the wireless router (or access point) on an upper floor.
•Try not to place the wireless router (or access point) near a cordless 2.4GHz phone.
Introduction
2.Avoid Obstacles and Interference
Avoid placing your wireless router (or access point) near devices that may emit radio “noise”, such as microwave ovens. Other objects that can inhibit wireless communication can include:
•Refrigerators
•Washers and/or dryers
•Metal cabinets
•Large aquariums
•
If your wireless signal seems weak in some spots, make sure that objects such as these are not blocking the signal’s path between your computers and wireless router (or access point).
3.Cordless Phone Placement
If the performance of your wireless network is impaired after attending to the above issues, and you have a cordless phone:
•Try moving cordless phones away from the wireless router (or access point) and your
•Unplug and remove the battery from any cordless phone that operates on the 2.4GHz band (check manufacturer’s information). If this fixes the problem, your phone may be interfering.
•If your phone supports channel selection, change the channel on the phone to the farthest channel from your wireless network as possible. For example, change the phone to channel 1 and move your wireless router (or access point) to channel 11. (Your channel selection will vary depending on your region.) See your phone’s user manual for detailed instructions.
•If necessary, consider switching to a 900MHz or 5GHz cordless phone.
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