Section 1 Overview
1-6 WR850
Sample Home Network Diagram Your wireless router serves as the centerpiece of your network, allowing you to share files,
printers, and the Internet connection. A sample home network is shown below:
The Internet communicates with the modem which in turn communicates with the router.
The router acts as the gateway to your network; it sends devices information such as
requests for Internet access, file sharing, or multiplayer games. The router controls the
information for your network, intelligently routing the information to its required destination
while at the same time protecting your network from the public domain.
Positioning Your Router To achieve the best wireless performance, review these guidelines before deciding where
to place your router:
Placing your base station in the physical center of your network is the best location
because the antenna sends out the signal in all directions.
Placing the router in a higher location, such as on top of a cabinet, helps disperse the
signal cleanly, especially to receiving locations on upper stories.
If possible, position your router so there is direct line of sight between the router and
your other home network devices.
Avoid placing the router next to large solid objects like computer cases, monitors, walls,
fireplaces, etc. This helps the signal penetrate more cleanly.
Other wireless devices like televisions, radios, microwaves, and 2.4 GHz cordless
telephones can interfere with the signal. Keep these devices away from the router.
Mirrors, especially silver-coated, can reduce transmission performance.