Infrastructure mode is the recommended setup method because it provides:
•Increased network se curity
•Increased reliability
•Faster performance
•Easier setup
Finding the signal strength
Wireless devices have built-in antennas that transmit an d receive radio signals. The si gnal strength listed on t he
printer network setup page indicates how strongly a transmitted signal is bei ng received. Many factors can affect
the signal strength. One factor is interference from other wireless devices or other devices such as microwave ovens.
Another factor is distance. The farther two wireless devices are from each other, the more likely it is that the
communication signal will be weaker.
The strength of the signal received by your computer can also affect the connectivity of the printer with the network
during configuration. When you install ed the wireless adapter in your computer, the adapter so ftware probably
placed an icon in your system tray. Try double- clicking this icon, an d it will tell you how strongly the computer is
receiving the wireless signal from the network.
To improve signal quality, remove sources of interference and/or move wireless devices closer to the wireless access
point (wireless router).
How can I improve wireless signa l strength?
A common reason wireless print ers fail to communicate over a network is poor wireless signa l quality. If the signal
is too weak, too distorted, or blo cked by an object, it cannot c arry information between the acces s point and the
printer. To determine if the printer is receiving a strong signal from th e access point, print a network setup page. The
Quality field indicates the relative strength of the wireless signal the printer is receiving. Drops in signal strength can
be intermittent, however, and although the signal quality appears high, it may drop during certain conditions.
If you think signal strength is a problem between your access point and the printer, try one or more of the following:
Notes:
•The solutions below are for inf rastructure networks. If you are using an ad hoc network, adjust the computer
when the solution suggests adjusting the access point.
•Ad hoc networks have a much shorter range than infrastructure networks. Try moving the printer closer to the
computer if they seem to have trouble com municating.
MOVE THE PRINTER CLOSER TO THE WIRELESS ACCESS POINT/WIRELESS ROUTER
If the printer is too far away from the access point, it will not be able to communicate with other devices on the
network. For most indoor wireless networks, the maximum distance between the access point and the printer is
approximately 100 feet (30 meters). This distan ce could be longer or shorter, depending upo n the layout of the
network and the limitations of th e access point .
REMOVE OBSTACLES BETWEEN THE ACCESS POINT AND THE PRINTER
The wireless signal from your acces s point will pass through most objects . Most walls, floors, furniture and ot her
objects will not block the wireless signal. How ever, there are materials that are too den se for the signal to pass
through. Objects containing metal and concrete can block the signal. Arrange your printer and access point so
that the signal is not blocked by suc h objects.
Networking
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