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.
REMOVE SOURCES OF INTERFERENCE
Other types of radio frequencies c an cause problems with the wireless signal on your network. These sou rces of
interference can cause printing issues t hat seem to come and go. Turn off pot ential sources of interference where
possible. Avoid using microwaves and cordless phones when printing ove r your wireless network.
If another wireless network is operating in the vicinity, change the wireless channel on the access point.
Do not place your access point on a printer or other electronic device. Such devices can also interfere with the
wireless signal.
ARRANGE THE NETWORK TO REDUCE SIGNAL ABSORPTION
Even when the wireless signal is able to pass through an object, it is slightly weakened. If it passes through too
many objects, it can be significantly weakened. All objects absorb part of the wireless signal when it passes through
them, and certain types of objects absorb enough to cause communications problems. Place your access point as
high in the room as poss ible to avoid signal abs orption.
Networking
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