Troubleshooting

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Troubleshooting

Placement of your router for optimal performance

Your wireless connection will be stronger the closer your computer is to your router. 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 router and connected devices increases. This may or may not be noticeable to you. As you move farther from your router, 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 router in order to see if distance is the problem.

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 router

Place your router, 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,” (for example, computers enabled by Wireless Notebook Cards, Wireless Desktop Cards, and Wireless USB Adapters):

•Make sure that your router’s antennas are parallel to each other, and are positioned vertically (toward the ceiling). If your router itself is positioned vertically, point the antennas as much as possible in an upward direction.

•In multistory homes, place the router on a floor that is as close to the center of the home as possible. This may mean placing your router on an upper floor.

•Try not to place your router near a cordless 2.4 GHz phone.2.Avoid obstacles and interference

Avoid placing your router near devices that may emit radio “noise”, such as microwave ovens.

Other objects that can inhibit wireless communication can include:•Refrigerators•Washers or dryers•Metal cabinets•Large aquariums•Metallic-based, UV-tinted windows

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 router.