Troubleshooting | 47 |
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 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 wireless router
Place your wireless 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 wireless router’s antennas are parallel to each other, and are positioned vertically (toward the ceiling). If your wireless router itself is positioned vertically, point the antennas as much as possible in an upward direction.
•In multistory homes, place the wireless router on a floor that is as close to the center of the home as possible. This may mean placing the wireless router on an upper floor.
•Try not to place the wireless router near a cordless 2.4 GHz phone.
2.Avoid obstacles and interference
Avoid placing your wireless 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
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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.
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 and your
•Unplug and remove the battery from any cordless phone that operates on the 2.4 GHz band (check manufacturer’s information). If this fixes the problem, your phone may be interfering.