NETGEAR WPN802 manual Chapter Wireless Configuration

Chapter 4

Wireless Configuration

This chapter describes how to configure the wireless features of your WPN802 Access Point. In planning your wireless network, you should consider the level of security required. You should also select the physical placement of your wireless access point in order to maximize the network speed. For further information on wireless networking, refer to Appendix B, “Wireless Networking Basics.

Observe Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines

The operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the physical placement of the wireless wireless access point. The latency, data throughput performance, and notebook power consumption of wireless adapters also vary depending on your configuration choices.

Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the wireless access point. For complete range/performance specifications, please see Appendix A, “Technical Specifications.”

For best results, place your wireless access point:

•Near the center of the area in which your computers will operate.

•In an elevated location such as a high shelf where the wirelessly connected computers have line-of-sight access (even if through walls).

•Away from sources of interference, such as computers, microwaves, and 2.4 GHz cordless phones.

•Away from large metal surfaces.

The time it takes to establish a wireless connection can vary depending on both your security settings and placement. WEP connections can take slightly longer to establish. Also, WEP and WPA-PSK \encryption can consume more battery power on a notebook computer.

When used on a metallic surface, MIMO units must be oriented vertically to ensure proper operation:

Wireless Configuration 4-1

202-10101-01, 4 May 2005