Tips And Methods To Improve Wireless System Performance - Shure GLX-D User Manual

2.4 GHz Spectrum Overview
GLX-D operates within the 2.4GHz ISM band which is utilized by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless devices. The benefit of 2.4GHz is that it's a global
band that can be used anywhere in the world, license free.
Overcoming the Challenges of 2.4GHz
The challenge of 2.4GHz is that Wi-Fi traffic can be
unpredictable. GLX-D meets these challenges in the
following ways:
• Prioritizes and transmits on the best 3
frequencies per channel (choosing from a pool
of 6 frequencies across the 2.4GHz band)
• Repeats the most important information such
that one frequency can be taken out entirely
without audio interruption
• Continuously scans during usage to rank
all frequencies (both current and backup
frequencies)
• Seamlessly moves away from interference to
backup frequencies without audio interruption
Note: Unlike analog TV band wireless which typically uses the same type of transmissions across manufacturers, all 2.4GHz wireless currently on the market use different
variations of wireless transmission. These differences make it more difficult to mix and match 2.4 GHz from multiple manufacturers successfully, as can be done with TV band
wireless solutions.

Tips and Methods to Improve Wireless System Performance

If you encounter interference or dropouts, try the following suggestions:
• Scan for the best available channel (press the channel button)
• Reduce transmitter to receiver distance - for example, place
receivers on stage with a line of sight to the receiver.
• Change the group for all GLX-D systems:
• Single-Chanel System: use Group 4, which is optimized for single-
channel use
• Multi-Channel System: use Group 2, which is the most robust wire-
less group
• Keep transmitters more than 2 meters (6 feet) apart
Note: GLX-D transmitters closer than 6 inches (15 cm) to other non-GLX-D
transmitters may cause audible noise in that transmitter
• Move receiver further away from Wi-Fi access points, computers, or
other active 2.4 GHz sources.
Coexisting with Wi-Fi
If you plan to use Wi-Fi during a perfor-
mance, turn on Wi-Fi devices prior to turn-
ing on GLX-D and scanning for the best
channel. GLX-D detects and avoids other
Wi-Fi traffic by scanning the entire 2.4GHz
environment and selecting the 3 best fre-
quencies to transmit on. The result of this is
reliable performance for your GLX-D wire-
less system as well as avoiding Wi-Fi trans-
missions which may be important as well.
"Bursting" Wi-Fi is harder to detect as it is
periodic; however, because GLX-D repeats
the most important information, even bursts
at very high-levels don't have an effect on
your audio performance.
• Disable non-critical Wi-Fi on computers, cell phones, and other
portable devices
• If you plan to use Wi-Fi during a performance, turn on Wi-Fi prior
to turning on GLX-D and scanning for the best channel.
• Avoid heavy Wi-Fi traffic activities such as downloading large files
or viewing a movie.
• Avoid placing transmitter and receiver where metal or other
dense materials may be present
• During sound check, mark trouble spots and ask presenters or
performers to avoid those areas
• If there is a known strong source of Wi-Fi and you specifically
want to use frequencies within that Wi-Fi channel, use the
following Group/Channel of GLX-D (best option listed first):
•
Wi-Fi 1:
•
Wi-Fi 6:
•
Wi-Fi 11:
Challenging Wireless
Environments
Some environments are more difficult than
others for 2.4 GHz wireless system perfor-
mance. Additionally, body absorption has
a greater impact in the 2.4 GHz spectrum,
compared to the UHF spectrum. The simplest
solution in many cases is to reduce the trans-
mitter to receiver distance such as placing
the receivers on the stage with a clear line of
sight.
Challenging environments include:
• Areas with few reflective surfaces such
as:
• Outdoors
• Buildings with very high ceilings
• 3 or more GLX-D receivers in use
• Strong Wi-Fi presence
• Competitive 2.4 GHz systems in use
Group 3/Channel 8, Group 3/Channel 4
Group 3/Channel 7, Group 3/Channel 5
Group 3/Channel 2, Group 3/Channel 1
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