Finding The Signal Strength - Dell All-in-One Wireless Printer V515w User Manual

In infrastructure mode, all devices on a wireless network communicate with each other through a wireless router
(wireless access point). Devices on the wireless network must have valid IP addresses for the current network and
share the same SSID and channel as the wireless access point.
In ad hoc mode, a computer with a wireless network adapter communicates directly with a printer equipped with a
wireless print server. The computer must have a valid IP address for the current network and be set to ad hoc mode.
The wireless print server must be configured to use the same SSID and channel that the computer is using.
The following table compares the characteristics and requirements of the two types of wireless networks.
Characteristics
Communication
Security
Range
Speed
Requirements for all devices
Unique IP address for each device
Mode set to
Same SSID
Same channel
We recommend setting up a network in infrastructure mode using the installation CD that came with the printer.
Infrastructure mode is the recommended setup method because it provides:
•
Increased network security
•
Increased reliability
•
Faster performance
•
Easier setup

Finding the signal strength

Wireless devices have built-in antennas that transmit and receive radio signals. The signal strength listed on the
printer network setup page indicates how strongly a transmitted signal is being received. Many factors can affect
the signal strength. One factor is interference from other wireless devices or other devices such as microwave ovens.
Another factor is distance. The farther two wireless devices are from each other, the more likely it is that the
communication signal will be weaker.
The strength of the signal received by your computer can also affect the connectivity of the printer with the network
during configuration. When you installed the wireless adapter in your computer, the adapter software probably
placed an icon in your system tray. Try double-clicking this icon, and it will tell you how strongly the computer is
receiving the wireless signal from the network.
To improve signal quality, remove sources of interference and/or move wireless devices closer to the wireless access
point (wireless router).
Infrastructure
Through wireless access point
More security options
Determined by range and number of
wireless access points
Usually faster
Yes
Infrastructure mode
Yes, including the wireless access
point
Yes, including the wireless access
point
Networking
93
Ad hoc
Directly between devices
WEP or no security
Restricted to range of individual
devices on network
Usually slower
Yes
Ad hoc mode
Yes
Yes