Optimize Wireless Performance - NETGEAR DGND3300v2 User Manual

N300 Wireless Dual Band ADSL2+ Modem Router DGND3300v2
The previous figure shows a sample network using multiple networking technologies. In this
network, the two computers with Gigabit (1000 Mbps) Ethernet adapters have a gigabit
connection through the GS605 switch to the storage server. This connection should allow for
extremely fast backups or quick access to large files on the server. The computer connected
through a pair of Powerline HD adapters is limited to the 200 Mbps speed of the Powerline
HD connection. Although any of the links in this example would be sufficient for high-traffic
applications such as streaming HD video, the use of older devices such as 10 Mbps Ethernet
or 802.11b wireless would create a significant bottleneck.

Optimize Wireless Performance

The speed and operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly
based on the physical placement of the wireless router. You should choose a location for your
router that will maximize the network speed.
Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant
performance degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the
router.
The following list describes how to optimize wireless router performance.
• Identify critical wireless links.
If your network has several wireless devices, decide which wireless devices need the
highest data rate, and locate the router near them. Many wireless products have
automatic data-rate fallback, which allows increased distances without loss of
connectivity. This also means that devices that are farther away might be slower.
Therefore, the most critical links in your network are those where the traffic is high and
the distances are great. Optimize those first.
• Choose placement carefully.
For best results, place your router:
- 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).
- Avoid obstacles to wireless signals.
- Keep wireless devices at least 2 feet from large metal fixtures such as file cabinets,
refrigerators, pipes, metal ceilings, reinforced concrete, and metal partitions.
- Keep away from large amounts of water such as fish tanks and water coolers.
• Reduce interference.
- Avoid windows unless communicating between buildings.
- Place wireless devices away from various electromagnetic noise sources, especially
those in the 2400–2500 MHz frequency band. Common noise-creating sources are:
• Computers and fax machines (no closer than 1 foot)
Advanced Settings (Part 2)
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