Position Your Access Point - NETGEAR WAC120 Reference Manual

Position Your Access Point

The access point lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your
wireless network. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless connection can
vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your access point. For example,
the thickness and number of walls the wireless signal passes through can limit the range.
Additionally, other wireless access points in and around your location might affect your
access point's signal. Wireless access points are access points, repeaters, WiFi range
extenders, or any other device that emits a wireless signal for network access.
Position your access point according to the following guidelines
• Place your access point near the center of the area where your computers and other
devices operate and within line of sight to your wireless devices.
• Make sure that the access point is within reach of an AC power outlet and near Ethernet
cables for wired computers.
• Place the access point in an elevated location, minimizing the number walls and ceilings
between the access point and your other devices.
• Place the access point away from electrical devices such as these:
- Ceiling fans
- Home security systems
- Microwaves
- Computers
- Base of a cordless phone
- 2.4 GHz cordless phone
• Place the access point away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, insulated
walls, and items such as these:
- Solid metal doors
- Aluminum studs
- Fish tanks
- Mirrors
- Brick
- Concrete
• (Optional) If you use adjacent access points, use different radio frequency channels to
reduce interference.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120
Initial Setup
31