Improving Radio Coverage; In Any Location; On The Street; Inside A Building - General Dynamics Itronix GD2000 User Manual

GD2000 User Guide

Improving Radio Coverage

Wireless connectivity between your computer and wireless
network access points is essential. Maintaining this wireless
connectivity over a wide area is fundamental to the usefulness
of the network. This makes the scope and reliability of radio
coverage a primary concern. Therefore, one of the most impor-
tant features of the wireless network is the degree of radio
coverage provided. Coverage can be influenced by terrain,
buildings or even a crowded room. Here are some tips to help
you improve radio coverage, depending on your location.

In any Location

Performance can vary significantly at different times of the day.
„
Weather can affect performance.
„

On the Street

Try all sides of a building to see which side provides the stron-
„
gest radio signal.
Move from under trees. Pine needles absorb radio signals more
„
than leaves.
Move away from overhead electrical wires.
„
Radio signals reflect off other buildings. Even in the signal
„
shadow, the signal could be reflected back by another building.
Try not to hold the unit. If possible, place it in vehicle, on a cabi-
„
net or desk.
If holding the unit, turn the unit in 90-degree increments to
„
avoid shielding it with your body and don't cover the back of the
display.
The signal is 1-2 feet across; therefore, moving several feet in
„
any direction may give different results.

Inside a Building

Move toward windows.
„
Signals do not penetrate ground; therefore, there will probably
„
be no signal in basements.
Reflective coatings on windows reflect radio signals. Try the side
„
of the building that is least likely to have coated windows.
Closed metal blinds can reflect radio signals.
„
Dropped ceilings sometimes hide an accumulation of electrical
„
cable.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is generated by switch-
ing circuitry closets or un-interruptable power source (UPS)
systems found near computer rooms and can block the radio
signal.
Look for significant sources of electromagnetic radiation. Prob-
lems may emanate from a source between your location and
the radio base station.
General Dynamics Itronix 72-0139-001
Wireless Communication

Antennas

The GD2000 has several embedded antenna options to support
wireless communications. They require no user action.
Caution
Use only the supplied or an approved antenna(s).
Use of unauthorized antennas, modifications, or attachments
may void your warranty and could impair call quality, damage
the radio, or result in violation of FCC regulations.
The GD2000 may contain the radio transmitters listed below.
The following statements are relevant when using these radios:
Each internal radio may or may not have an individual FCC
Identifier label. That FCC Identifier label is not applicable to this
configuration. Only the external FCC ID is applicable. Only the
antenna with which an intentional radiator is authorized may
be used with the intentional radiator.
The WLAN embedded dual antennas are located internally in
the upper right and left edges of the display screen and are
not to be modified. This device contains a WLAN radio trans-
mitter and a WAN radio transmitter. To comply with FCC RF
exposure requirements when using the WAN radio transmitter,
a minimum separation distance of 20 cm must be maintained
between the external dipole antenna and all users/bystand-
ers. When using the WLAN transmitter, a minimum separation
distance of 20 cm must be maintained between the upper right
and left edges of the display screen and all users/bystanders.
The WAN radio and WLAN transmitter should be turned off
before carrying the notebook PC in order to comply with FCC
RF exposure requirements.
Since each customer's radio configuration is unique, please
read the radio help installed on your desktop and refer to the
manufacturer documentation to setup and use your radio(s).