Position Your Access Point - NETGEAR WAC505 User Manual

Insight Managed Smart Cloud Wireless Access Point WAC505 User Manual

Position Your Access Point

Before you install your access point as described in the mounting installation guide, consider how you will
position the access point.
The access point lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your WiFi network.
However, the operating distance or range of your WiFi connection can vary significantly depending on the
physical placement of your access point. For example, the thickness and number of walls the WiFi signal
passes through can limit the range.
Additionally, other WiFi access points in and around your home might affect your access point's signal. WiFi
access points can be routers, repeaters, WiFi range extenders, and any other devices that emit WiFi signals
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 WiFi devices.
• If you use a power adapter, make sure that the access point is within reach of an AC power outlet.
• 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
- 5.8 GHz cordless phone
• Place the access point away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, insulated walls, and items
such as these:
- Solid metal door
- Aluminum studs
- Fish tanks
- Mirrors
- Brick
- Concrete
If you are using adjacent access points, use different radio frequency channels to reduce interference.
Install the Access Point in Your Network and Access It for Initial Configuration
13