Positioning An Access Point; Radio Frequency Interference - Fortinet FortiWiFi FortiWiFi-60 Installation And Configuration Manual

Setting up a wireless network

Positioning an Access Point

Radio Frequency interference

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Figure 9: FortiWiFi-60 as an Access Point
Wireless Network
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FortiWiFi-60
When placing the FortiWiFi-60 AP, your main concern is providing a strong signal to
all users. A strong signal ensures a fast connection and the efficient transfer of data. A
weaker signal means a greater chance of data transmission errors and the need to
re-send information, slowing down data transfer.
Consider the following guidelines when placing the FortiWiFi-60 AP:
• Physical barriers can impede the radio signals. Solid objects such as walls,
furniture and people absorb radio waves, weakening the signal. Be aware of the
physical barriers in your office space that may reduce a signal. If there is enough
physical interference, you may encounter dead spots that receive no signals.
• Ensure the FortiWiFi-60 AP is located in a prominent location within a room for
maximum coverage, rather than in a corner.
• Construction materials used in a building can also weaken radio signals. Rooms
with walls of concrete or metal can affect signal strength.
The 802.11 standard uses a frequency range of 2.4 to 2.483 GHz. Radio frequency
(RF) interference occurs when other devices send RF signals during their normal
operation that use the same frequency as the FortiWiFi-60 AP. Wireless devices such
as 2.4GHz cordless phones, microwave ovens and Bluetooth devices can interfere
with packet transmission on a wireless network.
01-28008-0030-20050128
Internal Network
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Internal
INTERNAL
PWR WLAN 1 2 3 4 DMZ WAN1 WAN2
LINK 100 LINK 100 LINK 100 LINK 100 LINK 100 LINK 100 LINK 100
WAN1 WAN2
T1 Broadband (cable or DSL)
Internet
Using a wireless network
DMZ Network
Web Server
Mail Server
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Fortinet Inc.