Positioning 802.11G Antennas - Intermec IF5 User Manual

Chapter 1 — Getting Started

Positioning 802.11g Antennas

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6 Place the IF5 in its mounting location. For more information,
see "Choosing a Mounting Location" on page 24.
7 For a wired Ethernet network, connect the Ethernet cable to
your network.
For a wireless network, continue with the next step.
8 Connect the AC power cord to an AC outlet. As soon as you
apply power, the IF5 boots and the green Power LED turns
on.
The IF5 is now ready to communicate in your network.
Antennas and their placement play a vital role when installing a
wireless network. The exact range that you will achieve is difficult
to determine. Intermec recommends that you allow an Intermec-
certified RF specialist to perform a site survey before you install a
wireless network. For more information, contact your local
Intermec representative.
Radio signals may reflect off some obstacles and be absorbed by
others. For example, two radios may achieve up to 305 m (1,000
ft) of range if positioned outdoors within line of sight, with no
obstacles between them. However, the same two radios may only
achieve 152 m (500 ft) of range when the RF signal has to travel
through items such as cubicles. If the signal must penetrate office
walls, the signal range may decrease to 91 m (300 ft).
Using the proper antennas for your environment and placing
them in the proper areas can help improve range. Here are some
general guidelines for positioning antennas:
• Place the antenna as high as possible. In an office
environment, try to place it above cubicle walls.
• Keep the line-of-sight between the antennas and wireless end
devices clear of metal surfaces (like beams or girders) and large
quantities of paper products.
• Do not place items constructed from sheet metal (such as
filing cabinets) between two antennas.
IF5 Fixed Reader User's Manual