Get Started; Placement Of Your Aircard Hub; Avoid Obstacles And Interference - Sierra Wireless AirCard User Manual

2: Get Started

Placement of your AirCard Hub

Just like your mobile phone, the AirCard Hub's location will affect its signal strength to
the 3G/4G base station (cell tower). The data speed achievable from the AirCard Hub
is dependent on this signal strength, which is affected by many environmental factors.
When choosing a location for your AirCard Hub, keep in mind that the AirCard Hub
needs adequate signal strength to provide Internet connectivity.
Similarly, the wireless connection between your AirCard Hub and your Wi-Fi devices
is stronger the closer your devices are to your AirCard Hub. Your wireless connection
and performance will degrade as the distance between your AirCard Hub and devices
increases. This may or may not be directly noticeable, and is greatly affected by the
individual installation environment.
If you have concerns about your network's performance that might be related to
range or obstruction factors, try moving the devices to a position between three to five
meters from the AirCard Hub to see if distance is the problem.
If you experience difficulties connecting wirelessly between your Wi-Fi devices and
your AirCard Hub, try the following steps:

Avoid Obstacles and Interference

Avoid placing your AirCard Hub near devices that may emit radio "noise," such as
microwave ovens. Dense objects that can inhibit wireless communication include:
Note: While some of the items listed above can affect network performance, they will not
prohibit your wireless network from functioning; if you are concerned that your network is
not operating at its maximum effectiveness avoid placing your AirCard Hub near the devices
listed. Please ensure that your AirCard Hub's 3G/4G external antenna is positioned vertically
(toward the ceiling).
Rev 1 Feb. 2012
 In multi-story homes, place the AirCard Hub on a floor that is as close to the
centre of the home as possible. This may mean placing the AirCard Hub on
an upper floor.
 Avoid placing the AirCard Hub near a cordless telephone that operates at the
same radio frequency as the AirCard Hub (2.3 GHz / 4 GHz).
 Refrigerators
 Washers and dryers
 Metal cabinets
 Large aquariums
 Metallic-based, UV-tinted windows
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