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Important
Do not rely on radio
transmission limitations to
secure your network. Enable
wireless security (WEP) to
protect your network from
unwanted access. For more
information, see
"Understanding Wireless
Security (WEP)" in this chapter.
Understanding Wireless Connections
Your base station uses a wireless protocol called IEEE 802.11b,
or Wi-Fi (wireless-fidelity), which works by radio transmission.
Although wireless transmission speed is usually faster than
broadband connection speed, it is slower than Ethernet.
Wi-Fi radio waves travel in all directions, and can transmit through
walls and floors. Wireless transmission can theoretically cover up
to 1,000 square feet and occur at speeds of up to 11 megabits per
second (Mbps), but actual network range and data throughput rate
will be less, depending on several factors.
Recommendations for Best Wireless Performance
The following information will help you achieve the best wireless
range, coverage, and transmission rate from your wireless devices:
• You should place the base station near the center of your
intended wireless network area. This will also minimize the
possibility of eavesdropping by neighboring wireless networks.
• Radio signals can travel farther outside of buildings, and the
best performance is when wireless components are in direct
line of sight to one another.
• Putting wireless components in high places helps avoid obstacles
and provides better coverage to upper stories of buildings.
• Building construction such as metal framing, UV window film,
metallic paint, and concrete or masonry walls and floors will
reduce radio signal strength. Try to avoid putting wireless
components next to walls, fireplaces, or other large, solid
objects; or next to large metal objects such as computer cases,
monitors, and appliances.
• Wireless signal range, speed, and strength can be affected by
interference from neighboring wireless networks and devices.
Electro-magnetic devices such as televisions, radios,
microwave ovens, and cordless phones, especially those with
frequencies in the 2.4 GHz range, may also interfere with
wireless transmission.
• Standing or sitting too close to wireless equipment can also
affect radio signal quality.
Adjusting the Antennas
You can adjust the wireless antennas for the best radio reception.
Start with the antenna pointing straight up, and adjust the antenna
if wireless reception is poor. Certain areas, such as directly below
the antenna, get relatively poor reception. Pointing the antenna
toward another wireless component does not improve reception.
The antennas should not be placed next to large pieces of metal,
because this can cause interference.
Chapter 1: Introduction 5
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