User's Manual

8
Wireless Basics (continued)
beneficial to have more than one access point with overlapping
coverage.
2. Be aware of the direct line between Access Points and computers with
wireless adapters - A wall that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at a 45-
degree angle appears to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick. At a 2-degree
angle it looks over 42 feet (14 meters) thick! Try to make sure that the
Access Points and Adapters are positioned so that the signal will travel
straight through a wall or ceiling for better reception.
3. Building Materials make a difference - A solid metal door or aluminum
studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position Access Points,
and computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through
drywall or open doorways and not other materials.
4. Make sure that the antenna is positioned for best reception by using the
software signal strength tools included with your product.
5. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devices or appliances that generate extreme RF noise.
For the average residence, range should not be a problem. If you
experience low or no signal strength in areas of your home that you wish to
access, consider positioning the Access Point in a location directly between
the computers with wireless adapters that will be connected. Additional
Access Points can be connected to provide better coverage in rooms where
the signal does not appear as strongly as desired.
Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLANs (Wireless Local Area
Networks) transmit and receive data over the air, minimizing the need for
wired connections. Thus, WLANs combine data connectivity with user
mobility, and, through simplified configuration, enable movable LANs.