User's Manual

19
5. Performance Hints
This section provides the user with ideas for how to increase performance and network
satisfaction on a Harmony 802.11b network.
Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens operate in the same frequency band as the Harmony 802.11b Access
Point. Therefore, if you use a microwave within range of the Access Point you may
notice network performance degradation. However, both your microwave and your
Access Point will continue to function.
Range
Every environment is unique with different obstacles, barriers, materials, etc. and
therefore, it is difficult to determine the exact range that will be achieved without
testing. However, Proxim has developed some guidelines to estimate the range that
users will see when the product is installed in their facility, but there are no hard and
fast specifications.
Radio signals may reflect off of some obstacles or be absorbed by others depending on
their construction. For example, with two 802.11b radios, you may achieve up to 1000'
in open space outdoors where the two antennas are line of sight, meaning they see each
other with no obstacles. However, the same two units may only achieve up to 300' of
range when used indoors.
The IEEE 802.11b specification supports four data rates: 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps,
and 1 Mbps. Operation at 1 Mbps provides greater range than operation at 11 Mbps.
The Harmony 802.11b Access Point will automatically adjust the data rate to maintain
a usable radio connection. Therefore, a client that is close to the Access Point may
operate at 11 Mbps while a client that is on the fringe of coverage may operate at 1
Mbps. As described in Chapter 4, you may configure the data rates that the Access
Point will use. Note that if you limit the range of data rates available to the Access
Point, you may reduce the effective range of the Harmony 802.11b products.