NETGEAR WPN802 - Manual (Page 29)

Wireless Configuration 4-1
202-10101-01, 4 May 2005
Chapter 4
Wireless Configuration
This chapter describes how to configure the wireless features of your WPN802 Access Point. In
planning your wireless network, you should consider the level of security required. You should
also select the physical placement of your wireless access point in order to maximize the network
speed. For further information on wireless networking, refer to
Appendix B, “Wireless
Networking Basics .
Observe Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines
The operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the
physical placement of the wireless wireless access point. The latency, data throughput
performance, and notebook power consumption of wireless adapters also vary depending on your
configuration choices.
For best results, place your wireless access point:
• Near the center of the area in which your computers will operate.
• In an elevated location such as a high shelf where the wirelessly connected computers have
line-of-sight access (even if through walls).
• Away from sources of interference, such as computers, microwaves, and 2.4 GHz cordless
phones.
• Away from large metal surfaces.
The time it takes to establish a wireless connection can vary depending on both your security
settings and placement. WEP connections can take slightly longer to establish. Also, WEP and
WPA-PSK \encryption can consume more battery power on a notebook computer.
When used on a metallic surface, MIMO units must be oriented vertically to ensure proper
operation:
Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance
degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the wireless access point. For complete
range/performance specifications, please see
Appendix A, “Technical Specifications .”