Finding the signal strength – Dell V313w All In One Wireless Inkjet Printer User Manual

Page 68

Advertising
background image

The following table compares the characteristics and requirements of the two types of wireless networks.

Infrastructure

Ad hoc

Characteristics

Communication

Through wireless access point

Directly between devices

Security

More security options

WEP or no security

Range

Determined by range and number of
wireless access points

Restricted to range of individual
devices on network

Speed

Usually faster

Usually slower

Requirements for all devices

Unique IP address for each device

Yes

Yes

Mode set to

Infrastructure mode

Ad hoc mode

Same SSID

Yes, including the wireless access
point

Yes

Same channel

Yes, including the wireless access
point

Yes

We recommend setting up a network in infrastructure mode using the installation CD that came with the printer.

Infrastructure mode is the recommended setup method because it provides:

Increased network security

Increased reliability

Faster performance

Easier setup

Finding the signal strength

Wireless devices have built-in antennas that transmit and receive radio signals. The signal strength listed on the
printer network setup page indicates how strongly a transmitted signal is being received. Many factors can affect
the signal strength. One factor is interference from other wireless devices or other devices such as microwave ovens.
Another factor is distance. The farther two wireless devices are from each other, the more likely it is that the
communication signal will be weaker.

The strength of the signal received by your computer can also affect the connectivity of the printer with the network
during configuration. When you installed the wireless adapter in your computer, the adapter software probably
placed an icon in your system tray. Try double-clicking this icon, and it will tell you how strongly the computer is
receiving the wireless signal from the network.

To improve signal quality, remove sources of interference and/or move wireless devices closer to the wireless access
point (wireless router).

Networking

68

Advertising