Lexmark X5650 Network Guide - Page 29

How can I improve wireless signal strength? A common reason wireless printers fail to communicate over a network is poor wireless signal quality. If the signal is too weak, too distorted, or blocked by an object, it cannot carry information between the access point and the printer. To determine if the printer is receiving a strong signal from the access point, print a network setup page. The Quality field indicates the relative strength of the wireless signal the printer is receiving. Drops in signal strength can be intermittent, however, and although the signal quality appears high, it may drop during certain conditions. If you think signal strength is a problem between your access point and the printer, try one or more of the following: Notes: • The solutions below are for infrastructure networks. If you are using an ad hoc network, adjust the computer when the solution suggests adjusting the access point. • Ad hoc networks have a much shorter range than infrastructure networks. Try moving the printer closer to the computer if they seem to have trouble communicating. MOVE THE PRINTER CLOSER TO THE WIRELESS ACCESS POINT/WIRELESS ROUTER If the printer is too far away from the access point, it will not be able to communicate with other devices on the network. For most indoor wireless networks, the maximum distance between the access point and the printer is approximately 100 feet (30 meters). This distance could be longer or shorter, depending upon the layout of the network and the limitations of the access point. REMOVE OBSTACLES BETWEEN THE ACCESS POINT AND THE PRINTER The wireless signal from your access point will pass through most objects. Most walls, floors, furniture and other objects will not block the wireless signal. However, there are materials that are too dense for the signal to pass through. Objects containing metal and concrete can block the signal. Arrange your printer and access point so that the signal is not blocked by such objects. REMOVE SOURCES OF INTERFERENCE Other types of radio frequencies can cause problems with the wireless signal on your network. These sources of interference can cause printing issues that seem to come and go. Turn off potential sources of interference where possible. Avoid using microwaves and cordless phones when printing over your wireless network. If another wireless network is operating in the vicinity, change the wireless channel on the access point. Do not place your access point on a printer. Printers can also interfere with the wireless signal. ARRANGE THE NETWORK TO REDUCE SIGNAL ABSORPTION Even when the wireless signal is able to pass through an object, it is slightly weakened. If it passes through too many objects, it can be significantly weakened. All objects absorb part of the wireless signal when it passes through them, and certain types of objects absorb enough to cause communications problems. Place your access point as high in the room as possible to avoid signal absorption. Can I use my printer on a USB and a network connection at the same time? Yes, the printer supports a simultaneous USB and network connection. The printer can be configured in the following ways: • Locally attached (connected to a computer using a USB cable) • Wireless network • Ethernet network • Wireless network and locally attached simultaneously • Ethernet network and locally attached simultaneously Note: Wireless and Ethernet options are available on selected models only. What is a MAC address? A Media Access Control (MAC) address is a 48-bit identifier associated with the hardware of network equipment. The MAC address may also be called the physical address because it is connected to the hardware of a device instead of its software. The MAC address is displayed as a hexadecimal number in this format: 01-23-45-67-89-AB. Every device capable of communicating on a network has a MAC address. Network printers, computers, and routers, whether Ethernet or wireless, all have MAC addresses. While it is possible to change the MAC address of a network device, it is not common practice to do so. For this reason, MAC addresses are considered permanent. IP addresses are easily changed, so MAC addresses are a more reliable method of identifying a specific device on a network. Routers with security capabilities may allow filtering of MAC addresses on networks. This allows a managed list of devices to access the network, identified by their MAC addresses. MAC address filtering can help prevent access on the network from unwanted devices, such as from intruders on a wireless network. MAC address filtering can also prevent legitimate access if you forget to add a new device to the router's list of allowed addresses. If your network uses MAC address filtering, be sure to add the MAC address of the printer to the list of allowed devices. How do I find the MAC address? Most network equipment has a unique hardware identification number to distinguish it from other devices on the network. This is called the Media Access Control (MAC) address. Frequently asked questions 29