Netgear MCA1001 MCA1001 User Guide - Page 49

Coax-Ethernet Adapter MCA1001 User Manual Optimizing the Performance of Your Home Network To get the best performance from your home network, optimize each portion of the network, and place files in the network where they will get the bandwidth their use will demand. Optimizing Wireless Performance The speed and operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the physical placement of the wireless router. Choose a location for your router that will maximize the network speed. Tip: To find the best location, start the Network test (from the Supervisor Functions screen) running on the Coax-Ethernet Adapter, and then move the Coax-Ethernet Adapter and the wireless router. Monitor the Network test results to determine which location maximizes network speed. Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to other devices. See Appendix A, "Technical Specifications and Factory Default Settings" for complete range and performance specifications. To optimize wireless router performance: • Identify critical wireless links. If your network has several wireless devices, decide which wireless devices need the highest data rate, and locate the router near them. Many wireless products have automatic data-rate fallback, which allows increased distances without a loss of connectivity. This also means that devices that are farther away might be slower. Therefore, the most critical links in your network are those where the traffic is high and the distances are great. Optimize those first. • Choose placement carefully. For best results, place your router: • 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). • Avoid obstacles to wireless signals. Understanding Home Networking B-3 v1.0, December 2008