Netgear WNR854T WNR854T Reference Manual - Page 17

Chapter 2 Wireless Configuration This chapter describes how to configure the wireless features of your RangeMax NEXT Wireless Router. In planning your wireless network, you should consider the level of security required. You should also select the physical placement of your firewall in order to maximize the network speed. For further information on wireless networking, see "Wireless Communications" in Appendix B. Observing 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 firewall. The latency, data throughput performance, and notebook power consumption of wireless adapters also vary depending on your configuration choices. Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the router. For complete range and performance specifications, please see Appendix A, "Technical Specifications". For best results, place your firewall: • Near the center of the area in which your computers operates. • 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. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) connections can take slightly longer to establish. Also, WEP and Wi-Fi Protected Access, Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK) encryption can consume more battery power on a notebook computer. When used on a metallic surface, Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) units must be oriented vertically to ensure proper operation: Wireless Configuration 2-1 v1.0, 2006-04