19216811.live55
Problem:
My wireless network performance is inconsistent.
Data transfer is sometimes slow.
Signal strength is poor.
I am having difficulty establishing and/or maintaining a Virtual Private
Network (VPN) connection.
Solution:
Wireless technology is radio-based, which means connectivity and the
throughput performance between devices decreases when the distance
between devices increases. Other factors that will cause signal
degradation (metal is generally the worst culprit) are obstructions such as
walls and metal appliances. As a result, the typical indoor range of your
wireless devices will be between 100 to 200 feet. Note also that connection
speed may decrease as you move farther away from the Modem or access
point.
In order to determine if wireless issues are related to range, we suggest
temporarily moving the computer, if possible, five to 10 feet away from the
Modem.
Changing the Wireless Channel
- Depending on local wireless traffic and
interference, switching the wireless channel of your network can improve
performance and reliability. The default channel the Modem is shipped with
is channel 11. You may choose from several other channels depending on
your region (see the section titled “Changing the Wireless Channel” on
page 41 for instructions on how to choose other channels).
Limiting the Wireless Transmit Rate
- Limiting the wireless transmit rate
can help improve the maximum wireless range and connection stability.
Most wireless cards have the ability to limit the transmission rate. To
change this property, go to the Windows Control Panel, open “Network
Connections” and double-click on your wireless card’s connection. In the
“Properties” dialog, select the “Configure” button on the “General” tab
(Windows 98 users will have to select the wireless card in the list box and
then click “Properties”), then choose the “Advanced” tab and select the
rate property. Wireless client cards are usually set to automatically adjust
the wireless transmit rate for you, but doing so can cause periodic
disconnects when the wireless signal is too weak; as a rule, slower
transmission rates are more stable.