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NF2
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Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Hub User Guide
11
YML38
Installation and Configuration of
the NetComm NF2
Placement of your NF2 and Mobile Broadband
Just like your mobile phone, the NF2
’s location will affect its signal strength to the MBB (Mobile Broadband) Provider’s
Mobile Base
Station (Cell Tower). The data speed achievable from the NF2 is relative to this signal strength, which is affected by many
environmental factors. Please keep in mind that the NF2 will need adequate signal strength in order to provide Internet connectivity
whilst choosing a location to place your NF2.
Similarly, the wireless connection between your NF2 and your WiFi devices will be stronger the closer your connected devices are to
your NF2. Your wireless connection and performance will degrade as the distance between your NF2 and connected devices
increases. This may or may not be directly noticeable, and is greatly affected by the individual installation environment.
If you have concerns about your network’s performance that might be related to range or obstruction factors, try moving the
computer to a position between three to five meters from the NF2
™ Hub
in order to see if distance is the problem.
Please note: While some of the items listed below can affect network performance, they will not prohibit your wireless
network from functioning. If you are concerned that your network is not operating at its maximum effectiveness, this
checklist may help. Please ensure that your NF2 WiFi external antenna is positioned vertically (toward the ceiling).
If you experience difficulties connecting wirelessly between your WiFi Devices and your NF2, please try the following steps:
In multi-storey homes, place the NF2 on a floor that is as close to the centre of the home as possible. This may mean
placing the NF2 on an upper floor.
Try not to place the NF2
™ Hub
near a cordless telephone that operates at the same radio frequency as the NF2
(2.4GHz).
Avoid obstacles and interference
Avoid placing your NF2 near devices that may emit radio
“noise”
, such as microwave ovens. Dense objects that can inhibit wireless
communication include:
Refrigerators.
Washers and/or dryers.
Metal cabinets.
Large aquariums.
Metallic-based, UV-tinted windows.
If your wireless signal seems weak in some spots, make sure that objects such as those listed above are not blocking
the signal’s path (between your
wireless devices and the NF2).
Cordless Phones
If the performance of your wireless network is impaired after considering the above issues, and you have a cordless phone:
Try moving cordless phones away from your NF2 and your wireless-enabled computers.
Unplug and remove the battery from any cordless phone that operates on the 2.4GHz band (check manufacturer’s
information). If this fixes the problem, your phone may be interfering with the NF2.
If your phone supports channel selection, change the channel on the phone to the farthest channel from your wireless
network. For example, change the phone to channel 1 and move your NF2
to channel 11. See your phone’s user
manual for detailed instructions.
If necessary, consider switching to a 900MHz or 5GHz cordless phone.
Choose the “Quietest” Channel for your Wireless Network
In locations where homes or offices are close together, such as apartment buildings or office complexes, there may be wireless
networks nearby that can conflict with your wireless network. Use the Site Survey capabilities found in the Wireless Utility of your
wireless adapter to locate any other wireless networks that are available (see your wireless adapter’s user manual), and swit
ch your
Router and computers to a channel as far away from other networks as possible.
Experiment with more than one of the available channels, in order to find the clearest connection and avoid interference from
neighbouring cordless phones or other wireless devices.