General Wireless Networking :: Connecting to Wireless Network

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1 General Wireless Networking :: Connecting to Wireless Network 1) If you are using a laptop or notebook with a built in wireless connection, make sure the Wireless Switch and/or Wireless Button on your computer is turned on. *(Please refer to the documentation which came with your computer for further details) 2) Open Control Panel, select Network Connections. (If you do not have Network Connections select Network and Internet Connections, then click Network Connections.) 3) Right click on Wireless Network Connection, select Properties. 4) Click Wireless Networks, make sure there is a tick in Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings and click OK. 5) Right click on Wireless Network Connection again and select View Available Wireless Networks.

2 6) Select your network from the list and click Connect. 7) If you have encryption enabled it will prompt you to enter your Network Key. In the Network Key field type in the network key you wrote down when setting up encryption in the router.

3 8) Re-enter the key next to Confirm Network Key and click Connect. 9) You should now be connected to your wireless network. WIRELESS TROUBLESHOOTING Why can t I pick up or connect to my wireless network? Please keep in mind wireless signal ranges are is limited by the number of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals must pass through. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and background RF noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing range is to follow these basic principles: 1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings to a minimum Position your Wireless Access Points / Gateways, along with computers so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized. The wireless signal will degrade (or die completely) when going through brick (fireplace), metal (file cabinet), steel, lead, mirrors, water (fish tank), large appliances, glass, etc. 2. Be aware of the direct line between Access Points, Residential Gateways, and Computers - A wall that is 1.5 feet thick, at a 45 degree angle, appears to be almost 3 feet thick. At a 2-degree angle it looks over 42 feet thick! Try to make sure that the Access Point and Adapters are positioned so that the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling for better reception. 3. Building Materials A solid metal door may have a negative effect on range. Please try and position your wireless access points and computers so that the signal passes

4 through drywall or open doorways and not other materials. 4. Position the wireless antenna for best reception. This can be checked via the wireless node (*wireless card) software for signal strength 5. Keep your wireless access points away (at least 2M) from electrical devices that generate RF noise, like microwaves, monitors, phone base stations, electric motors, UPS units, etc. 6. If you are using 2.4GHz cordless phones, Bluetooth, cordless keyboard/mouse, RF audio/video transmitters/receivers or X-10 (wireless products such as ceiling fans, lights, and home security systems), your wireless connection will degrade dramatically or drop completely. Try changing the location of the access point. Also, try different channels on your access point or wireless router. Possibly a neighbor has a 2.4 GHz device (phone, wireless network, etc) that is interfering with your network. - Change the channel on your wireless router. - Change the location of your wireless products. Do not put the access point or wireless router in a cabinet or enclosure. To improve the wireless signal strength, you can purchase a more powerful antenna and attach to your wireless devices. Please note that having a powerful antenna on one end of wireless connection only may not make a difference - you need to have similar antennae on both ends of wireless link (e.g. on your workstation as well). The effective range will be limited by the weakest antenna used. Why is my wireless speeds so slow? The actual data transfer speed will differ from the maximum possible speed supported by the wireless product (e.g. 108Mbps, 54Mbps, 11Mbps, etc). Theoretically under perfect conditions the speeds are a achievable.

5 Please bear in mind the speed shown on a product theoretical value only showing what speeds the technology can offer under perfect conditions. The wireless transfer speed will depend on environmental conditions, radio interference and other factors.