My wireless network performance is inconsistent
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 50 to 300 feet. Note also that connection speed may decrease as you move farther from the Router or Access Point.
In order to determine if wireless issues are related to range, we suggest temporarily moving the computer, if possible, to 5-10 feet from the Router. If issues persist even at close range, please contact Belkin Technical Support toll-free at (877) 736-5771
Optimizing the performance of your wireless network
1. Proper placement of the Wireless Router
The Wireless Router is the central connection point of the network, with all wireless clients (i.e. wireless notebook network cards, wireless desktop network cards, and wireless USB adapters) attached to it. In order to achieve the best wireless network coverage for your connected computers:
· Your Router should be placed as close as possible to the center of the area that you want to cover with antennas parallel to each other, and as vertical as possible. In multistory homes, place the Router on a floor that is as close to the center of the home as possible; this may mean placing the Router on an upper floor.
· While wireless signals will pass through walls and floors, wireless devices work best in a line-of-sight situation where there are no obstacles between the wireless client and the Router.
· Try not to place the Wireless Router or Access Point near a cordless 2.4GHz phone
· Avoid placement of your Wireless Router or Access Point near devices that may emit radio “noise”, such as microwave ovens.
2. Obstacles
Wireless communication can be inhibited by large, dense objects. If your wireless signal seems weak in some spots, look for objects such as these in the signal’s path between the computer and the Router or Access Point:
- Refrigerators
- Washers and/or dryers
- Metal cabinets
- Large aquariums
- Metallic-based UV tinted windows
3. Cordless phones
· Unplug and remove the battery from any cordless phones that may operate on the 2.4GHz band. If this fixes it, your phone may be interfering.
· Try moving cordless phones away from Routers or Access Points and computers connecting wirelessly
· If your phone supports channel selection, change the channel on the phone to be the farthest channel from your wireless network as possible. For example, change the phone to channel 1 and move the Router to channel 11. See your phone’s user manual for detailed instructions.
· If necessary, consider switching to a 900MHz or 5GHz cordless phone.
4. 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 nearby wireless networks that conflict with yours. Use the Site Survey capabilities of your Wireless LAN Utility to locate any other wireless networks, and move your Router and computers to a channel as far away from other networks as possible.
You may also wish to experiment with more than one of the available channels, in order to avoid possible interference from neighboring cordless phones or other wireless devices that do not appear in Site Survey.
If you are using Belkin products, your User Manual contains detailed instructions on using Site Survey and changing wireless channels.
5. Secure connections, VPNs, and AOL
Secure connections are connections that typically require a user name and password, and are used in many places where security is important. Secure connections include:
· Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections, often used to connect remotely to an office network
· The “Bring Your Own Access” program from America Online (AOL), which lets you use AOL through broadband provided by another cable or DSL service
· Most on-line banking websites; and
· Many commercial websites that require a username and password to access your account
When using any of these secure connections, the secure connection may be broken, or fail to respond, if your computer’s power management settings cause it to “go to sleep”. The simplest solution is to simply reconnect by re-running the VPN or AOL software, or re-logging into the secure web site.
A second alternative is to change your computer’s power management settings so it does not go to sleep; however, this may not be appropriate for portable computers. To change your power management setting under Windows, use the “Power Options” item in the Control Panel.
If you continue to have issues with secure connection, VPN’s and AOL please try steps 1-4 above.
These guidelines should allow you to cover the maximum possible area with your Wireless Router. Should you need to cover an even wider area, please see the following page: Extending the range of your wireless network | 
