Wireless Configuration; Observing Performance, Placement, And Range Guidelines - NETGEAR ProSafe FVG318 Reference Manual

This chapter describes how to configure the wireless features of your FVG318 wireless VPN
firewall.

Observing Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines

In planning your wireless network, you should consider the level of security required. You should
also select the physical placement of your FVG318 in order to maximize the network speed. For
further information on wireless networking, refer to
Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation
or inability to wirelessly connect to the wireless VPN firewall. For complete range
and performance specifications, please see
Specifications."
The operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the
physical placement of the FVG318 wireless VPN firewall. The latency, data throughput
performance, and notebook power consumption also vary depending on your configuration
choices. For best results, place your wireless VPN firewall:
• Near the center of the area in which your PCs will operate.
• In an elevated location, such as a high shelf where the wirelessly connected PCs have line-of-
sight access (even if through walls). The best location is elevated, such as wall mounted or on
the top of a cubicle, and at the center of your wireless coverage area for all the mobile devices.
• Away from sources of interference, such as PCs, microwaves, and 2.4 GHz cordless phones.
• Away from large metal surfaces.
Be aware that the time it takes to establish a wireless connection can vary depending on both your
security settings and placement. WEP connections can take slightly longer to establish. Also, WEP
encryption can consume more battery power on a notebook computer.

Wireless Configuration

Wireless Configuration
"Wireless Communications:" in Appendix
Appendix A, "Technical
v1.0, October 2005
Chapter 4
A."
4-1