41
through the NAT must be translated to the correct IP address.
5. What factors affect the wireless signals?
1. 802.11b/g/n wireless broadband utilizes microwaves for communication. Microwaves
travel best in straight lines between the access point and client antennas. Obstacles such
as walls, persons, furnishings or other items that lie between the access point and client
antennas can reduce and sometimes completely block the microwave transmissions.
Careful placement of the router and client devices so that the antennas have a clear line of
communication is important for reliable wireless connections and adequate transmission
speeds.
2. Physical obstacles, not only block the microwave radio signals, but they can absorb
electromagnetic energy weakening the communication channel. Concrete walls and
floors, metal doors or other metal objects in the home or small office can make the
wireless signals very weak and lead to poor communication or loss of communication
between wireless devices.
3. The IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards share the 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial Scientific, Medical)
band with other devices that share the same radio frequencies. These devices include:
microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, commercial and industrial
communication equipment. If any of these devices create a radio signal stronger than
the intended transmitter at the point of reception, then the receiving device will
experience interference and wireless network communication will be affected.
4. If multiple wireless networks are operating in the same vicinity and some of the channels
are shared, there is a high likelihood that interference will occur between the systems that
will reduce the performance of all wireless networks sharing the same channel. You can
scan for a list of current stations and try setting your wireless network to operate on an
unused channel.
5. Other sources of interference may come from: Power-lines, radio towers, welders, electric
train or bus, high-voltage power transformers and other strong source of signal
interference, also may produce a strong wireless signal interference or equipment. The
wireless network devices will work best if kept at least 100 meters from these sources of
interference.
6. Hints on placing wireless networking devices:
a. Try and choose locations that are higher to improve antenna radiation and to reduce the
obstacles that might block the signal. Choose a location for the router that provides the
least obstacles between it and all each of the wireless clients connected to it. If you are
able to have line of sight between them, you will likely have the best possible connection.
b. Try and select a wireless channel that is not in use for the router. This will reduce
interference from nearby networks.
c. Place the router so that cordless phones and other electric appliances are not in close
proximity to the wireless network devices.
d. If the wireless antennas are removable, the communication link can be enhanced by
replacing the antenna with an antenna having higher gain to improve the wireless signal.
