Contec FX-DS540-APDL-U, User Manual

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3. Setup
34
FX-DS540-APDL-U
Constructing a Network
This section gives some pointers and cautions relating to constructing a network using the AP and user
units, and provides some practical examples.
(1) Check the coverage (cover area) of the AP. To use the AP with two or more user units logged in an
infrastructure mode, all the user units must be installed within the cover area. The AP’s coverage
varies with obstacles (concrete walls, iron doors, elevator halls, etc.). Note also that the number of
transmission/reception errors increases beyond a certain transmission distance.
When setting up the network, check the RSSI level then confirm that communication works
correctly with the application you plan to use. For a TCP/IP system, for example, you can use the
Windows PING command. To use PING, open an MS-DOS prompt window and enter the following
command. The example command is for an AP with an IP address of 10.168.132.15.
C:\WINDOWS>ping 10.168.132.15
(2) The maximum number of user units that can log in to an AP at one time is 254. However, remember
that the communication speed slows due to the increased loading as the number of user units for a
particular AP increases.
(3) This product can be set to one of the four channels according to the Wireless Telegraphy Act.
(4) If a pair of wireless terminals are communicating via a particular channel, no other communications
can use that channel within the range of the radio signal (the exception is broadcasting which
transmits to all terminals). As a result, communication speed tends to drop as the density of wireless
terminals increases although this depends to a large extent on how frequently the network is used.
(5) If the AP is connected to an Ethernet hub or similar, a unexpectedly large load can occur on the AP
if the Ethernet traffic is heavy and this may reduce the performance of the wireless network. This
can be solved by changing the hub connected to the AP to a switching hub (bridge).
(6) Setup the software in accordance with how the network will be used.
(7) The communication speed may also drop due to interference if two wireless terminals are located
close to each other. In general, maintain a gap of about 1m between user units, 3m between APs and
user units, and 3m between APs.
(8) The best performance is achieved from antennas if they are located in an open space free from
obstructions. Avoid locating antennas where they will be hidden. In particular, when
communication distance is an important consideration, it is recommended that you install antennas
in a high location with a clear view.
(9) Floors often contain steel beams or metal firewalls and therefore communication between floors is
often not possible.