80
N+ Wireless Modem Router
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TRoUblesHooTINg
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My wireless network performance is inconsistent.
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Data transfer is sometimes slow.
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Signal strength is poor.
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Difficulty establishing and/or maintaining a Virtual Private
Network (VPN) connection .
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 . Note also that connection speed may
decrease as you move farther away from the Router .
Limiting the wireless transmit rate—Limiting the wireless transmit rate
can help improve the maximum wireless range and connection stability .
Most wireless cards have the ability to limit the transmission rate . To
change this property, go to the Windows Control Panel, open “Network
Connections” and double-click on your wireless card’s connection . In
the properties dialog, select the “Configure” button on the “General” tab
(Windows 98 users will have to select the wireless card in the list box
and then click “Properties”), then choose the “Advanced” tab and select
the rate property .
Wireless client cards are usually set to automatically adjust the wireless
transmit rate for you, but doing so can cause periodic disconnects when
the wireless signal is too weak; as a rule, slower transmission rates are
more stable . Experiment with different connection rates until you find the
best one for your environment . Note that all available transmission rates
should be acceptable for browsing the Internet . For more assistance,
see your wireless card’s user manual .
In order to determine if wireless issues are related to range, we
suggest temporarily moving the computer, if possible, five to 10 feet
from the Router .
Changing the wireless channel—Depending on local wireless traffic
and interference, switching the wireless channel of your network can
improve performance and reliability . The default channel the Router
is shipped with is channel 11; you may choose from several other
channels depending on your region . See the section on page 41
entitled “Changing the Wireless Channel” for instructions on how to
choose other channels .
