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7. Performance Hints
This section offers several suggestions for how to the improve
performance of a RangeLAN2 network.
Running Large Executable Files Efficiently
You may notice that certain executable files like Novell's LOGIN
program can take a long time to start up. You can make this more
efficient if you copy the file to your local hard disk. This way the
server is only accessed to read data files, which will allow for
better performance.
Designating Devices as Masters and
Alternate Masters
RangeLAN2 uses a spread spectrum frequency hopping tech-
nique. This means that the radio signal is constantly moving from
one frequency to another in a predefined sequence. In order for
several RangeLAN2 radios to communicate, they must be at the
same frequency at the same time.
Proxim has devised a method whereby one unit, called the Mas-
ter, sets the pace for the other radios. All Stations look to the
Master to determine where and when to hop. If there is no Master
present, a node configured as an Alternate Master will decide to
become the Master for that session.
This configuration leaves the system administrator for the network
with the task of configuring each wireless device on the network
as a Master, Alternate Master, or Station. In most cases, using the
default configurations for each of the drivers will work fine. But
there may be times when the administrator wants to change the
configuration for performance, or other issues. Here are several
factors to consider:
