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Reducing Interference
The Symphony HomeRF 2.0 Network communicates using frequency hopping
spread spectrum technology in the 2.4-GHz band. This is the same frequency
band used by microwave ovens and 2.4-GHz telephones. Frequency hopping
technology is designed to minimize interference so while you may notice a
degradation in performance, your devices will not cease to function. Proxim
recommends against installing the base station of a 2.4-GHz telephone
between two Symphony HomeRF adapters.
Hint:
If you suspect a 2.4-GHz telephone is severely degrading the
performance of the wireless network, temporarily disconnect
power from the phone’s base station to determine if this
addresses the performance concern.
Home Network Security
The Symphony HomeRF 2.0 Network is secure against unauthorized access
by eavesdroppers.
Frequency hopping signals are difficult to detect and decode because they hop
several times a second from frequency to frequency in a pseudorandom
sequence. Also, the Security Code adds an additional degree of protection
because even if a network infiltrator is using another Symphony HomeRF
device within range of your network, the infiltrator must know your Security
Code in order to communicate with your wireless devices. Finally, Sym-
phony’s Network Address Translation (NAT) software acts as an Internet fire-
wall to protect against unauthorized access from other users on the Internet.
Nonetheless, Proxim recommends that you establish passwords for each drive
that you share on the local area network, particularly if you are using the Base
Station in Transparent Bridging mode only. Depending on the type of Internet
connection you have, others may be able to access your computer’s files from
over the Internet. Users who store personal information, such as bank records,
on their computers may also want to consider installing a third-party security
program to provide additional protection.
