User's Guide

CHAPTER 2: Installing Your Gateway
4 Determining a Wireless Access Point Location
Determining a Wireless Access Point Location
Wireless signals are affected by many items in common households. Reliability and performance
are the major considerations when planning your wireless network location.
Avoiding Interference
Wireless signals are subject to interference from other electronic devices including (but not limited
to) microwave ovens, cordless telephones, and garage door openers. Proper installation will
minimize interference. Place your gateway at least 5 feet (1.52 meters) from cordless phones,
microwaves, or other electronic devices to avoid potential interference, and more than 6 inches
(15.24 centimeters) away from television to avoid audio hissing or static.
Note Whenever possible, use the stand provided with the gateway and install it in the vertical
position. If that is not possible, be sure that it is installed in a manner that nothing can be
stacked on the top of it.
Avoiding Obstructions
The wireless signal degrades with distance and obstructions (such as ceilings, walls, and
furniture). Consider the layout of your home or business when deciding where to place your
gateway.
• Consider where you will use your wireless devices when placing your gateway. In a single-
story building, place the gateway as high and as close to each wireless computer as
possible. To minimize interference, do not place the gateway behind large objects or other
obstructions.
• Place the gateway in an open area where wireless range will not be directly affected by
surroundings. Wireless signal strength will be much stronger in an open area as opposed
to an area with obstructions.
• Keep the gateway away from any large metal objects. Because metal objects can reflect
or obstruct signals, wireless signal quality and speed may be adversely impacted.
Installing the DSL Filter
Regular telephone and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) signals are carried over the same line.
Converting your regular telephone line to DSL can cause high-pitched tones and static when using
the phone. Installing a filter on every telephone or telephone device sharing the same telephone
number as your DSL separates these signals and eliminates the noise.
Note Do not install DSL filters if your telephone line is only carrying a DSL signal.