User Manual
Table Of Contents
- NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
- Contents
- Chapter 1 About This Guide
- Chapter 2 Getting to Know Your NETGEAR Wireless Router
- Chapter 3 Connecting the Router to the Internet
- Prepare to Install Your Wireless Router
- First, Connect the Wireless Router to the Internet
- Now, Set Up a Computer for Wireless Connectivity
- Troubleshooting Tips
- Overview of How to Access the Wireless Router
- How to Manually Configure Your Internet Connection
- Using the Smart Setup Wizard
- NETGEAR Product Registration, Support, and Documentation
- Chapter 4 Optimizing Wireless Connectivity and Security
- Chapter 5 Doing Basic Router Housekeeping
- Chapter 6 Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Appendix A Technical Specifications
- Appendix B Preparing Your Network
- What You Need To Use a Router with a Broadband Modem
- Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking
- Configuring Windows 95, 98, and Me for TCP/IP Networking
- Configuring Windows NT4, 2000 or XP for IP Networking
- Configuring the Macintosh for TCP/IP Networking
- Verifying the Readiness of Your Internet Account
- Restarting the Network
- Glossary
Optimizing Wireless Connectivity and Security 4-1
February 2005
Chapter 4
Optimizing Wireless Connectivity and Security
This chapter describes how to configure the wireless features of your wireless router. In planning
your wireless network, you should consider the level of security required. You should also select
the physical placement of your firewall in order to maximize the network speed.
The full manual with detailed how to instructions is available on line at
http://kbserver.netgear.com/ and via the Documentation link in the configuration utility of the
wireless router.
Observe Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines
The operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the
physical placement of the wireless firewall. The latency, data throughput performance, and
notebook power consumption of wireless adapters also vary depending on your configuration
choices.
For best results, place your firewall:
• Near the center of the area in which your computers will operate.
• In an elevated location such as a high shelf where the wirelessly connected computers have
line-of-sight access (even if through walls).
• Away from sources of interference, such as computers, microwaves, and 2.4 GHz cordless
phones.
• Away from large metal surfaces.
• Place the router where ventilation is not blocked. Do not stack the router on other electronic
equipment or stack items on top of the router.
The time it takes to establish a wireless connection can vary depending on both your security
settings and placement. WEP connections can take slightly longer to establish.
Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance
degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the router.