User Manual

Wireless Configuration 4-1
v1.0, April 2006
Chapter 4
Wireless Configuration
This chapter describes how to configure the wireless features of your WNR834A 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. For
further information on wireless networking, see “Wireless Communications” in Appendix B.
Observing 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.
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. Also, WEP, WPA-
PSK and WPA2-PSK encryption can consume more battery power on a notebook computer.
Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation
or inability to wirelessly connect to the router. For complete range and
performance specifications, please see Appendix A, “Technical Specifications”.