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Problem:
My wireless network performance is inconsistent.
Data transfer is sometimes slow.
Signal strength is poor.
I am having difficulty establishing and/or maintaining a Virtual Private
Network (VPN) connection.
Solution:
Wireless technology is radio-based, which means connectivity and the
throughput performance between devices decreases when the distance
between devices increases. Other factors that will cause signal degradation
(metal is generally the worst culprit) are obstructions such as walls and
metal appliances. As a result, the typical indoor range of your wireless
devices will be between 100 to 200 feet. Note also that connection speed
may decrease as you move farther away from the Router or access point.
In order to determine if wireless issues are related to range, we suggest
temporarily moving the computer, if possible, five to 10 feet away from
the Router.
Changing the Wireless Channel - Depending on local wireless traffic and
interference, switching the wireless channel of your network can improve
performance and reliability. The default channel the Router is shipped with
is channel 11. You may choose from several other channels depending on
your region (see the section titled “Changing the Wireless Channel” on page
43 for instructions on how to choose other channels).
Limiting the Wireless Transmit Rate - Limiting the wireless transmit rate
can help improve the maximum wireless range and connection stability.
Most wireless cards have the ability to limit the transmission rate. To change
this property, go to the Windows Control Panel, open “Network Connections”
and double-click on your wireless card’s connection. In the “Properties”
dialog, select the “Configure” button on the “General” tab (Windows 98
users will have to select the wireless card in the list box and then click
“Properties”), then choose the “Advanced” tab and select the rate property.
Wireless client cards are usually set to automatically adjust the wireless
transmit rate for you, but doing so can cause periodic disconnects when
the wireless signal is too weak; as a rule, slower transmission rates are
more stable.