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WBMR-G54 Wireless ADSL Router User Guide
operating can have a huge impact on its effectiveness. If you experience low signal strength or slow throughput,
consider positioning the Router in a different location. See the discussion below concerning the wireless environment
and location of the AP (WBMR-G54).
SSID and Channel
Wireless networks use an SSID (Service Set Identifier) as means of identifying a group of wireless devices, similar to a
domain or subnet. This allows wireless devices to roam from one AP to another and remain connected. Wireless devices
that wish to communicate with each other must use the same SSID. Several access points can be set up using the same
SSID so that wireless stations can move from one location to another without losing connection to the wireless network.
The embedded wireless access point of the Router operates in Infrastructure mode. It controls network access on the
wireless interface in its broadcast area. It will allow access to the wireless network to devices using the correct SSID
after a negotiation process takes place. By default, the WBMR-G54 broadcasts its SSID so that any wireless station in
range can learn the SSID and ask permission to associate with it. Many wireless adapters are able to survey or scan the
wireless environment for access points. An access point in Infrastructure mode allows wireless devices to survey that
network and select an access point with which to associate. You may disable SSID broadcasting in the web manager’s
wireless menu.
In addition, the AP can use different channels (frequency bands) to avoid unwanted overlap or interfere between control
zones of separate APs. Wireless nodes must use the same SSID and the same channel as the AP with which it wishes to
associate. However, because of the nature of the CSMA/CA (carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance)
protocol, using the same channel on two different APs can contribute significantly to wireless congestion. If you are
using multiple APs on your network and are experiencing low throughput or significant transmission delay, carefully
consider how channels are assigned to the different APs.
Wireless Security
Various security options are available on the WBMR-G54 including open or WEP and WPA (including WPA-PSK).
Authentication may use an open system or a shared key. Read below for more information on configuring security for
the wireless interface.
Location and Wireless Operation
Many physical environmental factors can impact wireless networks. Radio waves are used to carry the encoded data
between devices. These radio transmissions can become degraded due to signal attenuation, multi-path distortion and
interference or noise. Attenuation simply means that the strength of the signal weakens with the distance it travels, even
if the transmission path is unobstructed. Multi-path distortion occurs when radio signals bounce off objects like walls,
ceilings, metal appliances, etc. This may cause a signal to be duplicated, with each separate yet identical signal arriving
at a receiver at different times. Interference and noise from electrical devices such as microwave ovens, fluorescent
lights, automobile engines and other radio emitting devices can cause signal degradation. With all this in mind, choose a
location for all your access points including the WBMR-G54.
The access point can be placed on a shelf or desktop, ideally you should be able to see the LED indicators on the front if
you need to view them for troubleshooting.
Wireless networking lets you access your network from nearly anywhere you want. However, the number of walls,
ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals must pass through can limit signal range. Typical ranges vary
depending on the types of materials and background RF noise in your home or business. To range and signal strength,
use these basic guidelines:
1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings to a minimum: The signal emitted from Wireless LAN devices can
penetrate through ceilings and walls. However, each wall or ceiling can reduce the range of Wireless LAN
devices from 1 to 30M. Position your wireless devices so that the number of walls or ceilings obstructing the
signal path is minimized.
2. Consider the direct line between access points and workstations: A wall that is 0.5 meters thick, at a 45-
degree angle appears to be almost 1 meter thick. At a 2-degree angle, it is over 14 meters thick. Be careful to
position access points and client adapters so the signal can travel straight through (90º angle) a wall or ceiling
for better reception.
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