Hardware Setup
12
N300 Wireless ADSL2+ Modem Router DGN2200v3
Position Your Modem Router
The modem router lets you access your network from virtually anywhere within the operating
range of your wireless network. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless
connection can vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your modem router.
For example, the thickness and number of walls the wireless signal passes through can limit
the range. For best results, place your modem router:
• Near the center of the area where your computers and other devices operate, and
preferably within line of sight to your wireless devices.
• So it is accessible to an AC power outlet and near Ethernet cables for wired computers.
• In an elevated location such as a high shelf, keeping the number of walls and ceilings
between the modem router and your other devices to a minimum.
• Away from electrical devices that are potential sources of interference, such as ceiling
fans, home security systems, microwaves, PCs, or the base of a cordless phone or 2.4
GHz cordless phone.
• Away from any large metal surfaces, such as a solid metal door or aluminum studs. Large
expanses of other materials such as glass, insulated walls, fish tanks, mirrors, brick, and
concrete can also affect your wireless signal.
• With the antennas in a vertical position to provide the best side-to-side coverage or in a
horizontal position to provide the best up-and-down coverage, as applicable.
When you use multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different radio
frequency channels to reduce interference. The recommended channel spacing between
adjacent access points is 5 channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 6, or 6 and 11).
ADSL Microfilters
If this is the first time you have cabled a router between a DSL phone line and your computer
or laptop, you might not be familiar with ADSL microfilters. If you are, you can skip this
section and proceed to
Cable Your Modem Router on page 14.
An ADSL microfilter is a small in-line device that filters DSL interference out of standard
phone equipment that shares the same line with your DSL service. Every telephone device
that connects to a telephone line that provides DSL service needs an ADSL microfilter to filter
out the DSL interference. Example devices are telephones, fax machines, answering
machines, and caller ID displays. Note that not every phone line in your home necessarily
carries DSL service. That depends on the DSL service setup in your home.
Note: Often the ADSL microfilter is in the box with the modem router. If
you purchased the modem router in a country where a microfilter is
not included, you have to acquire the ADSL microfilter separately.