You're here because you want to learn how to optimize your wireless setup at home or at work, to get the best range out of your system. Read on to discover helpful tips and tricks - here's how you'll do it:

• By placing antennae in optimum locations, at the right angles.
• Avoiding physical objects that can block signals.
• Reducing the interference from other things that transmit radio waves.

Before starting your adjustments, make sure that your antennae and cables are securely fastened!

Before you begin to move things, decide which of your wireless devices are transmitting the heaviest loads. These links are the most important to optimize. NETGEAR routers have automatic data rate fallback, which allows increased distances without losing connectivity. It also means that devices that are further away are inherently slower. Therefore, the most critical links in your network are those where the traffic is high, and the distances are great. Make sure that you optimize those devices first. The ones that are the least important are links that have little, occasional traffic, and which have a strong signal strength.

Picking Good Locations for Antennae

• Antennae should be in line-of-sight of one another, wherever possible. Put your face next to one antenna,and look for the other, to ensure that there is a clear line of sight.
• Place high and as clear of obstructions asis possible.
• Keep antennae 2 feet away from metal fixtures such as sprinklers, pipes, metal ceilings, reinforced concrete, and metal partitions. (However, antennae on rooftops do not necessarily give the best results.)
• Keep away from large amounts of water such as fish tanks and water coolers.
• Antennae transmit weakly at the base where they connect. So, don't expect the best reception from the bottom of a router or access point.

RangeMax Equipment

Location isn't as important if you have RangeMax products from NETGEAR. If you have the 240 router with three antennae, the best position for most situations are straight up for the center antenna, with the left and right antenna tilted 45 degrees to the side. For narrow or multi-floor buildings, putting the middle antenna in a horizontal position may work best. Always avoid putting the tips close to each other. For multi-story buildings, placing antennae at 45 degrees (diagonally) or 0 degrees (straight out parallel to the floor) may be most effective.

Reducing Interference

Avoid windows unless communicating between buildings. Windows can allow interference from the outside world to come into your network.

Place antennae away from various electromagnetic noise sources, especially those in the 2400 – 2500 MHz frequency band. Common noise-creating sources like this are:

• Computers and fax machines (place wireless equipment no closer than 1 foot away.)
• Copying machines, elevators and cell phones (no closer than 6 feet away.)
• Microwave ovens (no closer than 10 feet away.)

Through using these helpful tips, we hope that you can make the most out of your wireless setup at home!

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