ASUS wl-300 User Manual

This section provides the user with ideas for how to improve the performance
of a SpaceLink 802.11b network.

For optimal performance, locate wireless mobile clients and SpaceLink
Access Points away from transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent
lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators, and other industrial equipment.
Signal loss can occur when metal, concrete, walls or floors block
transmission. Locate SpaceLink Access Points in open areas or add
SpaceLink Access Points as needed to improve coverage.

Microwave ovens operate in the same frequency band as the SpaceLink
Access Point. Therefore, if you use a microwave within range of the
SpaceLink Access Point you may notice network performance degradation.
However, both your microwave and your SpaceLink Access Point will
continue to function.

A site survey (utility provided with the SpaceLink PC card and CF card)
analyzes the installation environment and provides users with
recommendations for equipment and its placement. The optimum placement
of 11 Mbps access points differs for 1 or 2 Mbps access points, because the
locations and number of access points required are different.

Every environment is unique with different obstacles, barriers, materials,
etc. and, therefore, it is difficult to determine the exact range that will be
achieved without testing. However, has developed some guidelines to
estimate the range that users will see when the product is installed in their
facility, but there are no hard and fast specifications.

Radio signals may reflect off of some obstacles or be absorbed by others
depending on their construction. For example, with two 802.11b radios,
you may achieve up to 1000' in open space outdoors where two devices
have a line of sight, meaning they see each other with no obstacles. However,
the same two units may only achieve up to 300' of range when used indoors.