1.Location is everything. Your network's performance depends on the



computer's ability to pick up the radio signal coming from the wireless router or access point, and this depends on the location of the box. It should be located high up and free from metal or obstructions.

2.O, be some other name! What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Let's face it. There are a lot of folks out there setting up wireless networks. And they ALL accept the

default network name and router name that came from the factory. How are you supposed to know if you are accessing your own network if they all have the same name? So follow Juliet's advice and Romeo, doff thy name.

3.Security is not automatic. Your network is not secure until someone configures the wireless device. It is not secure out of the box. Unless someone does this, anyone can access your network and steal your Internet

access.

4.One may not be enough. If you are having trouble getting a strong signal

or are having intermittent time outs in an area of your building, you may need another wireless access point to cover it. You are not limited to one device, you can have several, if need be, to allow for complete coverage.

5.Is that an antenna over there or are you just glad to see me? The antennas that come with wireless routers or access points are good, but may not be good enough. They are non-powered, low gain, small, omni directional antennas and generally are the cheapest available. For best coverage, consider replacing them with high gain, powered omni directional or unidirectional antennas.

6.To b or not to b. The standard for WiFi is designated as 802.11 with a letter following. First there was 802.11b which gave a speed of 11Mbs at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, followed by 802.11a at a speed of 54Mbs at a frequency of 5 GHz, then 802.11g with a speed of 54Mbs at a frequency of 2.4 GHz and the as yet unratified 802.11n which promises a speed of 100Mbs at a frequency of 2.4 and 5 GHz. Most people today are using 802.11g for speed and security reasons. It is also backward compatible with 802.11b, which means that any device that has an 802.11b card can still use the network. You should avoid 802.11n until it becomes official, which should be sometime in 2008.

7.Do not interfere in the affairs of wizards. Wireless networks are based on radio waves in the free bandwidth ranges. Guess what. So is that cordless phone you're using, your bluetooth headset and that microwave oven over in the corner. All these devices can interfere with your network, so you want

to keep your wireless access point or router away from these things, or your network access will drop every time Sally heats up that Ramen she brought for lunch.

Dr. Tim Lynch

Psychsoft Consulting

617 471 8733

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