Microsoft MN-500 User's Guide download pdf (Page 12)

6 Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Base Station User’s Guide

Avoid placing wireless components next to large metal objects such as computer

cases, monitors, and appliances. Metal objects reduce signal strength.

Avoid placing wireless components close to electromagnetic devices, especially

those with frequencies in the 2.4-gigahertz (GHz) range. Devices such as cordless

phones, microwave ovens, radios, and televisions can interfere with wireless

transmission.

If you notice poor connection speed on an adapter, try moving your wireless

components closer together. Connection speeds will be slower if your wireless

components are very far apart from each other on the network.

Be aware that wireless signal range, speed, and strength can be affected by

interference from neighboring wireless networks and devices.

Adjusting the Antenna

To improve wireless reception, you can adjust the base station’s external antenna.

Start with the antenna pointing straight up, and adjust the antenna if you get poor

signal strength on an adapter. Certain areas, such as directly below the antenna, get

relatively poor reception. Pointing the antenna toward another wireless component

does not improve reception.

Understanding Wireless Transmission Standards

802.11 is a series of wireless transmission standards developed by the Institute of

Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for wireless local area networks. Currently,

four specifications make up the 802.11 series: 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, and

802.11g. Your Microsoft Wireless Base Station conforms to the 802.11b specification.

The main features that distinguish these specifications are connection speed and

radio frequency.

The following table summarizes the four specifications in the 802.11 series.

Specification Connection speed Radio frequency band

802.11 1 or 2 megabits per second (Mbps) 2.4 GHz

802.11a Up to 54 Mbps 5 GHz

802.11b Up to 11 Mbps 2.4 GHz

802.11g Up to 54 Mbps 2.4 GHz

Note The benefit of the 2.4-GHz radio frequency band is that it allows for greater range

than the 5-GHz band. The drawback is that it is susceptible to interference from other

devices, such as 2.4-GHz cordless telephones.

Because 802.11b and 802.11g use the same radio frequency band, your base station

is compatible with 802.11g devices on your network. However, when you transfer data

between 802.11b and 802.11g devices, the connection speed is limited to the

802.11b maximum of 11 Mbps.

Note Your Microsoft Wireless base station is not compatible with 802.11a-only devices.

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Microsoft MN-500 User's Guide Page 12