Wireless Home Networking - Index of

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Part V: The Part of Tens
the same time. Most newer APs compartmentalize their signals so that they
can allow the faster 802.11n signals to connect at full (or nearly full) speed,
while still allowing older 802.11g signals on the network, which is very nice
and almost necessary.
Check for New Obstacles
Wireless technologies are susceptible to physical obstacles. In Chapter 4,
Table 4-1 tells you the relative attenuation of your wireless signals (radio
frequency, or RF) as they move through your house. One person in our neighborhood
noticed a gradual degradation of his wireless signal outside his
house, where he regularly sits and surfs the Net (by his pool). The culprit
turned out to be a growing pile of newspapers for recycling. Wireless signals
don’t like such masses of paper.
Move around your house and think about it from the eyes of Superman, using
his X-ray vision to see your access point. If you have a bad signal, think about
what’s in the way. If the obstacles are permanent, think about using a
HomePlug or other powerline networking wireless access point (which we
discuss in Chapter 3) to go around the obstacle by putting an access point on
either side of the obstacle.
Another way to get around problems with obstacles is to switch technologies.
In some instances, 802.11n products could provide better throughput
and reach than your old 802.11g when it comes to obstacles. Many draft 2.0
products use special radio transmission techniques that help focus the signal
into the areas containing your wireless client devices. These aimed signals
can help you overcome environments that just don’t work with regular Wi-Fi
gear. If you’re in a dense environment with lots of clutter and you’re using
802.11g, switching to 802.11n may provide some relief.
Install Another Antenna
In Chapter 5, we point out that a detachable antenna is a great idea because
you may want to add an antenna to achieve a different level of coverage in
your home. Different antennas yield different signal footprints. If your access
point is located at one end of the house, putting an omnidirectional antenna
on that access point is a waste because more than half the signal may prove
to be unusable. A directional antenna better serves your home.
Antennas are inexpensive relative to their benefits and can more easily help
you accommodate signal optimization because you can leave the access