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Chapter 1: Introduction 9
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Avoid placing wireless components close to electro-magnetic 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.
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If you notice poor connection speed in an area, 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.
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Be aware that wireless signal range, speed, and strength can be affected by
interference from neighboring wireless networks and devices.
Adjusting the Base Station 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. The Microsoft Wireless Base Station and Notebook Adapter in this kit
conform to the latest specification, 802.11g. 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 5.5 and 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, the adapter and base
station in this kit are compatible with 802.11b devices. 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 The Microsoft wireless base station and adapter are not compatible with
802.11a-only devices.