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Infrastructure Ad hoc Characteristics Communication Through an access point Directly between devices Security More security options WEP or no security Range Determined by the range and Restricted to the range of individual number of access points devices on the network Speed Usually faster Usually slower Requirements for all devices Unique IP address for each device Yes Yes Mode set to Infrastructure mode Ad hoc mode Same SSID Yes, including the access point Yes Same channel Yes, including the access point Yes We recommend setting up a network in infrastructure mode using the installation software CD. Infrastructure mode provides: • Increased network security • Increased reliability • Faster performance • Easier setup Networking 76 Finding the signal strength Wireless devices have built-in antennas that transmit and receive radio signals. The signal strength listed on the printer network setup page indicates how strongly a transmitted signal is being received. Many factors can affect the signal strength. One factor is interference from other wireless devices or other devices such as microwave ovens. Another factor is distance. The farther two wireless devices are from each other, the more likely it is that the communication signal will be weaker. The strength of the signal received by your computer can also affect the connectivity of the printer with the network during configuration. When you installed the wireless adapter in your computer, the adapter software probably placed an icon in your system tray. Try double-clicking this icon, and it will tell you how strongly the computer is receiving the wireless signal from the network. To improve signal quality, remove sources of interference and/or move wireless devices closer to the wireless access point (wireless router). How can I improve wireless signal strength? A common reason wireless printers fail to communicate over a network is poor wireless signal quality. If the signal is too weak, too distorted, or blocked by an object, it cannot carry information between the access point and the printer. To determine if the printer is receiving a strong signal from the access point, print a network setup page. The Quality field indicates the relative strength of the wireless signal the printer is receiving. Drops in signal strength can be intermittent, however, and although the signal quality appears high, it may drop during certain conditions. If you think signal strength is a problem between your access point (wireless router) and the printer, then try one or more of the following: Notes: • The solutions below are for infrastructure networks. If you are using an ad hoc network, then adjust the computer when the solution suggests adjusting the access point. • Ad hoc networks have a much shorter range than infrastructure networks. Try moving the printer closer to the computer if they seem to have trouble communicating. MOVE THE PRINTER CLOSER TO THE ACCESS POINT If the printer is too far away from the access point, then it will not be able to communicate with other devices on the network. For most indoor wireless networks, the maximum distance between the access point and the printer is approximately 100 feet (30 meters). This distance could be longer or shorter, depending upon the layout of the network and the limitations of the access point. REMOVE OBSTACLES BETWEEN THE ACCESS POINT AND THE PRINTER The wireless signal from your access point will pass through most objects. Most walls, floors, furniture, and other objects will not block the wireless signal. However, there are materials that are too dense for the signal to pass through, such as objects containing metal and concrete. Arrange your printer and access point so that the signal is not blocked by such objects. Networking 77 REMOVE SOURCES OF INTERFERENCE Other types of radio frequencies can cause problems with the wireless signal on your network, resulting to printing issues that seem to come and go. • Turn off potential sources of interference where possible. • Avoid using microwave ovens, cordless phones (but not cellular phones), baby monitors, almost any kitchen appliance, wireless surveillance equipment, or any appliance containing a motor when printing over your wireless network. • If another wireless network is operating in the vicinity, then change the wireless channel on the access point. • Do not place your access point on a printer or other electronic device. Such devices can also interfere with the wireless signal. ARRANGE THE NETWORK TO REDUCE SIGNAL ABSORPTION Even when the wireless signal is able to pass through an object, it is slightly weakened. If it passes through too many objects, then it can be significantly weakened. All objects absorb part of the wireless signal when it passes through them, and certain types of objects absorb enough to cause communications problems. Place your access point as high in the room as possible to avoid signal absorption. How can I make sure my computer a...

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