Test as little or as thoroughly as you like. When making changes, you'll want to test to see how you've improved. When you test, use your actual environment. For example, test at home while others use computers, talk on cell phones, and run the microwave.

Start with the cheapest and fastest test:

See If It Works

If the network works, and you're satisfied with the performance, don't do anything else. If it seems like it's working, it is.

To Test Coverage Using the NETGEAR Utility

Each wireless device has a software utility monitoring signal strength and transmission. Most have a meter that reads green, yellow or red. (One adapter has bullets from 8 to 0, instead.) When the meter is green, then that device is getting a strong signal and good throughput. As you move further away from the router or access point, the signal strength drops to yellow. As the signal gets weaker, throughput automatically is adjusted downward, but the connection is maintained. Eventually, you move so far away that the meter turns red: at that point you will have throughput and connection problems.

You can get a idea of where signal is strong by walking around and seeing where it's green, yellow or red. In fact, this is a technique used by NETGEAR in testing.

To Test Whether Two Transmitters are Too Close

The closer two routers or access points using the same channel are, the more they interfere with each other's signal. Take an adapter plugged into a laptop, and establish a connection with a router or access point. Then move to within 6 feet (2 meters) of the router or access point's antenna. Scan the network for available signals. If you can see any other router or access point that is using the same channel, then you should either:

• Move the routers or access point further apart.
• Turn off one of the routers or access points.
• Change the channel of one of the routers or access points.

  To Test For Packet Loss

This test is good to run while someone else is setting the position of the antenna for you.

The throughput meter gives an accurate measure of how much traffic is on your network, but does not show how much traffic is being lost and which must therefore be retransmitted. When packets are frequently dropped — for example in a very noisy environment — it puts a burden on your network. A small amount of packet loss on an Ethernet network is acceptable (1% or 2%). However, if there is several percent loss, or there are periods of several seconds of packet loss, then you should optimize your network.

Test packet loss using ping. (For other information, including how to interpret other ping results, see Testing Connections with Ping.)

1. On a Windows computer, type Start > Run > cmd. The cmd.exe window appears.
2. At the command prompt (the flashing cursor), type ping IPAddress -t, where "IPAddress" is replaced by the LAN address of the router, access point, or adapter you transmitting to. So your command would look something like this: ping 192.168.0.2 -t.
3. Press Enter. Now, every second, the device you are on will ask the remote device to respond to it.
4. When a packet is lost, the words "Request Timed Out" are displayed.
5. Press Control and the C key at the same time to end the test. The test concludes with a summary of all the packets lost.
6. Close the cmd.exe window whenever you choose.

   Consulting With NETGEAR Sales For large installations such as major businesses, schools, campuses, and hotels, NETGEAR Sales has considerable experience. They can guide you quickly to solutions that have worked well for other large customers. If you are thinking of buying 20 or more access points and routers, feel free to contact NETGEAR Sales.

   Use Professional Help

Professionals have specialized equipment and experience that can be used to set up very effective networks. This is especially attractive for setting up wireless networks in large buildings or large outdoor areas. A professional can:

• Draw up a "site survey" map that identifies sources of noise and obstructions.
• Test the effectiveness of an existing wireless network.
• Make recommendations about equipment purchase.
• Make recommendations about equipment location and configuration.
• Make recommendations about how to mitigate noise sources.
• Do the actual equipment installation for you.

These professionals can be found online or in the Yellow Pages under "Radio Communication Equipment".

Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput will vary.
Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate.

Doc: n101311.asp March 18, 2004