Arris Touchstone DG3450 - Factors Affecting Wireless Range

DRAFT
Chapter 4: Installing and Connecting your Data Gateway
Release 34 DRAFT 1.6 June 2017 Touchstone DG3450 Data Gateway User Guide
© 2017 ARRIS Enterprises LLC. All Rights Reserved. 19
 Is a cable jack available? For best performance, keep the number of splitters between
the jack and cable drop to a minimum. Each splitter attenuates (reduces) the signal
available to the Data Gateway. A large number of splitters can slow down the Internet
connection.
 If you are connecting devices to the Ethernet ports, can you easily run cables between
the Data Gateway’s location and those devices?
 If you want to install the Data Gateway on a desktop, is there enough space on either
side to keep the vents clear? Blocking the vents may cause overheating.
 How close are your wireless devices? The Data Gateway wireless connection range is
typically 100–200 feet (30m–65m). A number of factors can affect connection range, as
described below.
Desktop Mounting Instructions
Position the Data Gateway so that:
 it stands vertically on its base (Do not lay it flat on its side.)
 air flows freely around it
 the back faces the nearest wall
 it will not fall to the floor if bumped or moved
 the ventilation holes on the sides of the unit are not blocked
Factors Affecting Wireless Range
A number of factors can affect the usable range for wireless connections.
Increases range  Raising the unit above the devices (for example, installing the Data
Gateway in the upper floor of a multi-story dwelling)
 Adding a wireless extender to the network
Decreases range  Lowering the unit below the devices (for example, installing the Data
Gateway in a basement)
 Metal or concrete walls between the Data Gateway and other devices
 Large metal appliances, aquariums, or metal cabinets between the Data
Gateway and other devices
 Interference and RF noise (2.4 GHz wireless phones, microwave ovens,
or other wireless networks)
Note: Note that decreasing the range of your wireless network may be beneficial, as long as
the decreased range is sufficient for your needs. By limiting your network’s range, you
reduce interference with other networks and make it harder for unwanted users to find and
connect to your network.
Note: Setting the transmit power level to High increases the range. Setting it to Medium or
Low decreases the range proportionately.