OK. So far in our discussion of setting up your home wireless network we’ve covered the equipment you need, “scratched the surface” of software configuration (as delving any further into the tangled web that is Windows networking would certainly take years and cost thousands of lives), and tried to decipher wireless network security. Now it’s time to put all the pieces in place.

But, where do you put them? Before we get into that, let me offer a time-saving tip. Before you “deploy” your wireless network equipment all over your house, connect all the pieces, fire up the network, and see if everything’s working the way it should. Then you can go about determining the best location for all the hardware.

Let’s review the hardware once again: a cable or DSL modem, through which the internet enters your home; a wireless router to distribute your internet connection; your main desktop computer, which is hard-wired to the router and controls the network; and, a laptop computer or peripheral desktop computer with an installed wireless card.

Your mission (should you decide to accept it) is to place all this equipment in your home to maximize your wireless coverage and signal strength.

First, let’s review some facts about wireless network signals. I mentioned in the first riveting installment in this series that wireless network signals are nothing more than radio signals in a band (2.4 GHz) far away from radio, but right in there amongst cordless phones, microwave ovens, and Bluetooth (another form of wireless connection with much shorter power and range used in cell phones, and wireless keyboards and mice). Therefore, it would make sense to avoid placing these items in close proximity, as you will get interference and signal strength degradation to some degree.

Another fact about wireless network signals is they don’t like to be “walled in”. They want to be free. If they have to go around obstacles they lose some of their strength. What’s inside the walls can make a difference as well. The perfect walls for the wireless home are the modern paper-thin, lumber frame, drywall on either side, insulation within, one electrical outlet variety.

Unfortunately, 150 years ago, the builders of my home, for some reason, didn’t foresee me wanting to install a home wireless network there, so they made extra-thick walls of wire mesh and plaster, which are sadly like lead walls to Superman when it comes to my wireless network signal.

However, my floors are made of wood, so the signal strength on the third floor, thirty feet up, is better than in the kitchen, one room and thirty feet away laterally from my Airport wireless router on the first floor in my office.

So, here are some general guidelines for placing your wireless network equipment. If your broadband modem is situated near your main computer, you can certainly leave it there, and just run a long Ethernet cable to wherever you decide to “install” your wireless router. Since you’ll need to connect the main computer to the wireless router as well, you’ll need a second long Ethernet cable. Don’t forget that the wireless router will also require AC electrical power.

Place your wireless router as high in the house and as far away from obstructions as possible. Shiny metal surfaces and even leafy plants can degrade your signal. If the router has a small antenna, make sure it’s in the vertical position.

You may find you need to do a little “tweaking” once you think you’ve found the best spot. Moving the router’s antenna just a few feet in either direction can make a difference in signal strength in the rooms you want to become “hotspots”.

© 2005 Peter F. Zimowski