Actiontec MI424WR Owner's Manual

Wireless vs.Wired

A

Before Installing Your Wireless Network

B

Installation If networking your computers requires

you to replace existing wiring with Ethernet (Cat 5) wire,you might
want to consider a wireless alternative. Replacing existing wiring
can be difficult and/or expensive depending on your environment.

Reliability Wireless networks suffer a few more

reliability issues than wired networks.Wireless signals are subject
to interference from other electronic devices including, but not
limited to microwave ovens,cordless telephones,and garage door
openers. Interference can be minimized with proper installation.

Performance Network performance is another

consideration when deciding between wired and wireless
connections.Wireless connections are distance sensitive, meaning
that maximum performance will degrade on computers farther
away from the Verizon FiOS Router.As more wireless devices
communicate wirelessly at the same time,performance degrades
even further.

Security You should consider security when deciding

between wireless and wired connections. In theory, wireless
networks are less secure than wired networks, because wireless
communication signals travel through the air and can easily be
intercepted.The weaknesses of wireless security are more
theoretical than practical. Wireless networks protect their data
through the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption standard
which is enabled by default on your Verizon FiOS Router.WEP
makes wireless communications reasonably as safe as wired ones.
No computer network is completely secure and network owners
should research this topic to ensure they are aware of and
comfortable with the risks.

Wired Wireless

Installation moderate easier,but

difficulty beware

interference

Cost less more

Reliability high reasonably

high

Before installing your wireless network,please note the following:

You should consider using the same operating system on all
the computers connected to your network.

You should consider using the latest operating system including
all fixes and patches associated with the operating system.
The most current operating systems tend to have the most
robust features for wireless connectivity.

You should consider placing your Verizon FiOS Router at least
10 feet from certain cordless phones, microwaves, or other
electronic devices to avoid potential interference.

Your Verizon FiOS Router operates at the 2.4 GHz frequency.

•

If you experience interference when using a 2.4 GHz cordless
phone, and you are unable to relocate your cordless phone,
consider upgrading your phone to 5.8GHz or 900 MHz.

Note: Cordless phones using 5.8GHz and 900MHz are generally not known to
cause wireless network interference.If you are unsure which frequency your
cordless phone operates on,please check your phone or reference your phone’s
user manual and/or manufacturer’s website.

Mobility The greater mobility of wireless networks

helps offset the performance disadvantage. Mobile computers
do not need to be tied to an Ethernet wire and can roam freely
within the wireless network range.

Performance very good good

Security reasonably reasonably

good good

Mobility limited outstanding

Flip this Guide over to continue

Part No: 0530-0536-002 WN980/0908

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Before Installing Your Wireless Network (cont’d)

B

You should consider placing the Verizon FiOS Router in an open
area where the wireless range will not be directly affected by
surroundings.Wireless signal strength will be much stronger in
an open area as opposed to an area with lots of obstructions.

The wireless signal degrades with distance and obstructions,
including ceilings, walls, furniture,etc.You should consider the
layout of your home or business when deciding where to
place your Verizon FiOS Router.

In a single story building you may want to place the router

•

as high and as close to each wireless computer as possible.
Consider where you will use your wireless devices when
placing your router.Avoid putting the router behind large
objects or other obstructions to avoid interference.

The Verizon FiOS Router is generally able to go through one

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or two walls before it loses connectivity. Keep the number of
walls and ceilings between your router and the other devices
on your network to a minimum.

Position the devices connected to your network so the signals

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will go straight through a wall rather than at an angle. The
wall,at an angle,will have a greater effect on signal strength.

You should consider placing the Verizon FiOS Router near a

•

window if you want to access the network outside of your
home or business.

You should consider keeping the Verizon FiOS Router away

•

from any large metal objects. Metal objects may adversely
impact signal quality and speed by reflecting the signals off
metal objects as well as obstructing the signals.

Verizon
FiOS
Router

Wireless Networking Guide

What factors should I consider
when planning my wireless network?

The decision to go with a wired vs. wireless
network depends on several factors including ease
of installation, reliability, security, mobility, and
performance. Your Verizon FiOS® Router has both
wireless and wired ports for maximum flexibility.
You should carefully consider the advantages and
disadvantages of wireless vs. wired for each
device on your network.

MI424WR

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