RF Throughput, Performance and Troubleshooting 2-39
MX2A137REFGD Revision A MX2 Reference Guide
possible types. The best method with the Proxim RangeLAN2 access
point is to turn on filtering for every packet type that you know you
won't use. For example, if the access point is hooked up to a TCP/IP
network, you would set TCP/IP to Not Filtering and all other protocols
to Filtering. In a NetBEUI environment, turn off the Filter NetBEUI
option, and turn filtering on for all the rest of the protocols. ARP
Broadcast packets should always be turned off, unless your application
requires them, to prevent broadcast messages from waking up the MX2.
Note: For more information on packet filtering, see the RangeLAN2
access point manual or your network administrator.
Site Survey
Many companies have an existing Ethernet or wired LAN infrastructure
and want to be able to extend that capability to wireless nodes. This is
accomplished by attaching an access point to the wired LAN, allowing
the wireless clients to access the network resources.
MX2s, like other 386-compatible DOS computers, can be connected to
networks. With RF models, radio signals between the MX2s and the AP
replace the wires connecting the nodes to the network.
A site survey is an important part of setting up a wireless network.
Contact your LXE representative.
For most office environments, a site survey is not necessary. For large,
industrial environments requiring multiple APs, however, you should
perform a site survey before installing a RangeLAN2 network system.
Run Proxim’s RL2SETUP.EXE
program on a laptop using a
RangeLAN2 card.
The purpose of a site survey is to calculate the most effective number of
access points at a site and the best placement and positioning of antennas
for optimal reception of radio signals. This is done by identifying areas
where transmission failures occur. As each site is unique, the surveyor
needs to consider the exact conditions as they will appear in the final
installation. In addition to such climate factors as moisture, excessive
heat, and dust, a site survey can also be affected by physical obstructions
and electromagnetic interference. Also important is the identification of
potential cabling, connector, or power problems.
