When we set up a new wireless network, besides purchasing quality equipment, we pay particular attention to the following items.

Appropriate placement of the router is key to effectiveness.  First, the closer the router is to the high speed source, the better.  As a rule, we never place them more than 2 feet apart.  Second, we like to mount the router up on the wall, close to the ceiling.  This is not only to enhance the signal strength but also to keep the router from getting knocked around or having paperwork piled on top of it.  Lastly, awareness of router placement in relation to concrete walls, glass, mirrors, brick, etc. as well as to the computers in the home or office is critical.  Basically, the fewer things between your computer and your router, the stronger your signal will be.

As with any computer equipment, we place the router in a location where we can maintain a constant environmental temperature.  One of our clients called us on the 4th of July last year, quite upset because his router kept failing.  He begged us to come to his place right away to either fix his router or bring a replacement because he had a house full of company and really needed this network to be working.  When we arrived at his home, it was immediately apparent to us why he was having such trouble.  The temperature was hovering around 100 and he lived in a older home without air conditioning.  Against advice, he had relocated the router to the top of the TV within the entertainment center.  As you might imagine, the ambient temperature in the immediate area surrounding the router was over 120 degrees.  We put the router in the refrigerator for about a half hour to cool it off and then found a cooler, better-ventilated spot for it.  And the client lived happily ever after.

Modems, routers, access points, bridges, etc. don't like to share power.  This means each of these pieces of equipment needs a properly grounded wall outlet of its very own.  No extension cords or power strips.

By adhering to these guidelines, we have reduced the incidence of equipment failure and the resulting service calls by 75 percent.  We hope this guide is of some help to you, too.