Introductory Questions
	Technology
	Performance
	Applications

Questions About Performance

Q: What is the difference between SONbuddy and other file sharing, messaging Q: How many users can be supported in a SONbuddy network?
Using the Enterprise and Standard Editions, SONbuddy does not limit you to any number of users. However, due to limitations in the WIFI environment such as interference and the existence of obstacles, the number of supported users may decrease.

In a noisy and congested environment, the SONbuddy network is optimized to about 20 users. However, this number may vary in different situations. On the other hand, SONbuddy Lite Edition (Free, downloaded version) limits users to 3 users and 2 hops.

Q: Will the signal and link strength be decreased after multiple hops?
As devices move further away from each other and intermediate devices increases, bandwidth and throughput degradation is unavoidable due to interference and other external factors.

In a single hop environment, as the device move further from other devices, its signal strength becomes weaker and will eventually be out of reach. In a multiple hop environment, large distances between senders and receivers are now leveraged using intermediate nodes.

Reduction of power can be achieved by multi-hopping. Since the network now choose to transmit over multiple short distances instead of a single long path. By using lower power and a hopping scheme, the devices achieve higher system throughput and create less interference in their environment.

How much the strength decreases is entirely dependent on external factors such as the wireless interface you are using, how many devices are in between and the type of network environment you are in.

Q: What should I do if I get low signal strength while connecting to SONbuddy?
Low signal strength can happen when interference exists in the environment or the signal degrades as it passed through obstacles such as building walls, ceilings, metal, furniture, and even people. Placing intermediate devices in between can help improve the reception.

Q. What kind of speed will I be able to enjoy using the SONbuddy connection?
That depends on the type of wireless interface you are using! Connection can be achieved up to 54Mbps using a 802.11G card. Of course, the speed may decrease due to limitations of physical devices and wireless radio technologies. As devices get further from each other, throughput or signal strength may decrease. When there are a lot of devices on the network, bandwidth may decrease as well.

Q. How close do I need to be to other SONbuddy users?
A rough estimate for the distance of an intermediate node is between 50-100m away.(Depending on the WLAN card and device used). Using Multi-hopping, SONbuddy can achieve longer range between long distances with intermediate devices.