This practice existed to limit fraternizing between the genders and thus prevented sin. This means it is in that category of mitzvohs which have the strongest force, and laxity in its observance is one of the gravest sins. Different synagogues comply with the Law this in different ways. Some have a divider separating the room, called a mechitza . Some place the mechitza vertically, dividing the room so that the men's and women's sections are next to each other, while others divide the room horizontally.
Some synagogues designate separate rooms for men and women.
Most typically, in those synagogues, the women sit upstairs in a balcony. In light of that, we can see that our physical location in synagogue has no relevance to the service. Similarly, the view we have of the Torah scroll is unimportant. What matters is that we establish a spiritual connection to the words of Torah . That is the way to participate in services.