Once an organization decides to take advantage of WiFi technology, considerable thought should go into the WiFi setup.
A WiFi network begins with planning. This means locating the access points as well as the conditions and constructive elements of the area where the wireless infrastructure is going to be deployed are approached.
In an ideal scenario the location and materials would not affect WiFi coverage, but this is seldom the case.
It’s crucial when making a WiFi installation to determine the location of the access points as well as how many are necessary to cover with guarantees the entire area with a level of coverage and efficiency that ensures the success of the deployment of wireless infrastructure.
Maps are usually drawn up first in order to better locate the points of access, as well as orient the direction of emission of the antenna in case of being a directional. Among other parameters you can define the channel and SSID of the network.
Different access points for the 2.4 and 5GHz frequency bands, with antenna configuration:
- Omnidirectional
- Directional (Degrees of antenna aperture: 35,60,65,135,180,Yagui)
- Planar
- Standard 802.11n
Always keep in mind that WiFi signals are transmitted through radio waves, therefore, interference and attenuation are inevitable. The further away from a wireless router, the weaker the signals.
WiFi standards impose strict restrictions on the transmit power of devices. An indoor antenna gain cannot exceed 5 dBi. In addition, WiFi signals attenuate exponentially over distance. That is, signals attenuate by 20 dBm when the unobstructed distance increases by tenfold.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers WiFi Training Bootcamp, a 3-day course designed for managers and engineers involved in planning, designing, manufacturing and operating WiFi. Participants focus on intuitive explanations and demonstrations that will clearly define terms and provide examples to illustrate how different types of WiFi are planned, designed, created, used, operated and managed.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.