Designing the RF network Define the APs and WLC requirements AP Density This depends on: Application requirements Data Networks (web browsing) 15 to 25 users per AP 802.11b users reduce a 802.11g AP throughput dramatically. The 802.11b client still has a maximum data rate of 11 Mb/s per second and a maximum throughput of 7.1 Mb/s. Data … Continue reading CCNP Wireless CUWSS 642-732 Summary Notes 18 : Hardware for the RF Network →

Ekahau Site Survey Tool  This tool is used to determine each AP coverage area. It records the signal level, retries, lost packets etc. Ekahau Site Survey comes in a standard version and a Pro version. Standard Pro adds the predictive survey which allows us to add obstacles to the map so as to predict how many APs will be … Continue reading CCNP Wireless CUWSS 642-732 Summary Notes 17 : Ekahau Site Survey →

RF Reflectors and Absorbers in the building Signal Attenuation Each 3-dB attenuation reduces the signal strength by half Moving objects may also affect the signal Break rooms and test labs may produce 2.4-GHz iinterference and create multipath distortion and RF shadows. Elevator shafts block and reflect RF signals. Supply rooms with inventory absorb RF signals. Interior offices … Continue reading CCNP Wireless CUWSS 642-732 Summary Notes 15 : Attenuation and Data Rates →

Cisco Spectrum Expert: Active Site Surveys (Layer 1 Sweep) Recommended tool of choice - Cisco Spectrum Expert With Cisco Spectrum Expert, you can detect, classify, locate, and mitigate sources of wireless interference to optimize network performance for mobility applications. Cisco Spectrum Expert is a combination of both hardware and software. Cisco Spectrum Expert is delivered as hardware in … Continue reading CCNP Wireless CUWSS 642-732 Summary Notes 14 : Layer 1 Active Site Survey – Cisco Spectrum Expert →

Define the Deliverables A site survey preassessment form to help determine the length and type of survey, what equipment will be needed, and what questions the engineer will need to ask during the walk through the facility. Pre-Assesment Form that summarizes customer requirements Customer contact information WLAN Objectives Building to be covered Physical Information and Building Size Number … Continue reading CCNP Wireless CUWSS 642-732 Summary Notes 13 : Defining Site Survey Documentation →

Kickoff Meeting Arrange to meet up with the all the people that will be involved in the project from the sponsors to the IT to the security team. This is when you review and finalize the Statement of Work SoW Reconsile contradicting answers. Verify scope of the mission. Explain the expectations Let them know what … Continue reading CCNP Wireless CUWSS 642-732 Summary Notes 12 : Planning for Site Survey →

Site survey could be done in 3 steps: Virtual site survey using a planning tool for a general overview ThisisusuallydoneusingtheWLC. First add the map of the area to be surveyed. Layer 1 sweep to discover existing RF Actual survey to establish the placing of the APs. Predictive Site Survey They do not take into account … Continue reading CCNP Wireless CUWSS 642-732 Summary Notes 11 : Predictive Site Survey →

Design Considerations (especially outdoors) Consider the data rate required at the edge of the cell Larger cells offer binary phase shift keying (BPSK) or quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) data rates at the edge but require fewer hops to wired network. Smaller cells may offer quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) (16QAM or even 64 QAM) at the edge hence … Continue reading CCNP Wireless CUWSS 642-732 Summary Notes 10 : Designing a mesh network →

Indoor Mesh Networks This is an excellent way of providing coverage in hard to wire environments or where cables cannot be used or if cable length is too long (> 100 m). Indoor mesh access points: Cisco Aironet 1130 Series - controller based Cisco Aironet 1240 Series - controller based The APs deliver network access to … Continue reading CCNP Wireless CUWSS 642-732 Summary Notes 9 : Mesh Networks →