Design Guide

Cisco Wireless IP Phone 8821 and 8821-EX Wireless LAN Deployment Guide
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It is recommended to utilize 802.11r / Fast Transition (FT) for fast roaming. Enabling 802.11r (FT) also reduces the
number of frames in the handshake when roaming to only two frames. Reducing the number of frames during a roam,
increases the chances of roam success.
When using 802.1x authentication, it is important to use the recommended EAPOL key settings.
Quality of Service (QoS)
Need to ensure that DSCP values are preserved throughout the wired network, so that the WMM UP tag for voice,
video, and call control frames can be set correctly.
Beamforming
If using Cisco 802.11n capable access points, then Beamforming (ClientLink) should be enabled, which can help with
client reception.
Multipath
Multipath occurs when RF signals take multiple paths from a source to a destination.
A part of the signal goes to the destination while another part bounces off an obstruction, then goes on to the destination. As a
result, part of the signal encounters delay and travels a longer path to the destination, which creates signal energy loss.
When the different waveforms combine, they cause distortion and affect the decoding capability of the receiver, as the signal
quality is poor.
Multipath can exist in environments where there are reflective surfaces (e.g. metal, glass, etc.). Avoid mounting access points
on these surfaces.
Below is a list of multipath effects:
Data Corruption
Occurs when multipath is so severe that the receiver is unable to detect the transmitted information.
Signal Nulling
Occurs when the reflected waves arrive exactly out of phase with the main signal and cancel the main signal
completely.
Increased Signal Amplitude
Occurs when the reflected waves arrive in phase with the main signal and add on to the main signal thereby increasing
the signal strength.
Decreased Signal Amplitude
Occurs when the reflected waves arrive out of phase to some extent with the main signal thereby reducing the signal
amplitude.