User's Manual

Wireless LAN Array
20 Installing the XS-3900
Planning Your Installation
This section provides guidelines and examples to help you plan your XS-3900
deployment to achieve the best overall coverage and performance. We
recommend you conduct a site survey to determine the best location and settings
for each XS-3900 unit you install.
General Deployment Considerations
The XS-3900’s unique multi-radio architecture generates 360 degrees of sectored
high-gain 802.11a/b/g coverage that provides extended range. However, the
number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings or other objects that the wireless
signals must pass through may affect the range. Typical ranges vary depending
on the types of materials and background RF (radio frequency) noise at your
location. To maximize wireless range, follow these basic guidelines:
1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the XS-3900 and your
receiving devices to a minimum—each wall or ceiling can reduce the
wireless range from between 3 and 90 feet (1 to 30 meters). Position your
devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
2. Be aware of the direct line between each device. For example, a wall that
is 1.5 feet thick (half a meter) at 90° is actually almost 3 feet thick (or 1
meter) when viewed at a 45° angle. At an acute 2° degree angle the same
wall is over 42 feet (or 14 meters) thick! For best reception, try to ensure
that your wireless devices are positioned so that signals will travel
straight through a wall or ceiling.
Figure 8. Wall Thickness Considerations
90° 45°
1.5 feet
< 3 feet
> 42 feet
2°