User Manual

Hardware Installation and Setup Introduction
25
1. Obtain a facility diagram. Before getting too far with the site survey, locate a set
of building blueprints. If none are available, prepare a floor plan drawing that
depicts the location of walls, walkways, etc.
2. Visually inspect the facility. Be sure to walk through the facility before
performing any tests to verify the accuracy of the facility diagram. This is a good
time to note any potential barriers that may affect the propagation of RF signals.
For example, a visual inspection will uncover obstacles to RF such as metal racks
and partitions, items that blueprints generally don't show.
3. Identify user areas. On the facility diagram, mark the areas of where fixed IMS
system components are proposed to be located.
4. Perform an RF Survey for the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. This would warrant the
use of a spectrum analyzer or a smaller handheld wireless Wi-Fi finder (such as a
ZyXEL AG-225H) to characterize the interference, especially if there are no other
indications of its source. Based on the results of the testing, you might need to
reconsider the location of some access points and redo the affected tests.
5. Determine preliminary access point locations. By considering the location of
wireless users and range estimations of the wireless LAN products you're using,
approximate the locations of access points that will provide adequate coverage
throughout the user areas. Plan for some propagation overlap among adjacent
access points, but keep in mind that channel assignments for access points will
need to be far enough apart to avoid inter-access point interference.
Be certain to consider mounting locations, which could be vertical posts or metal
supports above ceiling tiles. Be sure to recognize suitable locations for installing
the access point, antenna, data cable, and power line. Also think about different
antenna types when deciding where to position access points. An access point
mounted near an outside wall, for example, could be a good location if you use a
relatively high gain oriented within the facility.
6. Verify access point locations.
Install an access point at each preliminary location, and monitor the site survey
software readings by walking varying distances away from the access point.
There's no need to connect the access point to the distribution system because the
tests merely ping the access point; however, you'll need AC power. So be sure to
take along an extension cord, and learn where AC outlets exist.
Take note of data rates and signal readings at different points as you move to the
outer bounds of the access point coverage. In a multi-floor facility, perform tests
on the floor above and below the access point. Keep in mind that a poor signal
quality reading likely indicates that RF interference is affecting the wireless LAN.