Alcatel OmniAccess Wireless System 2.1 Product Manual page 1017

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Coverage requirements. This describes where users will need access to the wireless LAN.
They might only need connectivity in their offices and conferences rooms, but they might be
able to do without wireless connectivity inside power utility rooms and the cafeteria. By
properly specifying coverage requirements, you'll avoid the unnecessary expense of installing
access points where they're not needed, or cause unwanted coverage outside of the facility that
could be used for hacking.
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Security. Describe the sensitivity of the information being stored and sent over the wireless
network. You might need to identify a requirement for encryption if users will be transmitting
sensitive information, such as credit card numbers. Give security requirements plenty of
thought so that you design a solution that will protect the company's valuable information.
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End User Devices. Specify the end user devices (e.g., hardware and operating system) to
ensure the solution accommodates them. For example, you could specify that users will have
laptops running Windows XP or a particular brand of Pocket PCs with Compact Flash interfaces.
This provides a basis for deciding on the type of WLAN adapter and drivers to use, as well as
assessing the type of middleware that you can use.
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Battery Longevity. Depending on battery size and WLAN adapter model, batteries will last
from a couple hours to a day or so. These are constraints for most applications, but it's
beneficial to indicate the amount of battery life that users will realistically need. In the design,
you can utilize this information to decide whether to activate power management, specify larger
batteries, or determine an effective battery-charging plan.
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System Interfaces. In most cases, users will need to access information located in servers on
the wired-side of the system. As a result, describe applicable end-systems and interfaces so
that you can properly design the wireless system interfaces.
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Funding. The requirements stage of a Wireless LAN project is a good time to ask how much
money is available. First define the requirements and design the system before giving a cost
estimate.
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Schedules. Choose a realistic completion date and plan the project accordingly.
After defining these elements, you should have enough information to design the solution. Before
proceeding, ensure you have consensus from all executives, users, and operational support staff. If
requirements are not clear enough, consider some pilot testing to fully understand requirements before
spending money on design and installation.
11/5/04
90-100831-300 Rev 2Alcatel OmniAccess Wireless Access Point Quick Installation Guide 32
The Basics of Site Survey