Checking Radio Coverage; Adjusting Power Output And Data Rates - HP MSM317 Deployment Manual

Checking radio coverage

It is recommended that you confirm deployment by observing radio coverage on a sampling of typical
rooms. Before doing so, check the rooms to make sure that the MSM317 units have been installed
according to the "Installation considerations" section above. If they have, the default power and data
rate settings should be adequate.
Ultimately, user experience is the most important factor in evaluating the quality of a wireless
connection. To check Wi-Fi coverage, use a laptop to run a wired speed check using a website such
as Speedtest.net. Follow this with a wireless speed check from various parts of the room (as an
alternative, you can navigate to a place where a user might typically go, such as a hotel splash
page). Wireless performance should be at least 25 percent of wired performance.
Note:
If the MSM317 is installed in rooms that vary from the typical layouts, you
should check radio coverage in those rooms too.

Adjusting power output and data rates

Although the MSM317 allows you to adjust power and data rates through the controller interface, it is
usually not necessary. Below are some points to consider before changing either setting:
•
•
Before reducing power or restricting data rates, be aware of the following:
• Reducing power may decrease co-channel interference but might also shrink the usable area of the
• Disabling the lower data rates can help to facilitate the client in connecting to the correct MSM317
If you find that you still want to make modifications, it is recommended that you wait until completing
and testing the initial deployment.
Note:
For instructions on changing data rates on the MSM317, see the
HP MSM7xx Controllers Management and Configuration
chapter on working with VSCs. For instructions on changing output power,
see the same guide, the chapter on wireless configuration.
12
Is throughput at higher data rates within the terms of the service level agreement (SLA)?
SLA requirements before making adjustments. What data rates does the agreement specify?
Does throughput satisfy those requirements?
How would the commissioning and support model change?
parameters by increasing interference and making client associations less predictable?
room. Remember too that the MSM317 already uses reduced power as compared to a typical AP.
(that is, the one in the same room) rather than to one in an adjacent room. However, be aware that
disabling certain data rates may cause some clients to be unable to associate (although this
is uncommon).
Would changes negatively impact these
Guide, the
Check your