Site Surveys - Cisco Aironet 340 Series Hardware Installation Manual

Chapter 2 Installation

Site Surveys

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Because of differences in component configuration, placement, and physical
environment, every network application is a unique installation. Before installing
multiple Access Points, you should perform a site survey to determine the
optimum utilization of networking components and to maximize range, coverage,
and network performance.
Consider the following operating and environmental conditions when performing
a site survey:
Data rates – Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates.
•
The maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. A
decrease in receiver threshold sensitivity occurs as the radio data increases.
Antenna type and placement – Proper antenna configuration is a critical
•
factor in maximizing radio range. As a general rule, range increases in
proportion to antenna height.
Physical environment – Clear or open areas provide better radio range than
•
closed or filled areas. Also, the less cluttered the work environment, the
greater the range.
• Obstructions – A physical obstruction such as metal shelving or a steel pillar
can hinder performance of wireless devices. Avoid locating the devices in a
location where there is a metal barrier between the sending and receiving
antennas.
Building materials – Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building
•
material used in construction. For example, drywall construction allows
greater range than concrete blocks. Metal or steel construction is a barrier to
radio signals.
Cisco Aironet Access Point Hardware Installation Guide
Installation Guidelines
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