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Connecting IP Devices to an IP Network
1
2
2.412
2.417
Figure 10: 2.4 GHz Band 802.11g Radio Spectrum Showing Inter-Channel Overlap
For a 20 MHz channel width in the 2.4 GHz band using 802.11g, the best channels to use to avoid inter-channel overlap
are channels 1, 6, and 11. For a 40 MHz channel width in the 2.4 GHz band using 802.11g, the best channels to use to
avoid inter-channel overlap are channels 3 and 11.
For a 20 MHz channel width in the 2.4 GHz band using 802.11n, the best channels to use to avoid inter-channel overlap
are channels 1, 6, and 11. For a 40 MHz channel width in the 2.4 GHz band using 802.11g, the best channel to use to
avoid inter-channel overlap is channel 3.
For industrial / commercial environments, it is recommended to avoid using a 40 MHz channel width in the 2.4 GHz band
as it occupies a large part of the available radio spectrum. This means that it will be difficult to co-exist with other networks
while avoiding interference, especially from devices that use mixed mode 802.11 b/g which significantly degrades 802.11n
performance. One solution is to disable the 802.11 b/g mode on all hotspots to force all wireless clients to 802.11n mode,
thereby forbidding the use of legacy devices.
Radio Signal Range
Range is dependent upon many environmental variables that are present in buildings. In normal conditions, a radio signal
is transmitted at a maximum range between Wi-Fi Adapters of 50 feet (15 m) at 2.4 GHz (IEEE 802.11b/g/n).
In certain cases where there are obstructions, the range could be less.
Because radio signals and transmission range can vary according to building and office setup, you can troubleshoot Wi-Fi
network performance issues by running a Wi-Fi surveying or Wi-Fi stumbling tool on a laptop computer. This software
shows the currently operating Wi-Fi networks operating within range, their signal strength, and their channel number so as
to make the best configuration choices.
Radio Signal Transmission Obstructions
Radio signals are electromagnetic waves; hence the further they travel, the weaker the signal becomes thereby limiting ef-
fective range of operation. Coverage is further decreased by specific materials found in the direction of the transmission.
For example, while radio waves can penetrate a wall, they are dampened more than if the waves were on a direct line-of-
sight (LoS) path.
The following table shows the different types of building materials and range reduction:
Wall Material
Wood, drywall, glass (uncoated, without metal)
Brick, particle board
Metal, steel-reinforced concrete, mirrors.
See
Where to Locate Wireless Adapters
Where to Locate Wireless Adapters
When installing the wireless adapter, it is important to ensure that distances and obstructions do not impede transmission.
Metallic parts, such as steel reinforcement in walls, machinery, office furniture, etc. are major sources of field strength
dampening. Furthermore, supply areas and elevator shafts should be considered as complete transmission screens, see
following figure.
nLight ECLYPSE
3
4
5
6
2.422
2.427
2.432
2.437
22 MHz
7
8
9
10
2.442
2.447
2.452
2.457
Range Reduction vs. LoS
0 – 10%
5 – 35%
10 – 90%
11
12
13
2.462
2.467
2.472
14
Channel
2.484
Center Frequency
(GHz)
24
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