SonicWALL SonicPoint-N Dual-Band Getting Started Manual page 12

• Hubs / Switches / UTM – Your wireless deployment has to
tie back into your UTM appliance and LAN resources at
some point. In between, there could be dozens or
hundreds of switches and hubs. What speed is needed for
your Ethernet connection to accommodate the number of
access points you are installing? Also consider where your
key networking devices are deployed and how they will
connect efficiently with your wireless appliances.
• Antennas – The standard antenna connectors used in
SonicPoint access points allow network administrators to
use third-party antennas when necessary.
Note:
Before adding any type of third-party external
antennas, you must ensure that your proposed
deployment will operate within the laws provided
by your local governing body. In the United States,
the FCC provides these guidelines and laws.
Upgrading to 802.11n Technology
The following are a few infrastructure points to be aware of if
you are upgrading your current wireless network from
802.11a/b/g technology:
• Upgrade your Ethernet connections – In most cases,
802.11n wireless hardware requires more bandwidth than a
single (or even dual) 10/100 Ethernet connection can
handle. Gigabit Ethernet connectivity between the WLAN
and the LAN is required to take full advantage of 802.11n
speed.
• Power up that PoE – Most legacy PoE injectors do not
provide enough power to drive the multiple radios in
802.11n equipment. Part of your wireless network planning
should include verifying that your PoE equipment is 802.3af
compliant, and that a full 15 watts of power can be supplied
to each SonicPoint.
SonicWALL SonicPoint Getting Started Guide Page 12