Wireless Coverage; Factors Limiting Wireless Coverage; Radio Power; Antenna Configuration - HP MSM3xx Management And Configuration Manual

Wireless configuration

Wireless coverage

Wireless coverage
As a starting point for planning your network, you can assume that when operating at high
power, an AP radio provides a wireless networking area (also called a wireless cell) of up to
300 feet (100 meters) in diameter. Before creating a permanent installation however, you
should always perform a site survey (see
the optimal settings and location for the AP.
The following sections provide information on wireless coverage. A tool that can help
simplify planning a secure wireless network is the HP RF Planner. For more information, see
the RF Planner Admin Guide.
Note
Supported wireless modes, operating channels, and power output vary according to the AP
model, and are governed by the regulations of the country in which the AP is operating
(called the regulatory domain). For a list of all operating modes, see
page

Factors limiting wireless coverage

Wireless coverage is affected by the factors discussed in this section.

Radio power

More radio power means better signal quality and the ability to create bigger wireless cells.
However, cell size should generally not exceed the range of transmission supported by
wireless users. If it does, users will be able to receive signals from the AP but will not be able
to reply, rendering the connection useless.
Further, when more than one AP operates in an area, you must adjust wireless cell size to
reduce interference between APs. An automatic power control feature is available to address
this challenge. See

Antenna configuration

Antennas play a large role in determining the shape of the wireless cell and transmission
distance. See the specifications for the antennas you use to determine how they affect
wireless coverage.

Interference

Interference is caused by other APs or devices that operate in the same frequency band as the
AP and can substantially affect throughput. Advanced wireless configuration features are
available to automatically eliminate this problem. See
In addition, several tools are available to diagnose interference problems as they occur.
 Select Wireless > Neighborhood to view detailed information about all wireless APs
operating in the immediate area so that you can effectively set the operating frequencies
This wireless neighborhood feature also makes it easy for you to find rogue APs. See
Wireless neighborhood on page
3-2
3-8. To set the regulatory domain, see
Transmit power control on page
Wireless neighborhood on page
Country on page
3-31.
Radio configuration on page
3-32.
3-32) to determine
Radio configuration on
2-16.
3-8.