Heavy Overlap Coverage Option; Site Surveys - Cisco Aironet 340 Series Hardware Installation Manual

Chapter 2 Installation

Heavy Overlap Coverage Option

By arranging the access points so the overlap in coverage area is nearly maximized, a large number of
mobile stations can be supported in the same wireless infrastructure (see
in overlapping coverage areas on the same frequency will detect adjacent cell traffic and delay
transmissions that would cause collisions. This configuration reduces the aggregate radio system
throughput. Heavy cell overlap is not recommended for maximum system throughput.
Because of the redundancy in coverage overlap, network access is not lost if an access point fails. Upon
failure of the access point, the station automatically roams to an operational access point. With this
architecture, each device in the RF network must be configured with the same SSID to provide the
roaming capability.
Figure 2-3

Site Surveys

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:
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Heavy Overlap Coverage Option
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.
Wired LAN
Cisco Aironet Access Point Hardware Installation Guide
Installation Guidelines
Figure 2-3). However, devices
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