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Chapter 2: Preparing for a WAN Deployment
2.3 Operational Considerations
To make your WLAN deployment process as smooth as possible, you should consider more than just the distribution and
installation of access points. You should also consider how you will manage, optimize, and troubleshoot your WLAN after
deployment.
2.3.1 Tuning
Approach building an enterprise WLAN with the same life-cycle approach you would apply to a wired network. After you deploy
the WLAN, revisit key network engineering processes to account for changes in the environment. Watch for access points that are
overloaded or are underused, and check for potential dead spots. Furthermore, be aware that the likely points of failure can
change as the environment changes. For example, a neighboring business might install access points that cause RF interference on
your network. You should schedule and perform periodic walkthroughs to ensure that the design goals of the wireless network
continue to be met. The SmartPath EMS provides quick views into how the network is behaving, which SmartPath APs are the
most heavily loaded, and which have the most clients.
2.3.2 Troubleshooting
Some of the most common issues that arise after deploying a new wireless network are RF interference, RADIUS issues, and desk-
top client issues. The first step in troubleshooting is to look at logs and use debug commands. Black Box offers an extensive set of
event monitoring and debug tools that you can use through SmartPath EMS, the SmartPath AP network management system. For
additional troubleshooting, particularly of clients or neighboring networks, Black Box recommends two tools, which are available
on the Internet: Ethereal Warehouser (http://www.wireshark.org/) and AirMagnet Laptop Analyzer (http://www.airmagnet.com/
products/laptop.htm).
2.3.3 Management
Current Wi-Fi networks typically span an entire company and have complex security policies. Fortunately, the SmartPath EMS
Network Management System makes it simple to manage large networks from a central location. It provides a single centralized
management instance for the entire wireless network. Although managed SmartPath APs can operate without SmartPath EMS, it
simplifies the provisioning of global policy management and centralized configuration and monitoring. SmartPath EMS lowers
operating costs by speeding deployment, configuration, and monitoring of the wireless network.
Managing faults and alarms is critical to maintaining uptime. You can view and manage events through SmartPath EMS logging.
Optionally, you can use a third-party tool such as HP
OpenView
.
®
®
SmartPath EMS makes it easy to monitor and troubleshoot SmartPath APs within a WLAN infrastructure. SmartPath EMS can
import hierarchical map views that represent the physical location of the network, from the perspective of the entire world down
to the floor level.
2.3.4 Deploying with Confidence
Moving a large enterprise—or even a small one—to a WLAN for the very first time need not be daunting. If you have moderate
experience with LAN deployments of other types and you have taken time to get answers to the important questions that will
affect the network data load, you have every prerequisite for success. The bottom line is to remember to take stock of your
project before you begin to ward against unforeseen costs and performance bottlenecks. If you have considered the issues and
guidelines presented here, you are not far away from a successful WLAN deployment.
2.4 Basic Wi-Fi Concepts
The goal of this section is to provide some background on Wi-Fi propagation and how to lay out a wireless network. Although
radio frequency (RF) engineering is a rather complicated science, this section provides a simple overview on the basics of Wi-Fi
propagation and channel layout that you need to be able to install an enterprise WLAN.
The first thing to know is that Wi-Fi is forgiving. Wi-Fi tends to transmit a bit farther than you expect, and even in cases of
interference, it tends to just work. This can be both a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing because people will likely have access
to the network, and it is a curse because your overall performance might be suboptimal without obvious symptoms, like lack of
connectivity. Understanding the basics presented in this section will help ensure a high-performance layout.
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