WLAN Deployment Done Right with WiTuners part 2
Performance
WiTuners presents heat-maps of the APs to exhibit the propagation characteristics within the WLAN environment. The AP radiation pattern is shown as a graduated color scale, and received values of power are listed at adjacent access points.
Fan shaped dead zones near columns, falloff through walls, and AP overlaps are easily identified. WiTuners provide a powerful means to visualize where one might expect areas of low connectivity or low throughput and then adjust the locations of APs accordingly.
The traffic load performance can be generated in order to predict the network performance. Simple statistical models are not adequate to model the system wide WLAN operational performance. One should use a time domain tool such as WiTuners so that a more realistic estimate is made, thereby minimizing the probability of running into upper bound problems, choke points, and dead zones. Such a tool not only indicates an upper bound of maximum capacity, but also provides an alert boundary that indicates that a network upgrade or operational change may be necessary.
Particular locations of interest (cafeterias, conference rooms, etc.) can be problematic for a WLAN deployment, since client demands in such areas can be high (and usually accompanied by correspondingly high levels of complaints). For such areas, virtual site surveys should be performed on those areas, auto placement performed again, and a better deployment realized.
Once this level of planning has been achieved, a comprehensive report is generated, showing:
Number of required access points
Optimal locations and placements
Optimal parameter settings
Expected performance metrics
Such a report greatly simplifies the ordering process, the job of the installer, and the setup and operation by the network administrator.
Where We Stand
Now, you have confidence that the deployment plan reflects reality. And you have confidence that the specifications of the number of APs, placement, settings, and operation will meet the expectations of the users. You are ready to go back to the school board with a viable plan that oozes confidence in your ability to say “mission accomplished”.
Equipped with the deployment plan, you are also ready to set off and shop around, approaching wireless firms with questions such as:
What will it cost to interconnect, power, and set up the WLAN?
Do we need management software and how much will it cost?
Do we need additional equipment or software upgrades and how much are they?
The next questions on your list are likely:
Will an administrator and/or outside services be needed and how much will they cost?
How to maintain the performance optimal and what does it take?
These are certainly legitimate questions, and could be costly if not carefully addressed. Again, WiTuners’ WLAN performance Auditing and Tuning services will help. WiTuners promises an “Easier, Faster and Farther” WLAN for voice, video and enterprise class applications. Stay tuned and we will have Part Two of this series available: “WLAN Optimization and Operation Done Right with WiTuners”
To read more or to Try WiTuners yourself follow the link WiTuners: Easier, Faster and Farther .
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