Expl Sw Chapter 07 Wireless Part I

CCNA3-1 Chapter 7-1

Chapter 7Chapter 7

Basic Wireless ConceptsBasic Wireless Conceptsand Configurationand Configuration

Part IPart I

CCNA3-2 Chapter 7-1

Note for InstructorsNote for Instructors

•• These presentations are the result of a collaboration among These presentations are the result of a collaboration among the instructors at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario.the instructors at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario.

•• Thanks must go out to Rick Graziani of Cabrillo College. His Thanks must go out to Rick Graziani of Cabrillo College. His material and additional information was used as a reference material and additional information was used as a reference in their creation.in their creation.

•• If anyone finds any errors or omissions, please let me know If anyone finds any errors or omissions, please let me know at: at:

•• [email protected]@stclaircollege.ca.

CCNA3-3 Chapter 7-1

Basic Wireless Concepts and ConfigurationBasic Wireless Concepts and Configuration

The Wireless LANThe Wireless LAN

CCNA3-4 Chapter 7-1

•• Business networks today are evolving to support people who Business networks today are evolving to support people who are on the move.are on the move.

•• Productivity isProductivity is no longer restrictedno longer restricted to a fixed work location to a fixed work location or a defined time period. or a defined time period.

•• People now expect to be connected People now expect to be connected at any time and at any time and placeplace, from the office to the airport or even the home. , from the office to the airport or even the home.

•• Now employees can check Now employees can check ee--mail, voice mail, and the mail, voice mail, and the status of productsstatus of products on personal digital assistants (PDAs) on personal digital assistants (PDAs) while at many temporary locations.while at many temporary locations.

•• At home, the At home, the method of accessing the Internetmethod of accessing the Internet has has quickly moved from temporary modem dialup service to quickly moved from temporary modem dialup service to dedicated DSL or cable service. dedicated DSL or cable service.

Why Use Wireless?Why Use Wireless?

CCNA3-5 Chapter 7-1


•• Early communication relied on faceEarly communication relied on face--toto--face conversations.face conversations.

•• The telephone was used for voice and the post office The telephone was used for voice and the post office delivered most of the written communications. delivered most of the written communications.

•• Video communication was oneVideo communication was one--way using the television.way using the television.

CCNA3-6 Chapter 7-1


•• Early networks were limited to character based information.Early networks were limited to character based information.

•• Communications between computers was not easy and Communications between computers was not easy and required a host (no pun intended) of resources to accomplish required a host (no pun intended) of resources to accomplish the simplest data transfer.the simplest data transfer.

CCNA3-7 Chapter 7-1


•• TodayToday’’s networks carry multiple types of information through s networks carry multiple types of information through many types of devices many types of devices -- SIMULTANEOUSLYSIMULTANEOUSLY..

•• People expect immediate response wherever they are People expect immediate response wherever they are located.located.

Silver and Diamond Cell Phone $1.3Million

Wind Energy Cell Phone Charger

CCNA3-8 Chapter 7-1

•• In addition to the flexibility that WLANs offer, another In addition to the flexibility that WLANs offer, another important benefit is important benefit is reduced costsreduced costs..

•• Moving persons within a building with a wireless Moving persons within a building with a wireless infrastructure.infrastructure.

•• Moving into a new building with no wired infrastructure.Moving into a new building with no wired infrastructure.

Introducing InterIntroducing Inter--VLAN RoutingVLAN Routing

Wired NetworkWired Network Wireless NetworkWireless Network

ComponentComponent QtyQty CostCost TotalTotal QtyQty CostCost TotalTotal

Switches, Switches, cabinets, etc.cabinets, etc. 167167 3,3503,350 559,450559,450 2525 4,4044,404 110,100110,100

CablingCabling 7,5007,500 4545 337,500337,500 430430 7575 61,92061,920

Network AdaptersNetwork Adapters 2,5002,500 5757 142,500142,500 2,5002,500 7777 192,500192,500

Wireless Access Wireless Access PointsPoints 250250 1,0341,034 258,500258,500

POE AdaptersPOE Adapters 4040 6767 2,6802,680

TotalTotal 1,039,4501,039,450 364,520364,520

Note: Values are estimates and do not reflect actual pricing.Note: Values are estimates and do not reflect actual pricing.Note: Values are estimates and do not reflect actual pricing.

CCNA3-9 Chapter 7-1

•• Most current business networks rely on switchMost current business networks rely on switch--based LANs based LANs for dayfor day--toto--day operation inside the office.day operation inside the office.

•• Workers are becoming more mobile and want to Workers are becoming more mobile and want to maintain maintain access to their business LAN resourcesaccess to their business LAN resources from locations other from locations other than their desks.than their desks.

Wireless LANsWireless LANs

CCNA3-10 Chapter 7-1

•• The Wireless LAN, then, is an extension of the Ethernet LAN.The Wireless LAN, then, is an extension of the Ethernet LAN.

Wireless LANsWireless LANs


Comparing a WLAN to a LANComparing a WLAN to a LAN

Network Architecture StandardsNetwork Architecture StandardsNetwork Architecture Standards

Physical MediaPhysical MediaPhysical Media


Comparing a WLAN to a LANComparing a WLAN to a LAN

Wireless Access Points (AP) instead of a switch.

Wireless Access Points (AP) Wireless Access Points (AP) instead of a switch.instead of a switch.

Privacy IssuesPrivacy Privacy IssuesIssues


•• Additional components and protocolsAdditional components and protocols are used for 802.11 are used for 802.11 wireless connections to extend the 802.3 Ethernet LAN. wireless connections to extend the 802.3 Ethernet LAN.

Wireless LAN ComponentsWireless LAN Components

Wireless Access Point (AP)

Wireless Access Wireless Access Point (AP)Point (AP)


•• 802.11 wireless LAN802.11 wireless LAN::

•• An IEEE standard that defines how radio frequency (RF) An IEEE standard that defines how radio frequency (RF) in the unlicensed industrial, scientific, and medical in the unlicensed industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) (ISM) frequency bands is used for the frequency bands is used for the Physical layerPhysical layer and the and the MAC subMAC sub--layerlayer of wireless links.of wireless links.

•• Typically, the choice of which standard to use is based on Typically, the choice of which standard to use is based on data ratedata rate. .

Wireless LAN StandardsWireless LAN Standards

Final ratification expected in

November, 2009

Final ratification Final ratification expected in expected in

November, 2009November, 2009


•• Data Rates are affected by modulation technique:Data Rates are affected by modulation technique:

•• Direct Sequence Spread SpectrumDirect Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)(DSSS)::

•• Simpler of the two methods.Simpler of the two methods.

•• Less expensive to implement.Less expensive to implement.

•• 802.11b and 802.11g.802.11b and 802.11g.

•• Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)(OFDM)::

•• Faster data rates than DSSS.Faster data rates than DSSS.

•• 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n.802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n.



•• 802.11a Standard:802.11a Standard:

•• OFDMOFDM modulation and uses the modulation and uses the 5 GHz band5 GHz band..

•• Less likely to experience interferenceLess likely to experience interference than devices than devices that operate in the 2.4 GHz band because there are that operate in the 2.4 GHz band because there are fewer consumer devices that use the 5 GHz band.fewer consumer devices that use the 5 GHz band.



•• 802.11a Standard:802.11a Standard:

•• DisadvantagesDisadvantages to using the 5GHz band.to using the 5GHz band.

•• More easily absorbed by walls (obstructions).More easily absorbed by walls (obstructions).

•• Slightly poorer range than 802.11g.Slightly poorer range than 802.11g.

•• Some countries prohibit use.Some countries prohibit use.



•• 802.11b and 802.11g Standard:802.11b and 802.11g Standard:

•• Both use the 2.4 GHz band.Both use the 2.4 GHz band.

•• 802.11b:802.11b:

•• Up to Up to 1111 Mb/s using Mb/s using DSSSDSSS..

•• 802.11g:802.11g:

•• Up to Up to 5454 Mb/s using Mb/s using OFDMOFDM..

•• Backward compatible. Backward compatible.



•• 2.4 GHz band:2.4 GHz band:

•• Advantage:Advantage:

•• Better range than the 5GHz band since devices are Better range than the 5GHz band since devices are not as easily obstructed.not as easily obstructed.

•• Disadvantage:Disadvantage:

•• Many other devices use this band so it is prone to Many other devices use this band so it is prone to interference (microwave ovens, baby monitors, interference (microwave ovens, baby monitors, BluetoothBluetooth, cordless phones)., cordless phones).



•• 802.11n: (November 2009)802.11n: (November 2009)

•• Intended to improve WLAN data rates and range without Intended to improve WLAN data rates and range without requiring additional power or RF band allocation.requiring additional power or RF band allocation.

•• UsesUses multiple radios and antennae at endpointsmultiple radios and antennae at endpoints, each , each broadcasting on the same frequency to establish multiple broadcasting on the same frequency to establish multiple streams.streams.

•• Multiple Input / Multiple OutputMultiple Input / Multiple Output (MIMO) and OFDM(MIMO) and OFDM..

•• Theoretical maximum of 248 Mb/s.Theoretical maximum of 248 Mb/s.



•• WiWi--Fi Alliance:Fi Alliance:

•• March, 2000.March, 2000.

•• A global, nonprofit, industry tradeA global, nonprofit, industry tradeassociation devoted to promoting theassociation devoted to promoting thegrowth and acceptance of WLANs.growth and acceptance of WLANs.

•• The WiThe Wi--Fi AllianceFi Alliance’’s testing and certification programs s testing and certification programs help ensure the interoperability of WLAN products based help ensure the interoperability of WLAN products based on the IEEE 802.11 specification.on the IEEE 802.11 specification.

•• More than 4,000 products certified.More than 4,000 products certified.

WIWI--FI CertificationFI Certification


•• Three key organizationsThree key organizations that influencethat influenceWLAN standards:WLAN standards:

•• International Telecommunications UnionInternational Telecommunications UnionRadiocommunication Sector Radiocommunication Sector (ITU(ITU--R)R)::

•• Regulates the allocation of the RF spectrum.Regulates the allocation of the RF spectrum.

•• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)(IEEE)::

•• Specifies how RF is modulated to carry the Specifies how RF is modulated to carry the information. (802.3 Ethernet, 802.11 Wireless LAN).information. (802.3 Ethernet, 802.11 Wireless LAN).

•• WiWi--Fi Alliance:Fi Alliance:

•• Ensures that devices are interEnsures that devices are inter--operable.operable.

WIWI--FI CertificationFI Certification


•• Wireless NICs:Wireless NICs:

•• The device that makes a client station capable of sending The device that makes a client station capable of sending and receiving RF signals is the wireless NIC.and receiving RF signals is the wireless NIC.

•• Like an Ethernet NIC, the wireless NIC, using the Like an Ethernet NIC, the wireless NIC, using the modulation technique it is configured to use, modulation technique it is configured to use, encodes a encodes a data stream onto an RF signaldata stream onto an RF signal. .

•• Wireless NICs are most often associated with mobile Wireless NICs are most often associated with mobile devices, such as laptop computers.devices, such as laptop computers.

Wireless Infrastructure ComponentsWireless Infrastructure Components



•• Wireless Access Points:Wireless Access Points:

•• An access point is a Layer 2 device that functions like an An access point is a Layer 2 device that functions like an 802.3 Ethernet hub.802.3 Ethernet hub.

•• Connects wireless clients (or stations) to the wired LAN.Connects wireless clients (or stations) to the wired LAN.

•• Client devices communicate with the AP Client devices communicate with the AP –– not each other.not each other.

•• Converts the TCP/IP data packets from their 802.11 Converts the TCP/IP data packets from their 802.11 frame encapsulation to the 802.3 Ethernet frame format.frame encapsulation to the 802.3 Ethernet frame format.

•• Clients must Clients must associateassociate with an access point to obtain with an access point to obtain network services.network services.

•• Association:Association:

•• The process by which a client joins an 802.11 The process by which a client joins an 802.11 network. It is similar to plugging into a wired LAN.network. It is similar to plugging into a wired LAN.



•• CSMA/CA:CSMA/CA:

•• CCarrier arrier SSense ense MMultiple ultiple AAccess with ccess with CCollision ollision AAvoidance.voidance.

•• This simply means that devices on a WLAN must This simply means that devices on a WLAN must sense the medium for energysense the medium for energy (RF stimulation above a (RF stimulation above a certain threshold) certain threshold) and waitand wait until the medium is free until the medium is free before sending.before sending.

•• If an access point receives data from a client station, it If an access point receives data from a client station, it sends an sends an acknowledgementacknowledgement to the client that the data to the client that the data has been received.has been received.

•• This This acknowledgementacknowledgement keeps the client from keeps the client from assuming that a collision occurred and assuming that a collision occurred and prevents a prevents a data retransmissiondata retransmission by the client.by the client.




•• RF signals RF signals attenuateattenuate..

•• That means that they That means that they lose their energylose their energy as they move as they move away from their point of origin.away from their point of origin.

•• Hidden Node/Station Problem:Hidden Node/Station Problem:

•• Two client stations that both connect to the access Two client stations that both connect to the access point, point, but are at opposite sides of its reach.but are at opposite sides of its reach.

•• If they are at the maximum range to reach the access If they are at the maximum range to reach the access point, they will not be able to reach each other.point, they will not be able to reach each other.

•• Neither of those stations sense the other on the Neither of those stations sense the other on the medium, and they may end up transmitting medium, and they may end up transmitting simultaneously.simultaneously.




•• One means of resolving theOne means of resolving thehidden node problem is ahidden node problem is afeature called request tofeature called request tosend/clear to sendsend/clear to send(RTS/CTS)(RTS/CTS). .

•• When RTS/CTS is enabledWhen RTS/CTS is enabledin a network,in a network, access pointsaccess pointsallocate the medium to the requesting station for as long allocate the medium to the requesting station for as long as is required to complete the transmissionas is required to complete the transmission. .

•• When the transmission is complete, other stations can When the transmission is complete, other stations can request the channelrequest the channel in a similar fashion.in a similar fashion.

Remember, stations actually communicate through the Access

Point. The access point has a single channel for all traffic.

Remember, stations actually Remember, stations actually communicate through the Access communicate through the Access

Point. The access point has a Point. The access point has a single channel for all traffic.single channel for all traffic.



•• Wireless Routers:Wireless Routers:

•• Wireless routers perform the role of access point, Wireless routers perform the role of access point, Ethernet switch, and router.Ethernet switch, and router.

•• The Linksys WRT54GL is most commonly used as a The Linksys WRT54GL is most commonly used as a small business or residential wireless access device. small business or residential wireless access device.

•• The expected load on the device is low enough that it The expected load on the device is low enough that it should be able to manage the provision of WLAN, 802.3 should be able to manage the provision of WLAN, 802.3 Ethernet, and connect to an ISP.Ethernet, and connect to an ISP.


Wireless OperationWireless Operation

•• Configurable Wireless Parameters:Configurable Wireless Parameters:

802.11g is backward compatible with 802.11.b.

Mixed mode supports both.

802.11g is 802.11g is backward backward compatiblecompatible with 802.11.b.with 802.11.b.

MixedMixed mode supports both.mode supports both.




A shared service set identifier (SSID) is a unique identifier that client devices use to distinguish between

multiple wireless networks in the same vicinity.

A A shared service set identifier (SSID)shared service set identifier (SSID) is a unique is a unique identifier that client devices use to distinguish between identifier that client devices use to distinguish between

multiple wireless networks in the same vicinity. multiple wireless networks in the same vicinity.

Several access points can share an SSID.

Several access points Several access points can share an SSID.can share an SSID.

Alphanumeric, case-sensitive, from 2 to 32 characters.

Alphanumeric, caseAlphanumeric, case--sensitive, sensitive, from 2 to 32 characters.from 2 to 32 characters.




The IEEE 802.11 standard establishes thechannelization scheme for the use

of the unlicensed ISM RF bands in WLANs.

The 2.4 GHz band is broken down into11 channels for North Americaand 13 channels for Europe.

The IEEE 802.11 standard establishes theThe IEEE 802.11 standard establishes thechannelization schemechannelization scheme for the usefor the use

of the unlicensed of the unlicensed ISM RF bandsISM RF bands in WLANs.in WLANs.

The The 2.4 GHz2.4 GHz band is broken down intoband is broken down into11 channels11 channels for North Americafor North Americaand and 13 channels13 channels for Europe. for Europe.

Each arc represents 1 channel.Each arc represents 1 channel.Each arc represents 1 channel.

5 MHz overlap5 MHz overlap5 MHz overlap

Best practices for WLANs that require multiple access points are set to use

non-overlapping channels.

Best practices for WLANs that require Best practices for WLANs that require multiple access points are set to use multiple access points are set to use

nonnon--overlapping channelsoverlapping channels. .

3 Access Points

3 Access 3 Access PointsPointsMany access points can automatically select a

channel based on adjacent channel use.Some products continuously monitor the radio space

to adjust the channel settings dynamically in response to environmental changes.

Many access points can automatically select a Many access points can automatically select a channel based on adjacent channel use.channel based on adjacent channel use.

Some products continuously monitor the radio space Some products continuously monitor the radio space to adjust the channel settings dynamically in response to adjust the channel settings dynamically in response

to environmental changes.to environmental changes.


Wireless TopologiesWireless Topologies

•• WLANs can accommodate various network topologies.WLANs can accommodate various network topologies.

•• When describing these topologies, the When describing these topologies, the fundamental fundamental building blockbuilding block of the IEEE 802.11 WLAN architecture is of the IEEE 802.11 WLAN architecture is thethe basic service setbasic service set (BSS).(BSS).

•• BSS:BSS:

•• A group of stations that communicate with each A group of stations that communicate with each other.other.

•• Three Types:Three Types:

•• Ad Hoc (Independent Basic Service Set Ad Hoc (Independent Basic Service Set –– IBSSIBSS))

•• Basic Service Set (Basic Service Set (BSSBSS))

•• Extended Service Set (Extended Service Set (ESSESS))



•• Ad Hoc:Ad Hoc:

•• Wireless networks can operate without access points.Wireless networks can operate without access points.

•• Client stations which are configured to operate in ad hoc Client stations which are configured to operate in ad hoc mode mode configure the wireless parameters between configure the wireless parameters between themselvesthemselves. .



•• Basic Service Sets (BSS):Basic Service Sets (BSS):

•• Access points provide an infrastructure that adds services Access points provide an infrastructure that adds services and improves the range for clients.and improves the range for clients.

•• A single access point in infrastructure mode manages the A single access point in infrastructure mode manages the wireless parameters and the topology is simply a BSS.wireless parameters and the topology is simply a BSS.

•• The coverage area forThe coverage area for both an IBSS or a BSSboth an IBSS or a BSS is the is the basic service area (BSA)basic service area (BSA). .

Basic Service AreaBasic Service AreaBasic Service Area



•• Extended Service Sets (ESS):Extended Service Sets (ESS):

•• When a single BSS provides insufficient RF coverage, When a single BSS provides insufficient RF coverage, one or more can be joined through a common distribution one or more can be joined through a common distribution system into an extended service set (ESS).system into an extended service set (ESS).

•• One BSS is differentiated from another by the One BSS is differentiated from another by the BSS BSS identifier (BSSID)identifier (BSSID)..

•• The MAC address of the access point.The MAC address of the access point.

•• The coverage area is the The coverage area is the extended service area (ESA)extended service area (ESA)..

Different MAC Addresses= different BSSIDs.

Different MAC AddressesDifferent MAC Addresses= different BSSIDs.= different BSSIDs.



•• Common Distribution System:Common Distribution System:

•• Allows Allows multiple access pointsmultiple access points in an ESS to appear to be a in an ESS to appear to be a single BSSsingle BSS..

•• An ESS generally includes a An ESS generally includes a common SSIDcommon SSID to allow a to allow a user touser to roamroam from access point to access point.from access point to access point.

•• Cells Cells represent the coverage area provided by a single represent the coverage area provided by a single channel. channel.

•• An ESS should have 10 to 15 percent overlap An ESS should have 10 to 15 percent overlap between cells.between cells.

•• Roaming capability created by using nonRoaming capability created by using non--overlapping overlapping channels (e.g. one cell on channel 1 and the other on channels (e.g. one cell on channel 1 and the other on channel 6).channel 6).


Wireless AssociationWireless Association

•• Key part of the 802.11 process is discovering a WLAN and Key part of the 802.11 process is discovering a WLAN and connecting to it.connecting to it.

•• The primary components:The primary components:

•• Beacons:Beacons: Frames used by the WLAN network to Frames used by the WLAN network to advertise its presence.advertise its presence.

•• Probes:Probes: Frames used by WLAN clients to find their Frames used by WLAN clients to find their networks.networks.

•• Authentication:Authentication: Left over from the original 802.11 Left over from the original 802.11 standard, but still required.standard, but still required.

•• Association:Association: Establishing the data link between an Establishing the data link between an access point and a WLAN client.access point and a WLAN client.



•• Beacons:Beacons:

•• Frames used by the WLAN network to advertise its Frames used by the WLAN network to advertise its presence.presence.

The only part of the process that may be broadcast on a regular

basis. Not necessarily enabled.

The only part of the process that The only part of the process that may be broadcast on a regular may be broadcast on a regular

basis. basis. Not necessarily enabled.Not necessarily enabled.



•• Before an 802.11 client can send data over a WLAN network, Before an 802.11 client can send data over a WLAN network, it goes through the following it goes through the following threethree--stagestage process:process:

•• Step 1:Step 1: 802.11 Probing.802.11 Probing.

•• Step 2:Step 2: Authentication.Authentication.

•• Step 3:Step 3: Association.Association.



•• Step 1:Step 1: 802.11 Probing802.11 Probing

•• Clients search for a Clients search for a specific specific network by:network by:

•• Sending a Sending a probe request out on multiple channelsprobe request out on multiple channels..

•• Specifies the network name Specifies the network name (SSID)(SSID) and bit rates.and bit rates.

•• A typical WLAN client is configured with a desired A typical WLAN client is configured with a desired SSID. SSID.

•• Client is simply trying to Client is simply trying to discoverdiscover available WLANs:available WLANs:

•• Sends out a probe request with Sends out a probe request with no SSIDno SSID..

•• All access points that are All access points that are configured to respondconfigured to respond to this to this type of query respond.type of query respond.

•• WLANs with the WLANs with the broadcast SSID feature disabledbroadcast SSID feature disabled do do not respond.not respond.



•• Step 2:Step 2: AuthenticationAuthentication

•• 802.11 was originally developed with two authentication 802.11 was originally developed with two authentication mechanisms.mechanisms.

•• Open Authentication:Open Authentication:

•• A NULL authenticationA NULL authentication

•• The client says "authenticate meThe client says "authenticate me““..

•• The access point responds with "yesThe access point responds with "yes““..

•• This is the mechanism used in almost all 802.11 This is the mechanism used in almost all 802.11 deployments.deployments.



•• Step 2:Step 2: AuthenticationAuthentication

•• 802.11 was originally developed with two authentication 802.11 was originally developed with two authentication mechanisms.mechanisms.

•• Shared Key Authentication:Shared Key Authentication:

•• Based on a key that is shared between the client Based on a key that is shared between the client station and the access point called the Wired station and the access point called the Wired Equivalency Protection Equivalency Protection (WEP)(WEP) key. key.

•• The idea of the shared WEP key is that it gives a The idea of the shared WEP key is that it gives a wireless link the equivalent privacy of a wired link, wireless link the equivalent privacy of a wired link, but the original implementation was flawed. but the original implementation was flawed.

•• WEP needs to be included in client and access WEP needs to be included in client and access point implementations for standards compliance point implementations for standards compliance but it is but it is not used or recommendednot used or recommended..



•• Step 3:Step 3: 802.11 Association802.11 Association

•• Finalizes the Finalizes the security and bit rate optionssecurity and bit rate options..

•• Establishes the data linkEstablishes the data link between the WLAN client and between the WLAN client and the access point.the access point.

•• The client learns theThe client learns the BSSID (MAC Address)BSSID (MAC Address) of the access of the access point.point.

•• Access point maps a logical port known as the Access point maps a logical port known as the association identifier (AID) association identifier (AID) to the WLAN client.to the WLAN client.

•• AID is equivalent to a port on a switch.AID is equivalent to a port on a switch.

•• Association allows the infrastructure switch to keep Association allows the infrastructure switch to keep track of frames destined for the WLAN client so that track of frames destined for the WLAN client so that they can be forwarded.they can be forwarded.




Planning the Wireless LANPlanning the Wireless LAN

•• There needs to be a wellThere needs to be a well--documented plan before a wireless documented plan before a wireless network can be implemented.network can be implemented.

•• Number of Users:Number of Users:

•• Not a straightforward calculation. Not a straightforward calculation.

•• Depends on the geographical layout of your facility (how Depends on the geographical layout of your facility (how many bodies and devices fit in a space), many bodies and devices fit in a space),

•• Data Rates:Data Rates:

•• RF is a shared medium and the more users there are the RF is a shared medium and the more users there are the greater the contention for RF. greater the contention for RF.

•• Use nonUse non--overlapping channels in an ESS.overlapping channels in an ESS.

•• You will have sufficient wireless support for your clients if yoYou will have sufficient wireless support for your clients if you u plan your network for proper RF coverage in an ESS.plan your network for proper RF coverage in an ESS.



•• Location of Access Points:Location of Access Points:

•• You may not be able to simply draw coverage area You may not be able to simply draw coverage area circles and drop them over a plan.circles and drop them over a plan.

•• Do access points use existing wiring?Do access points use existing wiring?

•• Position access points:Position access points:

•• Above obstructions.Above obstructions.

•• Vertically near the ceiling in the center of each Vertically near the ceiling in the center of each coverage area, if possible.coverage area, if possible.

•• In locations where users are expected to work. For In locations where users are expected to work. For example, conference rooms are typically a better example, conference rooms are typically a better location for access points than a hallway.location for access points than a hallway.



•• Coverage Area of Access Points:Coverage Area of Access Points:

•• Estimate the expected coverage area of an access point.Estimate the expected coverage area of an access point.

•• This value varies depending on: This value varies depending on:

•• The WLAN standard or mix of standards that you are The WLAN standard or mix of standards that you are deploying. deploying.

•• The nature of the facility. The nature of the facility.

•• The transmit power that the access point. The transmit power that the access point.

•• Based on your plan, place access points on the floor plan so Based on your plan, place access points on the floor plan so that coverage circles are overlapping.that coverage circles are overlapping.


Number of Access PointsNumber of Access PointsNumber of Access Points


20,000 Sq. Ft.(1860 Sq. Meters)

20,000 Sq. Ft.20,000 Sq. Ft.(1860 Sq. Meters)(1860 Sq. Meters)

Minimum of 6 Mbps 802.11b throughput for

each Basic Service Area (BSA)

Minimum of Minimum of 6 Mbps 6 Mbps 802.11b throughput802.11b throughput for for

each Basic Service each Basic Service Area (BSA)Area (BSA)

Can be achieved with a coverage area of 5,000 Sq. Ft.

(465 Sq. Meters)

Can be achieved with a Can be achieved with a coverage area of coverage area of 5,000 Sq. Ft. 5,000 Sq. Ft.

(465 Sq. Meters)(465 Sq. Meters)

20,000 Sq. Ft. with a coverage of 5,000 Sq. Ft.

results in 4 Access Points.

20,000 Sq. Ft. with a 20,000 Sq. Ft. with a coverage of 5,000 Sq. Ft. coverage of 5,000 Sq. Ft.

results in results in 4 Access 4 Access PointsPoints. .



50 foot (15 Meter) Radius50 foot (15 Meter) Radius50 foot (15 Meter) Radius

71 foot (22 Meter) Square71 foot (22 Meter) Square71 foot (22 Meter) Square

Dimension of Coverage Area

Dimension of Coverage Dimension of Coverage AreaArea



Location of Access PointsLocation of Access PointsLocation of Access Points

Documents

Expl Sw Chapter 07 Wireless Part I