FAQ

The Pre-Install WLAN RF Design phase is based on a Hybrid Design method, meaning that onsite live “AP on a Stick” measurements in combination with Ekahau ESS RF modeling data, combined to one end-result. This result combines the building infrastructure RF attenuation measurements with live “AP on a Stick” measurements towards the requested Wi-Fi requirements and “use case.”

The Predictive WLAN RF Design phase is based on RF modeling only, meaning that an offside design will be performed with professional RF Design software (Ekahau ESS) on floor plans in combination with the WLAN engineers field experience.

What both scenarios do not ensure is how the WLAN infrastructure will configure the overall RF parameters (Radio Algorithms) when all access points are installed and active. Also, the correct installation of the access points will be validated in this phase. Consider the “Verification WLAN RF Design” as an RF fine-tuning phase for the optimal performance of your WLAN infrastructure.

The RFI document when filled out properly is the most crucial piece of information that is required for the success of your Wi-Fi project, knowing what and where to design for is crucial before the start of the process known as the WLAN Deployment Model.

To make a correct quote we need the following information

• Updated floor plans of all the areas that need W-Fi coverage.
• A filled out RFI document (information gathering towards WLAN requirements and a description of the use case).

Yes, our Wi-Fi engineers are involved in projects all over the world.

For mission-critical Wi-Fi implementations, we highly recommend our WLAN Deployment model, which has three important phases and one optional phase (client optimization).

1. WLAN RF Design – onsite or offsite Wi-Fi site surveys.
2. Installation – correct installation of access points and antennas and/or cabling.
3. Verification WLAN RF Design – RF Validation and fine-tuning (optimization of the RF environment) or Troubleshooting (Layer 1).
4. Optimization – client optimization and/or Troubleshooting (upper layers)
   

The Verification WLAN RF Design is the third stage of the WLAN deployment model, although this stage is sometimes overlooked or not budgeted in the overall scope of the project. It’s one of the most crucial steps of the RF design process. When all the access points are installed and configured the radio management algorithm of the WLAN infrastructure will control and disperse several settings like channels, TX power and defined minimum Data Rates for all access points in both frequency bands. Some of these settings can change depending on how strong the access points feel each other. This dynamic is impossible to predict in the pre-Install phase but can have a significant impact on the overall performance of the Wi-Fi network.

That’s more than one good reason to perform a Verification WLAN RF Design to optimize the RF environment for optimal performance.

Validating an Existing “unknown” WLAN Infrastructure;

If a current “unknown” WLAN infrastructure needs validation towards new WLAN requirements or business needs, a Verification WLAN RF design is the best way to start this process. The onsite measurements and analyses will correctly identify the health of the current WLAN infrastructure as well if there are any flaws towards the new WLAN requirements. The detailed final report includes procedures, analyses, and recommendations for optimization of the current RF environment.

WLAN Troubleshooting;

The first step of WLAN troubleshooting starts at Layer 1. We always recommend a Verification WLAN RF Design as the first step in the WLAN troubleshooting process. Most of the reported Wi-Fi client issues are layer one related.

Yes, we can perform a Predictive WLAN RF Design (RF Modelling) based on floor plans only, This type of WLAN RF Design is frequently used when the defined coverage areas are not built yet or under construction. Take note that it is more than highly recommended performing a Verification WLAN RF Design when the WLAN infrastructure is installed and configured.

The WLAN Deployment Model is made up of several key stages that define the process for a mission-critical WLAN implementation. Each stage has it’s own challenges and needs to be executed towards industry guidelines and vendors’ best practices.

When all stages are completed, the overall deployment of the wireless clients and applications will be a smooth process with no network hick-ups or other anomalies that could be disastrous for your business case during the operational phase.