How Defective are your Wi-Fi Networks?

From our 23+ years’ experience in Wirreless Network Engineering, we estimate that more than 90% of all enterprise Wi-Fi network deployments are sub-optimal.

By this, we mean that most wireless are not well designed, and many incorporate significant design and/or implementation flaws that are expensive and disruptive to the organisation’s staff and their work.

We know that many Wi-Fi network don’t meet the customer’s requirements.

Circular Wi-Fi Cells

Most often, problems with a Wi-Fi network begin with poor design. Most often, this is the supplier’s fault, but the wireless network manufacturers have a lot to answer for too.

Wi-Fi network design doesn’t work the way that many wireless network vendors suggest.

For example, take a look at the circular cells illustrated by the vendors in their Wi-Fi network design diagrams.

Are Wi-Fi “cells” really circular? (No, they’re not).

So why do so many people draw them that way?

This reveals ignorance and complacency by the Wi-Fi network supplier or designer; and an assumption that the buyer will accept a largely incompetent Wi-Fi network design.

Four APs into Three Wi-Fi Channels ..

Here’s another example: how do you arrange Wi-Fi cells in groups of 4 – at the corners of a square, or in a grid layout – when only three non-overlapping channels are available in the 2.4GHz band? – channels 1, 6 and 11?

If anyone suggests using channel 1, 4, 7, 11 .. or 1, 7, 13 ..

.. or if channels 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 or even 14 are in use ..

.. or any other combination: contact us.

What does that Cell Boundary mean?

A very revealing question to ask when reviewing a supplier’s design, proposal or product datra sheet is: What does the boundary of that Wi-Fi circle represent? Is it:

• Signal Strength (dBm)?
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (dB)?
• Associated data rate (Mbps)?
• The point where RF stops travelling?

If the cell boundary isn’t labelled, it means nothing.

Look carefully at your vendor’s Wi-Fi network design guides, and be critical!

Don’t forget: there should be no circles.  No squares.  No grids. No other regular shapes.

Wireless Network Design Specifications

The Design Specifications for your wireless network project should include at least:

• A Wireless network Coverage Specification
• A Wireless network Capacity Plan
• Detailed documents and agreements covering the Planning, Design, Installation and Validation stages

Contact Us if these are not automatically supplied to you before you consider purchasing a wireless network, and always feel free to ask for our independent opinion during your initial consultations with suppliers.