Identifying the Areas of Coverage for Wireless Users

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To identify the areas of coverage for wireless users:

  1. Obtain or create scaled architectural drawings of each floor for each building, in each geographic location in your organization that has wireless users.

  2. On the drawing, identify the offices, conferences rooms, lobbies, or other areas where you want to provide wireless coverage.

    It might be useful to enable wireless coverage for a building in its entirety rather than for specific locations within the building. For example, this can prevent connectivity problems that might result from undocking a laptop from an office for use in a different part of your building.

  3. Indicate any devices that interfere with the wireless signals.

    Any device that operates on the same frequencies as your wireless devices (in the 2.4 through 2.5 GHz ISM range) might interfere with the wireless signals. Devices that operate on the same frequency include:

    • Existing Bluetooth-enabled devices

    • Microwave ovens

    • Some models of cordless telephones

    • Wireless video cameras

    • Medical equipment

  4. Indicate any building construction materials that interfere with wireless signals.

    Metal objects used in the construction of a building can affect the wireless signal. For example, the following common objects interfere with signal propagation:

    • Support girders

    • Elevator shafts

    • Rebar reinforcement in concrete

    • Heating and air-conditioning ventilation ducts

    • Wire mesh that reinforces plaster or stucco in walls

Note

  • Radio frequency attenuation (the reduction of signal strength), shielding, and reflection can affect how you deploy your APs. Refer to the manufacturer of your APs for information regarding the different scenarios that might increase the radio frequency attenuation. Testing software is available with most APs to check for signal strength, error rate, and data throughput. This can be very beneficial during the deployment of your APs.