Overview

This module provides the necessary background and knowledge needed prior to performing a site survey. A good site survey will help determine the feasibility of the desired coverage, the radio frequency interference, and the wired connectivity limitations. In preparing for any site survey, an engineer has multiple factors to consider. Some of the major factors to consider include the applications and infrastructure that an institution wants to implement. A healthcare facility has different needs than a retail store, and a retail store has different needs than a warehouse. The site engineer must be fully aware of how a site wants to implement the WLAN.

After discussing how a site engineer must prepare for a site survey, the module discusses the four main design requirements for any WLAN solution:

  1. Availability
  2. Scalability
  3. Manageability
  4. Interoperability

After careful consideration is given to the needs of the institution wishing to implement a WLAN, the site engineer must come prepared with the proper equipment. A site engineer should have multiple access points ready for testing. Additionally, the site engineer should bring the proper testing devices to ensure that the plan is feasible.

Next, the module will introduce the different documentation utilities that are available to the site engineer. As with any type of WLAN or LAN design, documentation is of key importance.

Finally, the student will participate in hands-on lab activities that cover WLAN design, calculation utilities, and link-status meters.