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:
- Availability
- Scalability
- Manageability
- 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.