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Access point planning 33
It is essential to know where to install the APs to provide effective
coverage for wireless handset use. It is necessary to verify that coverage
is available where it is needed. The first step is to define exactly where the
coverage is needed, which requires a site survey.
Recommendation
A site survey must be performed before installing a wireless LAN. A site survey
is also recommended when an existing network structure is modified or when
physical changes are made to a site.
Nortel recommends the use of the Nortel Site Survey Tool to perform the site
survey.
A site survey is critical to designing and implementing a wireless LAN. The
site survey is used to determine the number of APs needed to support the
wireless handset users and to determine the best placement of the APs.
Different AP vendors provide different tools to do this.
Site survey
To conduct a site survey, set up an AP at a particular location. Use a
computer equipped with a wireless LAN device and site survey software
or a handset operating in Site Survey mode to measure the strength of
the signal from the AP. Move the wireless device around and repeat the
measurements to determine the optimum number and best locations for
the APs. This method helps identify dead zones and areas where building
materials or other factors affect the performance of the network.
Site Survey mode
The handset Site Survey mode displays negative dBm levels. These levels
represent the strength of the received signal (Received Signal Strength
Indication or RSSI) from an AP. The RSSI information aids in determining
if WLAN coverage is adequate.
For information about using the Site Survey mode, see WLAN Handsets
Fundamentals (NN43001-505),.
ATTENTION
The handsets do not require connectivity to a WLAN IP Telephony Manager
2245 or the Call Server to enable the Site Survey mode to be used. The
minimum configuration required is the Extended Service Set Identifier (ESSID) of
the WLAN or test AP and the WEP keys, if applicable.
Nortel Communication Server 1000
WLAN IP Telephony Installation and Commissioning
NN43001-504 03.04 Standard
23 September 2008
Copyright © 2004–2008 Nortel Networks
.