topic Re: Wi-Fi network coverage extension. in Wireless

Wi-Fi network coverage extension.

bowenbagger — Mon, 13 May 2024 13:32:33 GMT

Good day to all!
I'm currently facing a severe problem in ongoing hotel project. initial designer has designed the building allocating one Access Point for each apartment. But certain apartments available that are larger than others. An AP does not sufficient to cover these certain apartments. There is one conduit path to AP network. there for we cannot allocate two APs. I'm looking for a wireless repeater option, does it make any sense to coverage? Or any industry level Solution?

Re: Wi-Fi network coverage extension.

Mark Elsen — Mon, 13 May 2024 16:59:47 GMT

- At first you should always have a Wireless Site Survey done so that APs can be placed accordingly , this could also lead to some apartments needing 2 APs (e.g.),

Re: Wi-Fi network coverage extension.

Rich R — Tue, 14 May 2024 05:22:22 GMT

As @Mark Elsen says that's exactly why you're supposed to do a site survey to plan the install (that's the "industry level Solution" <smile>), but since you're stuck with this messy situation you're going to have to work out something... You don't say what products you're using?

Mesh is an option but I wouldn't recommend it. I'd look for a way to split the existing cable and extend to the additional APs internally. Something like the Catalyst microswitches might enable you to do that:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-micro-switches/nb-06-cat-micro-switch-series-ds-cte-en.html

Re: Wi-Fi network coverage extension.

jagan.chowdam — Tue, 14 May 2024 13:34:39 GMT

This is one of the issues I come across when the predictive survey was done just by looking at the floor plans (not so accurate plans) without onsite validation like AP on-a-stick survey or a validation survey post install.

The first thing you should do is a validation survey to understand the current RF coverage condition. Based on the survey results, you can decide on the next action plan.

Run new cables and install new Access points to fill in coverage gap - Best solution but expensive
Look at your WLC RRM settings - Increase TPC if AP max power set too low; enable smaller Data rates... Care should be taken to avoid CCI, again validation survey can help. - Least expensive solution
Understand the current RF condition with the help of Cisco's WLC Config Analyzer Express
Mesh - depends on your current AP model

Jagan Chowdam

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