06-02-2013 03:37 PM - edited 07-04-2021 12:09 AM
Hi All,
I've just started a project to provide a total wireless solution for a local hospital and I'm intending to do a wireless survey next week to validate the NCS planning tool and do get a better understanding of the environment. This particular hospital was originally buillt in the 1970's and has had a number of additions and modifications carried out since - some of the floor plans are now inaccurate or don't even exist. As a result some walls are very thick and some maybe sheilded - even though it may now be an admin block.
My plan is to install and autonomous 3602i on an extendable pole so that I can position it in planned locations and use the AirMagnet Surveyor to provide real coverage results, that I can compare to the plan; it will also allow me to predict what wall types I might be dealing with.
They've also asked for wireless coverage in the building basement and plant rooms, which are full of machinery and electrical controls (looks like it's going to be a nightmare)
The client doesn't really understand what their requirements are but I'm figuring Voice and Location will be necessary, as well as some Telemetry devices (patient heart monitors) - they just want their iPads to work at the moment LOL but I know they'll want more from the wireless once it becomes available
We're also kicking off a Cisco IP Telephony project soon - so you know wireless handsets will be wanted
For the Autonomous AP, I'm wondering what power settings that I should use for the survey and how that relates to the planning tool; in the planning tool you can specify "hole coverage" so should I be redcung the power of the AP to say 100mW (or less) to be comparable.
I wouldn't be surprised if the later want to deploy wireless heart monitors to some patients - something like Welch Allyn. The specs for this is > -65dB for the first AP and >-70dB for the closest neighbour with AP's set to 25mW so that could, potentially, require a higher density of AP's in those areas (assuming they can tell me what those areas are) - it's challenging when the client doesn't even know what they want, or where.
Anyway, we're looking at full site coverage, indoor and outdoor, there's a helicopter pad 50 meters from the hospital - I'm guessing that they may want voice coverage between the two building, so they can talk to someone as they're transfering patients
It's quite a complex site - so if anyone's got any valuable advice that they'd like to share, I'd certainly appreciate it
Cheers,
John
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06-02-2013 07:16 PM
Well here is my 2 cents. In any survey, you need to get a customer sign off on the survey. It's a bad idea to guess what they want as if you do a location survey and ten they decide they want just data because of the amount of AP's, what do you do? You can just remove AP's and say that they will have data coverage. You want to discuss with them everything and then make sure they sign off on the survey you will be performing. Part of this is any requirements for devices that will be using the wireless. Never assume they will go with Cisco wireless headsets as they could end up with another vendor. So set the requirements and get a sign off.
In basements... Voice almost requires access points in every room. Well at least the hospitals I have been surveying in. Also it doesn't matter if some areas require more AP's than others due to shielding, etc. it's up the the client to decide what requirements they want and you can just explain it later... Well you wanted voice coverage and the requirements for voice is... Blah blah blah. The reason we had to have more AP's in the are is because of the construction in that area.
Taking notes will help cover your behind when they start asking.
Sent from Cisco Technical Support iPhone App
06-02-2013 03:44 PM
They've also asked for wireless coverage in the building basement and plant rooms, which are full of machinery and electrical controls (looks like it's going to be a nightmare)
So the hospital can put heart monitors on the electrical controls?
The client doesn't really understand what their requirements are but I'm figuring Voice and Location will be necessary, as well as some Telemetry devices (patient heart monitors) - they just want their iPads to work at the moment LOL but I know they'll want more from the wireless once it becomes available
We're also kicking off a Cisco IP Telephony project soon - so you know wireless handsets will be wanted
See attachment.
06-02-2013 07:16 PM
Well here is my 2 cents. In any survey, you need to get a customer sign off on the survey. It's a bad idea to guess what they want as if you do a location survey and ten they decide they want just data because of the amount of AP's, what do you do? You can just remove AP's and say that they will have data coverage. You want to discuss with them everything and then make sure they sign off on the survey you will be performing. Part of this is any requirements for devices that will be using the wireless. Never assume they will go with Cisco wireless headsets as they could end up with another vendor. So set the requirements and get a sign off.
In basements... Voice almost requires access points in every room. Well at least the hospitals I have been surveying in. Also it doesn't matter if some areas require more AP's than others due to shielding, etc. it's up the the client to decide what requirements they want and you can just explain it later... Well you wanted voice coverage and the requirements for voice is... Blah blah blah. The reason we had to have more AP's in the are is because of the construction in that area.
Taking notes will help cover your behind when they start asking.
Sent from Cisco Technical Support iPhone App
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