Too many APs close to each other

[techno.it]

Hello

Multiple service provider deployed the access points with different models in a multi-floor building. These APs are used as hotspots for customers. We have our own Access Points installed as well in enterprise network and all are very close to each other.  I am concerned that too many  APs is causing  poor performance to our business users.

Any other opinions/comments are appreciated.

[Muhammad Awais Khan]

Hi,

There will be too much interference in the Wireless Signals and Radio Channels. My suggestion would be to disable 2.4 Ghz and power on 5 Ghz since it has more channels and will be having less interference as compare with 2.4.

Also do the manual survey using some tools on your mobile and see which are the most channels already utilized by service provider AP's. You can then choose your preferred channels which are not used by other provider.

Also you can play with the power settings of your radio, fine tune your coverage by decreasing the power on your populated area so that users on that coverage area will have maximum strength.

[techno.it]

Thanks Awais.

This requires lot of manual and administrative tasks to manually configure channels and power settings.

Not all devices support 5 Ghz in our premises and services provider may also not be in favour of disabling 2.4ghz.

[Muhammad Awais Khan]

Hi,

Some manual admin work and fine tuning will be required to optimize the solution. If you have WLC then it will not be that much. I agree with @Leo Laohoo , you might struggle with 2.4 Ghz

[Leo Laohoo]

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@techno.it wrote:

Multiple service provider deployed the access points with different models in a multi-floor building.

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Don't bother trying to get anything to work in 2.4 Ghz because it just won't. 

For 5.0 Ghz, don't be tempted to use 40-, 80- or 160 Mhz channel bond.  20 Mhz channel bond will do fine because it will work.

[techno.it]

But in lot of cases the APs are beside each other. Only way I see is to remove off service provider APs from the ceiling :) 

[patoberli]

Make sure to have at least 50 cm of distance between each AP (or better 1 m), or they might overload each others radio and cause all kinds of weird issues.

[Scott Fella]

Everyone has pretty good feedback on this… but separation between ap’s is priority 1. Make sure the ap’s are separated, I usually like 1-2 meters. My question is, if you own the space, why are others placing ap’s in your space, unless its in your contract. Anyway’s, the only way you can tell how things are working is to look at your RF with a tool that shows utilization, etc. You are really going to be in a bind here, because you know that their ap’s will probably be powered up to the max, so you will need to test your environment and figure our what tx power you need, etc.

[sean.gray2]

Adding onto what Scott has said about spacing being key and looking at the RF utilization. Have you surveyed the area? This is the best way to "see" the impact of the other APs, from there you will at least have an idea of what you are trying to work around. Failing that you could use the Cisco Spectrum Expert feature that's built into most APs as a way to get a little insight on a per AP basis.