WiFi 6/6E 802.11ax AP network design question

[ezisaac]

We are bidding a new WiFi 6 network design in a new high-rise building. Does any one know any high level design rule of getting WiFi 6/6E AP number and what is the proximately distance between APs in a large space (around 30,000 sqf/floor)? We will do heatmap later but we are trying to get some ballpark number first. As WiFi 6/6E supports 6GHz band, we are expecting the distance could be shorter than 5GHz band (802.11ac) but any number that we may reference with from network and low voltage cable design point of view? Thanks,

[Leo Laohoo]

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@ezisaac wrote:

Does any one know any high level design rule of getting WiFi 6/6E AP number and what is the proximately distance between APs in a large space (around 30,000 sqf/floor)?

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Recommended Best Practice is to get a professional to do a site survey. 

[Scott Fella]

I agree with Leo, but also take the knowledge you have with trying to provide 802.11ac in a high-rise building knowing how the layout would be.  Also understand the users and what they would expect and how you would be able to provide the best experience.  Office vs living areas are different because you don’t have to worry much about density in living areas, but to get good coverage, you almost need an ap in every other room per say.  

[ezisaac]

I agreed with your comments; however, we need to get a ballpark number to build the cost model before the Go/NO-Go decision. I can use a previous similar 802.11ac project as the reference but I need to know if ax may need a little bit more AP than ac or not. We then need to estimate the number and cost of Cat6a cable and conduit. So, to make it simple, can someone tell me the signal coverage area by a ceiling mount ax AP is less/same/larger than an ac AP? I guess that could be "less" (because 6 GHz) but want to confirm that with SME. Thanks,  

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

Go with what you would with a similar floor plan, that is the key.  You most likely have enough overlap if you are providing 100% 5ghz ac coverage.  That way you have a ballpark number.