Transforming Wireless Networks with Precision RF Engineering

In an era where uninterrupted wireless connectivity underpins business success, a strong and efficient wireless network is essential for supporting the demanding needs of modern businesses. At Illinois, USA, our dedicated engineering team embarked on an extensive pre-deployment wireless site survey to lay the foundation for superior connectivity.

Over three days, we meticulously analyzed the site’s layout, evaluated existing network infrastructure, and identified key areas for improvement. By leveraging our expertise and advanced tools, we pinpointed potential challenges and designed tailored solutions to address them, ensuring a robust wireless environment that meets the facility’s operational needs. 

Survey Overview: Addressing Wireless Connectivity Challenges

The survey, spanning the entire site, aimed to evaluate the performance of Cisco Meraki and Access Points (APs) across diverse environments, including office spaces and warehouse areas. Our objective was to identify and mitigate issues affecting wireless coverage, ensuring robust connectivity throughout the facility.

Key challenges included inconsistent channel width, suboptimal AP placement, and high transmit power levels contributing to interference and poor signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Addressing these problems is essential to maintaining reliable connectivity for the corporate devices.

The Survey Process: Tools, Metrics, and Infrastructure

Our team employed Ekahau Site Survey Pro to conduct thorough measurements of signal strength, SNR, and AP overlap. The survey covered both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, with proposed AP placements derived from 5GHz propagation data for enhanced performance.

Wireless Hardware Deployed:

• Cisco Meraki MR46 APs for office areas
• Cisco Meraki MR76 APs with external antennas for warehouse/production areas
• Accel-Tex 2.4/5GHz directional and omni-directional antennas

Site Detail:

The survey focused on a corporate site with mixed office and warehouse environments, utilizing Cisco Meraki MR46 and MR76 access points (APs) for indoor and outdoor coverage, respectively. The survey parameters included:

• Site Type: Corporate office and warehouse
• Area: Large-scale coverage
• Height: Varying ceiling heights between office and warehouse zones
• Survey Type: Pre-deployment wireless site survey
• Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
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Site Map

Wireless Signal Criteria:

Signal Strength:

• 5GHz: Optimal at -65 dBm 
  
  

5GHz Signal Strength in Office Production/Warehouse

• 2.4 GHz: Meeting minimum thresholds
  
  

2.4GHz Signal Strength in Office Production/Warehouse

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR):

• 5 GHz: >25 dB
• 2.4 GHz: Meeting minimum SNR requirements

Data Rates:

•  Optimized for client applications
  
  Transmit power was set at 11dBm on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, with an AP RSSI overlap target of 20%. This strategic configuration aimed to balance coverage and minimize interference.

Findings: Pinpointing Connectivity Bottlenecks

The survey revealed several technical challenges:

• Inconsistent Channel Width: Overlapping channels resulted in degraded performance.
• High Transmit Power: Excessive power levels led to interference and reduced overall SNR.
• Coverage Gaps: Areas with insufficient AP overlap experienced signal drops, impacting device connectivity.

Recommendations: Enhancing Network Performance

To remediate identified issues, our  survey engineers proposed the following solutions:

• Channel Optimization: Adjust AP configurations to ensure consistent channel widths.
• Transmit Power Adjustment: Reduce power levels to mitigate interference and improve SNR.
• Strategic AP Relocation: Optimize AP placement to enhance coverage, focusing on high-density areas such as conference rooms and production floors.
• Structured Wiring Upgrade: Implement Category 6a cabling for improved data throughput and reliability.

Why Choose Us? Expertise in Wireless Optimization

Our survey engineers bring unparalleled expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering optimal wireless solutions. From conducting meticulous site surveys to providing actionable insights and recommendations, we ensure that your wireless network meets your business’s unique needs. The annotated signal maps and visual aids we provide are designed to simplify complex technical findings and guide effective decision-making.

Please get in touch with the experts at Orion US today.

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