As the first of the 802.11ac Wave 2 devices rolls in, more enterprises are looking to make full use of the advantages of this standard. These Wave 2 devices build upon their Wave 1 predecessors, and offer benefits such as supporting speeds of up to 2.34Gbps as opposed to 1.3 Gbps, the option to use 160Mhz channels and of using a fourth spatial stream for improved performance.
If you've heard about 802.11ac and are considering rolling out a new WiFi deployment, there are a few cabling and installation tips you should consider. Making the most of the advantages offered by this new standard means carefully planning your cabling and the location and position of access points.
Points to Consider When Situating APs for 802.11ac
1. Don't overload your APs
It's advisable to plan for each AP to serve a maximum of 25 clients, certainly not more.
2. Location, location
If positioning your access points, mount them in the ceiling where they are less likely to encounter obstructions. However, you should avoid ceiling mounts if the ceiling is a suspended one, as the gridwork and tiles can disrupt the signal.
3. Think horizontally
It's a good idea to mount your access points in a horizontal orientation versus one in which the AP is flat against the wall.
4. Keep your APs safe
A no-brainer, but very important point. Keep your access points and antennae in a safe location, one where they are protected from the physical environment around them. If the APs require lower mounting, which may be the case in a sport's stadium or auditorium environment, be sure to reinforce security to prevent damage and tampering from occuring.
5. Use directive antennae
In a larger environment make use of directive antennae to create zones of good coverage.
6. Cable appropriately
Plan to provide at least one Category 6A cable to each access point. If possible, try to provide two for good measure.
Taking advantage of 802.11ac's capabilities means ensuring that you lay the appropriate groundwork to ensure your rollout occurs smoothly. Have any tips you'd like to share with us, or have any questions you'd like answered? Drop us a comment below!
