Plan for the supply demand of 802.11n
When used at maximum capacity, 802.11n APs often consume more resources to control a series of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transceivers and complex CPUs. Businesses that still have legacy APs using the 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) standard may find that the new 3 x 3 MIMO 802.11n AP uses up to 12.95 W more per port.
Despite the stability of today's APs on the 802.11n standard, most of this is just the new generation of enterprise WLAN products. Next year's APs will probably integrate better with chipsets and there will be other ways to optimize power consumption. Therefore, PoE may or may not be an issue in your 802.11n deployment, which is entirely dependent on the products you choose, the switches with PoE features that you use and how you configure them. How is your WLAN image?
Ask your WLAN vendors to estimate PoE consumption for each AP, in the specific configurations you plan to deploy. For example, if an AP has two transceivers and both sets in 3 x 3 MIMO mode to load, then you should temporarily consider using one of the transceivers in mode 2. x 2. No need to use all the features in the new 802.11n APs immediately but instead, plan to deploy additional PoE ports such as upgraded distribution switches, that is, inserting power supplies in really necessary places.
Expand the 802.11n management tool
Because 802.11n APs will basically communicate in a new way, they require planning for an upgrade network, in addition to troubleshooting and testing tools. Existing WLAN tools can be used for some 802.11n APs - for example, WLAN analyzers and WIPS wireless intrusion systems will detect the presence of 802.11n APs. active in blending and inheriting modes. However, the legacy 802.11a / b / g transceivers used by such systems cannot receive or decode all of the data broadcast with 802.11n improvements such as tape channels. 40 MHz width or frame grouping method. To do their job well, these tools must be updated to meet the requirements of 802.11n.
A note in the implementation of 802.11n APs, optimal performance and investment responsiveness can be obtained by planning WLAN upgrades with a predictive modeling tool. Invest in modern RF planning tools to understand the features of the 802.11n protocol and the spread of MIMO signals, which can encourage configurations that optimize placement and options. Especially when switching from a data WLAN to a mixed WLAN, use planning tools to map devices and users within the coverage of the application, accepting a quality of service. somehow.
During WLAN deployment, handheld tools are needed to support location statistics and connectivity debugging. These tools are not only equipped with new 802.11n adapters, they also have to understand the results of changes in 802.11n. For example, using location statistics tools will allow you to measure not only signal strength but also application throughput - not just in one direction but in both directions. Using diagnostic tools can correctly identify 802.11n type errors instead of comparing PDU fields and bit maps. Enhance the testing features provided by 802.11n APs - they have a view in the RF environment and can record useful observations at the time a transient issue occurs.
Improved WLAN testing process 802.11n
After deployment, it is necessary to use centralized security and performance testing systems to monitor 802.11n networks. 802.11n WLANs are more dynamic and will use techniques like spatial distribution and dynamic frequency selection to cover some of their own problems. However, when these problems appear, they will happen at a higher speed and affect more users and many applications. The only effective way to solve these challenges is to monitor your entire WLAN 24/7 in a way that can analyze and deliver the fastest action.
For example, because 802.11n will expand the range of WLANs, unconfirmed connections or accidental connections may invade your network more. Upgrade WIPS detectors (APs can be configured to act as detectors) for 802.11n traffic parsing and covering all affected areas. Configure automatic response policies to block unauthorized intrusion (including Greenfield AP 802.11n). Use positioning techniques to understand multi-path mechanisms to quickly assess the impact of unauthorized intrusion and search and remove them.
Most companies will experience immediate increase in throughput and coverage when deploying 802.11n. However, 802.11n protocols and its options are so complex that WLANs are almost impossible to operate at the highest performance without additional investments in training and support tools. Upgrade RF performance testing tools for analyzing and evaluating 802.11n options - not just in general but requiring an understanding of specific APs and clients used within your WLAN . Finding tools that not only optimize performance but also help administrators visualize the impact of possible changes - and then enforce them by defining and pushing configuration updates in automatic form.
While these management and network infrastructure upgrades are not entirely mandatory when moving to 802.11n, they are necessary investments. Upgrading to 802.11n without network capacity, no control will be like controlling a high-performance race car on a narrow road with a hazy viewfinder and no brake pedals. Planning a WLAN with the right tools you can avoid unnecessary problems and be successful at the highest probability.