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Module 4 WLAN Planning and Design

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
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Module 4 WLAN Planning and Design

Uploaded by

niguss.mehari
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Module 4: WLAN Planning and Design

Duration: 3 Hours

This module equips participants with the knowledge and skills to plan and design WLAN networks
that meet the performance, reliability, and scalability requirements of modern enterprises. It
emphasizes site-specific considerations, RF planning, and strategies tailored to unique deployment
scenarios. Participants will learn to leverage Huawei's tools and best practices to ensure their
WLAN solutions deliver seamless connectivity and high user satisfaction.

Topics Covered

1. Site Survey Techniques and Tools

A proper WLAN site survey is crucial for understanding the physical environment and ensuring
that the planned network meets coverage, capacity, and performance goals.

Key Components:

 Types of Site Surveys:


o Predictive Survey: Uses software to model the site virtually, analyzing building layouts,
materials, and expected device density.
o Active Survey: Conducted on-site with specialized equipment to measure real-world RF
conditions and signal strengths.
o Passive Survey: Collects data without actively transmitting, providing insights into
existing interference and environmental factors.
 Huawei WLAN Planning Tools:
o Huawei eSight: A powerful tool for managing and designing Huawei WLAN solutions.
o Third-party tools (e.g., Ekahau, AirMagnet): Often used for detailed site surveys and RF
planning.
 Steps in Conducting a Site Survey:
1. Define Network Requirements: Coverage area, device density, and application requirements.
2. Understand Physical Constraints: Identify walls, furniture, and other obstacles that may
affect signal propagation.
3. Measure Signal Strength and Noise: Evaluate RSSI, SNR, and interference sources.
4. Document Findings: Generate a detailed report with heatmaps, interference zones, and
AP placement recommendations.

2. RF Planning and Channel Allocation Strategies

Radio Frequency (RF) planning ensures efficient use of the available spectrum while minimizing
interference and ensuring seamless connectivity.

Key Components:

 Frequency Bands and Channel Widths:


o Utilize the appropriate band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz) based on the use case and device
compatibility.
o Allocate 20 MHz or 40 MHz channels in 2.4 GHz and 40 MHz to 160 MHz channels in 5
GHz or 6 GHz for higher throughput.
 Channel Allocation:
o Use non-overlapping channels to minimize co-channel interference.
o Avoid adjacent-channel interference by spacing out channel assignments.
 Huawei-Specific Features:
o Dynamic Channel Allocation: Huawei APs can automatically adjust channel assignments
to adapt to changing RF conditions.
o BSS Coloring: In Wi-Fi 6 environments, BSS coloring identifies and mitigates interference
between overlapping networks.

3. Coverage and Capacity Planning for High-Density Environments

High-density environments, such as conference halls, stadiums, or schools, require special design
considerations to accommodate a large number of users and devices.
Key Components:

 Coverage Planning:
o Ensure adequate AP overlap for seamless roaming without interference.
o Consider signal degradation factors like walls, floors, and furniture.
 Capacity Planning:
o Estimate the number of devices per AP and their bandwidth requirements.
o Implement MU-MIMO and OFDMA (in Wi-Fi 6) to handle simultaneous connections
efficiently.
 High-Density Best Practices:
o Use directional antennas to focus coverage in specific areas.
o Deploy additional APs with reduced transmit power to avoid interference.
o Use 5 GHz or 6 GHz bands to reduce congestion in the 2.4 GHz spectrum.

4. Designing WLAN Networks for Specific Use Cases

Each industry has unique requirements that influence WLAN design. This section explores best
practices for various use cases:

1. Education:

 Requirements:
o Support for online learning platforms, video streaming, and collaborative tools.
o Seamless roaming across classrooms, libraries, and outdoor spaces.
 Best Practices:
o Deploy APs in classrooms with proper RF isolation.
o Use advanced QoS to prioritize latency-sensitive applications.

2. Healthcare:

 Requirements:
o Support for real-time communication, medical IoT devices, and patient monitoring.
o High reliability and stringent security standards.
 Best Practices:
o Use isolated VLANs for patient data and medical device traffic.
o Deploy APs with redundancy to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

3. Retail:

 Requirements:
o Support for POS systems, customer Wi-Fi, and real-time inventory management.
o High user density in stores or shopping malls.
 Best Practices:
o Deploy IoT-enabled APs for inventory tracking.
o Leverage analytics tools to optimize store layouts based on user traffic patterns.

4. Enterprise Offices:

 Requirements:
o Seamless connectivity for mobile workers, video conferencing, and cloud-based apps.
o Centralized management across multiple branches.
 Best Practices:
o Deploy APs in open spaces and meeting rooms with smart antenna technology.
o Use Huawei’s CloudCampus for centralized network management.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

1. Conduct Effective Site Surveys:


o Utilize tools and techniques to evaluate the physical and RF environment.
2. Plan RF Channels and Coverage:
o Design networks that maximize performance and minimize interference.
3. Optimize WLAN for Capacity and Reliability:
o Tailor network designs for high-density deployments.
4. Design Use Case-Specific WLAN Networks:
o Apply best practices to meet the unique requirements of industries like education,
healthcare, retail, and enterprise.
5. Leverage Huawei Tools:
o Utilize Huawei’s eSight platform and dynamic RF management features to plan and
optimize WLAN networks.

This module provides hands-on techniques and real-world examples to help participants master
the complexities of WLAN planning and design, ensuring networks that are efficient, scalable, and
aligned with business goals.

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