Reason
There are two major issues on improper placement of access points:
- The distance separating access points is too far to allow overlapping coverage.
- The orientation of access point antennae in hallways and corners diminishes coverage.
Solution
Verify the power settings and make sure the operational ranges and placement of access points are on a minimum of 10 to 15% cell overlap.
Change the orientation and positioning of access points:
- Position access points above obstructions.
- Position access points vertically near the ceiling in the centre of each coverage area, if possible.
- Position access points in locations where users are expected to be. For example, large rooms are typically a better location for access points than a hallway.
Additional specific details concerning access point and antenna placement are as:
- Always mount the access point vertically
- Do not mount the access point on building perimeter walls, unless outside coverage is desired.
- Do not mount the access point outside of buildings
- Do not mount the access point within 3 feet (91.4 cm) of metal obstructions.
- Install the access point away from microwave ovens. Microwave ovens operate on the same frequency as the access point and can cause signal interference.
- When mounting an access point in the corner of a right-angle hallway intersection, mount it at a 45-degree angle to the two hallways. The access point internal antennas are not omni-directional and cover a larger area when mounted this way.
- Ensure that access points are not mounted closer than 7.9 inches (20 cm) from the body of all persons.
