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 SITE
SURVEY - Procedures (Continued)
Purpose of the Site Survey:
The main items the site survey will determine include:
- The system's configuration and performance
objectives.
- The costs, advantages and disadvantages of
alternative configurations to meet performance objectives.
- The recommended design to meet the cost and
performance objectives.
The site survey should provide all of the
information needed to ensure that the wireless LAN system is properly designed.
The site survey should always review and determine the following:
- The users, applications and
equipment on the wireless LANs that are to be inter-networked.
This details the configurations of the wired LANs
already installed or that are planned for Installation in the buildings or
rooms that will be linked.
- The wireless LAN system best suited
for the application. Wireless LAN (WLAN) systems
are combinations of routers, bridges, hubs, and clients, as well as cables
and antennas. The site survey will determine the right combination of these
components for the application.
- The free space path requirements
between antennas (External P2P or P2MP). A clear RF line of site must
exist between the antenna locations. If no visible barriers exist between
the LAN locations where antennas are to be erected, normally the sites can
be linked. However, in some instances, a terrain analysis may be needed to
ensure that the minimum required free space is available, and to determine
how high the antennas must be to avoid obstructions and out-of-phase
deflections.
- The specific places where each
component should be located. Antennas must be
positioned high enough for a clear RF line of sight. The wireless LAN
bridges, routers or hubs are normally placed in a computer room or wiring
closet, collocated with the servers. The FCC has certified a specific cable
and antenna set for each wireless manufacturer. However, NAS as a
qualified/certified professional installation group, may customize the
cables and antennas for any installation as required.
- Whether to use a point-to-point or
multipoint configuration. Most Wi-Fi
wireless LAN systems provided by NAS can be configured with an option for
multipoint operation. There are specific exceptions, which will be noted by
your NAS wireless engineer.
- Potential sources of interference
in the alternative RF bands. For complex Wi-Fi
wireless LAN connections in environments where the airways tend to be busy,
it may also be necessary to check for competing signals with a Spectrum
Analyzer. Spectrum analysis can detect and measure potential sources of
interference in any selected RF band.
- The federal, state, and local
regulations. It is important to follow FCC and
National Electrical Codes in the construction of masts and towers, and the
electrical grounding of the Wi-Fi wireless LAN system. All designs
and installations must comply with the appropriate regulations. NAS
engineers will work with your staff to determine any special compliance
issues for local regulations.
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