Wireless Network Design: Best Practices

A recent report by Ekahau reveals a startling statistic: there are 200,000,000 poorly performing networks worldwide, with a staggering 75% of all WiFi networks requiring troubleshooting.

But, luckily, this can be improved. The most impactful factor for a flawless WiFi plan is, without a doubt, the “Design”. A well-thought-out design can be the difference between a network that performs optimally and one that constantly requires troubleshooting.

Plus, it’s not only us that think that. A recent report from Ekahau states that it’s the number 1 most important stage of the WifI lifecycle for impactful long-term success.

This data underscores the relevance and advantages of following the best wireless network design practices. Therefore, in this blog, we’ll showcase the importance of WiFi network planning and share some of the best practices for optimal success.

Wireless networks are what keeps us connected worldwide and in business. Without an adequate design in place, you’ll run into several problems:

• Decreased Productivity: Poor planning can lead to network downtime and slow connections. According to Monster Cloud, 61.4% of employees experience slow WiFi speeds, which is their biggest pet peeve. This not only frustrates your team but also hampers productivity and efficiency, which is bad for business.
• Security Risks: Without a great network design, you may lack the necessary security measures, leaving sensitive data vulnerable to cyber threats. The Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) requires all businesses that keep customer data to protect it. Poor wireless networks can increase the chances of data breaches, putting your business at risk.
• Increased Costs: Unplanned network expansions or maintenance can lead to unexpected and potentially high costs. For large organisations, WiFi can be a significant expense, especially if the network design isn’t optimal. It’ll need improving in the future, so doing it right the first time can save a tonne of money.

Adopting WiFi design best practices from the outset can help you avoid these pitfalls. A well-planned network is not just about connectivity; it’s about creating a secure, efficient, cost-effective infrastructure supporting your business goals.

1.    Understanding Your Business Requirements

In planning a wireless network, grasping your business requirements is a vital first step. Here are some pivotal elements to consider:

• Coverage: Coverage is the backbone of WiFi design. It’s about strategically placing your wireless transmitters to ensure strong signal strength for all WiFi-enabled devices. Effective secondary coverage is also crucial to provide the right overlap for seamless device roaming and redundancy for your WiFi needs.
• Capacity: Capacity is another crucial aspect that extends beyond coverage. It involves considering the variety and volume of devices and applications connecting to the network. Wireless network capacity is essentially the volume of traffic a network can support based on bandwidth consumption.
• Designing for the Least Capable, Most Important Device (LCMID): This involves identifying the most critical devices that will connect to your network, especially those least technologically advanced. The real challenge lies in ensuring that your network can support the device that would disrupt business operations if it went offline.

By comprehending these elements, you can ensure your network design aligns with your business needs.

2.    Gathering RF Requirements Data

Alongside the above, the physical environment significantly influences network performance, so gathering Radio Frequency (RF) requirements data is crucial.

This involves understanding the RF behaviour in your environment, which can be achieved by examining the site floor plan and conducting a site walk.

• Obstacles and AP Installation: Consider the physical environment, including ceiling height, access point (AP) mounting options, wall materials, and noise from neighbouring networks.
• Wall Material and Attenuation Testing: Understand the impact of your network’s environment on RF coverage. Every wall material attenuates WiFi signals to some degree.
• RF Spectrum Activity: Your WiFi network operates within an electromagnetic spectrum. Understand the spectrum activity around you, including Channel Contention, Non-Wi-Fi Interference, DFS Checks and Radar Activity, and Channel Widths.

Focusing on this and your business requirements ensures that all wireless network design best practices are met, leading to a more efficient and effective WiFi network.

3.    Designing for Scalability

When following a WiFi design guide, there’s always one aspect they forget to mention; designing for scalability. However, it’s a crucial part of a wireless network. When focusing on scalability, consider the following:

• Future-Proof Infrastructure: Choose hardware and software that can adapt to future technological advancements. This ensures your network can accommodate new devices and applications as they emerge.
• Modular Network Design: Implement a network structure for easy expansion or reduction. This flexibility enables your network to grow or shrink with your business needs without requiring a complete redesign.
• Regular Network Assessment: Conduct regular network assessments to identify potential bottlenecks or capacity issues. This proactive approach allows for timely upgrades or adjustments, ensuring optimal network performance.

Designing for scalability is not just a best practice—it’s a strategic move that ensures your wireless network remains robust, adaptable, and cost-effective in the long run.

4.    Using a Wireless Survey

Wireless surveys are a key instrument in creating and enhancing a robust wireless network. Here’s why they’re so crucial:

1. Data Collection: A WiFi survey gathers vital information about your environment, such as interference, noise, and signal strength. This data is indispensable for crafting a network that aligns with your unique requirements.
2. Issue Detection: Surveys can pinpoint potential problems before they escalate, saving you valuable time and resources.
3. Optimisation: After deployment, wireless surveys can refine your network, guaranteeing peak performance and user satisfaction.

However, to reap these benefits, a professional must conduct the survey. Our team can provide a comprehensive and effective survey using tools like the Ekahau Sidekick. For more information on how we can assist, visit our website.

Now that you’re equipped with the best practices for wireless network design, it’s time to implement this knowledge. By applying these principles, you can significantly enhance the performance and reliability of your network. Here’s how:

• Coverage: Prioritise optimal coverage to ensure all devices can connect seamlessly, no matter where they are within your premises.
• Capacity: Consider the types and number of devices connecting to your network. Your network should be capable of handling the anticipated traffic without compromising speed or reliability.
• Least Capable, Most Important Device (LCMID): Identify and cater to the needs of your network’s most critical yet technologically limited devices.
• Physical Environment Obstacles: Consider physical obstacles impacting signal strength and network performance. Plan your network layout accordingly.
• AP Installation: Strategically install Access Points to maximise coverage and minimise interference.
• Wall Material Attenuation: Understand how different wall materials in your environment can absorb or reflect WiFi signals and plan your network layout accordingly.
• RF Spectrum Activity: Stay aware of other devices and networks that might interfere with your WiFi network, and plan your channel usage to minimise interference.

By implementing these WiFi design best practices, you can create a network that meets your current business needs and scales seamlessly with your future growth.

Navigating the complexities of WiFi network planning can be challenging. That’s why we’ve created a free eBook that explains the intricacies of planning wireless networks and how our experts can conduct comprehensive WiFi surveys.

This WiFi design guide provides an in-depth look at our process, strategies, and the substantial benefits your business can reap from a professionally conducted WiFi survey.

Don’t let network issues hinder your business growth. Discover how tailored WiFi surveys can enhance your network’s performance and reliability. Download our free eBook today and take the first step towards a superior WiFi experience.