User's Manual

!AcroLAN Card User’s Guide Version 20002.5

Page 33 of 38

Appendix

Appendix A Cell Planning (Radio Range)

This section provides general guidelines on factors that influence network performance

Cell Site Survey

Because of differences in component configuration, placement and physical

environment, every network application is a unique installation. Before installing the

system, users should perform a site survey to determine the optimum utilization of

networking components and to maximize range, coverage and network performance.

Here are some operating and environmental conditions you should consider:

• Data Rates

Radio signal sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. The

maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. There will be a

decrease in receiver threshold sensitivity as the radio data rate increases.

• Antenna Type and Placement (PCI card only)

Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in maximizing radio range. As a general

guide, range increases in proportion to antenna height. For a detailed explanation of

antenna types and configurations along with guidelines on selecting antennas for

specific environments, see the documentation that comes with your antenna.

• Physical Environments

Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled areas. Also, the less

cluttered the work environment, the greater the range.

• Obstructions

A physical obstruction such as metal shelving or a steel pillar can hinder the

performance of the client adapter. Avoid locating the computing device in a location

where there is a metal barrier between the sending and receiving antennas.

• Building Materials

Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building material used in construction. For

example, drywall construction allows greater range than concrete blocks. Metal or steel

construction is a barrier to radio signals.

Enhancing Coverage

The system architecture options of the wireless station and AcroLAN Access Points

provide for a variety of coverage alternatives and flexibility. The system can be designed

to provide a wide coverage area with minimal overlap or coverage with heavy overlap.

The latter improves system performance and protection against downtime in the event of

a component failure. By arranging the AcroLAN Access Points so the overlap in

coverage area is minimized, a large area can be covered with minimal system cost. The

total bandwidth available to each mobile station will depend on the amount of data each