User Manual

Planning and Installing Wireless LANs
BreezeNET PRO.11 Series 5-15 User’s Guide
5.2.3. Construction Materials
A cell’s coverage area is affected by the construction materials of the walls,
partitions, ceilings, floors and the furnishings of the cell. Due to their
intrinsic nature, these materials may cause radio signal loss:
• Metal objects reflect radio signals. They do not let the signals pass
through.
• Wood, glass, plastic and brick reflect part of the radio signals and allow
part of the radio signals to pass through.
• Water and objects with a high moisture content absorb a large part of the
radio signals.
Use the following table as a guidline to predict the effects of different
materials.
Table 5.1: Signal Loss Chart
Obstruction
Additional Loss
(dB)
Effective Range
Approx. Range
Open Space 0dB 100% 1000ft. (300m)
Window (non-metallic tint) 3dB 70% 700ft. (215m)
Window (metallic tint) 5-8dB 50% 500ft. (150m)
Light Wall (dry wall) 5-8dB 50% 500ft. (150m)
Medium Wall (wood) 10dB 30% 300ft. (100m)
Heavy Wall (solid core 6”) 15-20dB 15% 150ft. (50m)
Very Heavy Wall (solid core 12”) 20-25dB 10% 100ft. (30m)
Floor/Ceiling (solid core) 15-20dB 15% 150ft. (50m)
Floor/Ceiling (heavy solid core)
20-25dB 10% 100ft. (30m)
Note: Take stairwells and elevator shafts into consideration when positioning
Access Points. There is no way to quantify the loss associated with these
obstructions, however they do have an effect on the signal.
5.2.4. Cell Size
Cell size is determined by the maximum possible distance between the
Access Point and the Station Adapter. This distance varies according to the
building floor plan and the nature of that environment. There are several
general categories: