CLI Reference Guide

134 CHAPTER 4: PLANNING THE 3COM MOBILITY SYSTEM
Using an object other than a line to represent an RF obstacle’s dimensions
does not materially affect the calculation of RF attenuation. When 3WXM
calculates attenuation along any vector passing through the obstacle, it
counts the obstacle’s RF attenuation only once, regardless of the floor
space it occupies.
The Create RF Obstacle dialog box appears.
2 Go to “To use the Create RF Obstacle Dialog box” on page 132.
Defining Wireless
Coverage Areas
You must define which areas of your enterprise require wireless network
coverage. In 3WXM, you plan for both coverage and capacity
requirements in a particular area on the floor. Capacity requirements are
determined by the number of users in the area and the amount of
wireless network bandwidth desired for every user.
The floor of a building can contain multiple coverage areas if several
groups of users on the floor require different bandwidth. For example, an
engineering department might have its own coverage area to
accommodate a need for higher bandwidth, but the rest of the floor
might be planned for general use with lower bandwidth requirements.
You must also identify the wireless technology required (802.11a or
802.11b/g) for coverage areas. For areas requiring multiple wireless
technologies, two completely overlapping coverage areas are created —
one for 802.11a and one for 802.11b/g.
You define coverage by creating the following items:
 Wiring closets (at least one is required if you plan to install directly
connected MAPs). See “Creating a Wiring Closet” on page 135.
 Coverage areas (required). See “Defining a Coverage Area” on
page 137.
 RF measurement points (optional). See “Showing RF Coverage” on
page 168.
 Third-party access points (optional). See “Adding a Third-Party Access
Point” on page 149.