User Guide

Wi-Fi Array
Installing the Wi-Fi Array 59
IEEE 802.11n Deployment Considerations
The Xirrus XN Arrays support IEEE 802.11n on all IAPs, in both 2.4 GHz and
5 GHz bands. Use of 802.11n offers significant benefits:
z Higher data rates
z Higher throughput
z Supports more users
z More robust connections
z Increased coverage area
z More secure connections—supports WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)
These benefits result in better support for a wide range of applications such as
voice and video, intensive usage such as CAD/CAM and backups, dense user
environments, and for manufacturing and warehousing environments.
The techniques that 802.11n uses to realize these performance improvements, and
the results that can be expected are discussed in:
z “MIMO (Multiple-In Multiple-Out)” on page 60
z “Multiple Data Streams—Spatial Multiplexing” on page 61
z “Channel Bonding” on page 63
z “Improved MAC Throughput” on page 64
z “Short Guard Interval” on page 64
z “Obtaining Higher Data Rates” on page 65
z “802.11n Capacity” on page 66
#
IEEE 802.11n features are supported only on XN Array models, and this
section applies only to those Arrays.
#
While 802.11n increases coverage area by almost doubling the reach, you
must consider the legacy wireless devices in your network. Wireless stations
connecting using 802.11a/b/g will still be subject to a reach of up to 100 feet,
depending on the environment.