User's Guide

Wireless Array
Installing the Wireless Array 37
IEEE 802.11n Deployment Considerations
The Xirrus Arrays support IEEE 802.11n on all IAPs, in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
bands. Use of 802.11n offers significant benefits:
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Higher data rates
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Higher throughput
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Supports more users
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More robust connections
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Increased coverage area
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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:
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“MIMO (Multiple-In Multiple-Out)” on page 38
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“Multiple Data Streams — Spatial Multiplexing” on page 39
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“Channel Bonding” on page 40
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“Improved MAC Throughput” on page 41
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“Short Guard Interval” on page 41
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“Obtaining Higher Data Rates” on page 42
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“802.11n Capacity” on page 43
Two very important techniques to consider are Channel Bonding and Multiple
Data Streams — Spatial Multiplexing because they contribute a large portion of
802.11n’s speed improvements and because they are optional and configurable, as
opposed to the parts of 802.11n that are fixed. While the settings for 802.11n IAPs
come pre-configured on the Array for robust performance in typical usage, you
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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.