Many Wi-Fi issues are blamed on poor coverage. In reality, some of the most significant wireless performance problems stem from design decisions made long before users ever connect.
1. Designing For Coverage Alone
Coverage is important, but coverage alone does not guarantee a good user experience. Networks should also be designed around capacity requirements, application usage and expected device density.
2. Excessive Transmit Power
Increasing transmit power is often viewed as a quick fix, but excessive power levels can create roaming issues, sticky clients and increased interference.
3. Poor Channel Planning
Channel planning plays a critical role in wireless performance. Overlapping channels and poor spectrum reuse can significantly reduce network efficiency.
4. Poor Access Point Placement
Access point location has a significant impact on wireless performance. Installing APs in unsuitable locations, such as above ceiling tiles, near large metal objects or away from their intended design positions, can negatively affect coverage and capacity.
5. Ignoring Validation Surveys
Predictive designs provide a valuable starting point, but every deployment should be validated after installation to confirm real-world performance.
6. Underestimating Capacity Requirements
Modern wireless networks must support increasing numbers of devices, cloud applications, voice and video services. Capacity planning is often more important than raw coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Coverage alone does not guarantee performance.
- Capacity planning is essential.
- Proper channel planning reduces interference.
- Validation surveys confirm design assumptions.
- Good design reduces future troubleshooting.
Need Help Assessing Your Wireless Environment?
WirelessMancer provides wireless design, capacity planning and survey services for organisations of all sizes across the UK and Europe.
Contact WirelessMancer