High-Density Wireless Design
Wireless networks today support a wide range of mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, which often run bandwidth-intensive applications like video. Thus, IT administrators face ever-increasing challenges to design and deploy wireless networks that can accommodate the exponential growth in network devices and applications.
High-density Wi-Fi networks, common for large venues like conference centers, auditoriums, stadiums, and college campuses, require careful planning and implementation to ensure optimal performance and coverage. Below, we list our top 12 recommendations–in order of priority–for designing high-density wireless networks:
| Top High-Density Wireless Design Recommendations | |
|---|---|
| 1.) Site Survey & Analysis | Conduct a thorough site survey to understand the physical layout, building materials, interference sources, and user density. |
| 2.) Capacity Planning | Estimate the number of concurrent users and their bandwidth requirements to determine the required network capacity. |
| 3.) Frequency Planning | Utilize both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands and use tools like spectrum analyzers to identify and mitigate interference sources. |
| 4.) AP Placement | Position access points strategically to provide overlapping coverage while minimizing co-channel interference. |
| 5.) Channel Allocation | Distribute channels evenly across APs to minimize interference and implement dynamic channel assignment (DCA) algorithms. |
| 6.) Antenna Selection | Choose appropriate antennas–directional or omnidirectional–based on coverage area and deployment scenario. |
| 7.) Load Balancing | Set the threshold on APs to utilize an over-the-air resource to ensure that traffic to all APs is load-balanced. |
| 8.) Quality of Service (QoS) | Implement QoS mechanisms to prioritize traffic types and ensure a consistent user experience, prioritizing real-time applications. |
| 9.) Client Roaming Optimization | Configure APs with fast roaming protocols to facilitate seamless roaming for clients moving between APs. |
| 10.) Security | Implement strong encryption and authentication mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access and security threats. |
| 11.) Stress Test | Conduct a stress test before going live to validate that the network can handle the estimated traffic. |
| 12.) Monitoring and Maintenance | Continuously monitor network performance using management tools and analytics platforms, and regularly update firmware and conduct performance assessments. |
Following these recommendations can help you design a high-density Wi-Fi network that delivers reliable connectivity and excellent user experience in challenging environments.
Self-Organizing High-Density Wireless Design
Graph showing the increased capacity enabled by ChannelFly in high-density wireless environments.
A leading strategy for implementing and managing high-density wireless networks is self-organizing network (SON) architecture, which ChannelFly technology by RUCKUS is designed to enable. With ChannelFly, APs automatically select the best channel for each situation, either in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.
In high-density networks, self-organizing networks simplify deployment. The other option, manually selecting channels for hundreds of APs nearby, would be next to impossible. In addition, network admins would need to constantly update the channel selection as RF conditions change. Crowd sizes can also affect conditions as the density ebbs and flows throughout the day. With ChannelFly, as long as the units are powered up and connected to the network, the channels are updated automatically.
ChannelFly uses specialized algorithms to select the best channel based on historical data. When combined with the RUCKUS bright adaptive antenna array (BeamFlex), ChannelFly can achieve up to twice the network capacity compared to competitors.
MBSI WAV Is a Trusted Partner of RUCKUS
As a trusted RUCKUS distributor, MBSI WAV can connect you with the best high-density wireless design technology, such as the RUCKUS 7782-N AP designed for high-density networks and the ChannelFly SON technology.
MBSI WAV can help you deploy one of the top high-density access point brands. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of joining the RUCKUS Partner Program.
