This section covers the common vertical markets where wireless LAN (WLAN) technology is typically deployed. By now, you should have a comprehensive understanding of WLAN fundamentals, especially for the specialist level, and in this lecture, I’ll bring together all of the concepts we’ve discussed so far, applying them to real-world deployment scenarios. The goal is to equip you with insights into WLAN requirements for specific environments, the unique factors that may affect the performance of wireless networks in each setting, and best practices for optimizing deployment.
What Are Common Vertical Markets for WLAN?
In wireless networking, vertical markets refer to specific industries or sectors where WLAN solutions are deployed with specific requirements. These industries vary widely in structure and needs, and each presents unique challenges that must be addressed for successful WLAN deployment. In this section, we’ll cover key markets such as healthcare, hospitality, enterprise offices, industrial environments, government facilities, and more. We’ll look at common issues, discuss effective strategies, and examine the most appropriate types of equipment for each market.
1. Enterprise Office
Enterprise offices are one of the most common environments where WLAN solutions are deployed. The goal in an office setting is to ensure reliable coverage, strong signal quality, and seamless connectivity for all employees.
Key Considerations for Enterprise Offices:
- Placement of Access Points: In an office, the placement of access points (APs) is crucial for optimal coverage and signal strength. Each AP should be strategically positioned to avoid dead zones and ensure consistent wireless access.
- Overlapping Coverage: To avoid interruptions, it’s essential to plan for slight overlapping coverage between APs, especially in larger office spaces. This prevents dropped connections as users move between areas.
- Device Density: Understanding the number of devices each AP will need to support helps determine the required AP density. High-density areas, like conference rooms, may require additional APs.
Example Deployment:
To effectively deploy WLAN in an office environment, you would start by mapping out the office layout. Once you have a layout, position APs to cover the entire space, ideally with some overlap between APs to avoid any connectivity gaps. Use a mix of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to balance coverage and performance.
2. Healthcare Facilities
WLAN deployment in healthcare facilities, like hospitals, presents unique challenges and requirements. The wireless network must support a variety of devices, such as medical equipment, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, all while maintaining high standards for security and reliability.
Key Considerations for Healthcare:
- Support for Legacy Devices: Many hospitals still use legacy devices, such as push-to-talk systems, which may operate on older technologies. It is often necessary to create a separate network or VLAN to support these devices without impacting the main network’s performance.
- Interference from Medical Equipment: Certain medical equipment, such as X-ray machines and MRI machines, can create interference that affects wireless signals. Furthermore, the specialized construction of X-ray rooms, designed to contain radiation, can also block Wi-Fi signals.
- Network Segmentation: Network segmentation is essential for separating medical devices from general-purpose devices. This segmentation reduces the risk of interference and prioritizes mission-critical traffic.
Example Deployment:
In a hospital, you would likely deploy directional antennas in long hallways to direct the wireless signal along the corridors. For patient rooms and treatment areas, position APs to ensure that they cover each area fully, avoiding interference from equipment or room barriers.
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