Wi-Fi Deployment

There are distinct phases for a Wi-Fi Deployment all of which are reliant on each other to help structure and form a dependable and high performing network that consumers can rely on. In this blog, we'll take a look at the lifecycle of a Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) deployment.

Wi-Fi Network Lifecycle

IPTel delivers engineering services to cover the complete Wi-Fi network deployment lifecycle. This blog steps through each of the phases of a wireless network deployment and highlights where we bring our expertise as a company.

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Pre-Sales

Initial demand for a wireless network usually revolves around the need to connect a client for some critical business process, e.g.:

• Industrial barcode scanning

• Wireless voice services

• Mobile workforce enablement

• "Internet of Things" connectivity

Without a clear understanding of the demand, any network design or deployment has the risk of not delivering on customer expectations. Understanding the requirements and wants and needs of the customer are fundamental before deployment activities commence.

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• Wi-Fi Predictive Designs
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Sales

Once the requirements are clear, a customer will generally select an equipment vendor (e.g. Cisco, Meraki, Aruba) to proceed to a budget and scoping stage.

The scoping outcome determines which of the following tasks are needed, based on what network is currently present and the best approach to meet the customer's business goals.

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• Wi-Fi Grades
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Predictive RF Design

IPTel creates a predictive model, by placing selected access point models on a floor plan using Ekahau Pro, our design tool. 

We generally start with a predictive model using assumptions and the client provided map.

After the predictive model is complete, we now have ideal placements of WAPs that we can test on-site with the Pre-Deployment.

Our formal design process focuses on designing to the customer's formal requirements ("grading").

The following items are key outputs of this work:

• A Wi-Fi Markup, showing anticipated AP quantity and placement for installation purposes.

• A predictive design report, demonstrating to the customer how the network will function.

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Pre-Deployment Survey

The pre-deployment survey tests the physical characteristics of the building and seeks to compare this against the original predictive model.

Most projects involve some form of site assessment prior to the installation work. 

The pre-deployment survey is completed after the predictive phase is complete.

Information collected at this stage is used as a reference for all subsequent stages.

Once the Pre-Deployment is done, we come back to the Predictive model and update it according to the results we obtained from site.

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AP Installation

Once the design has been finalised and approved by the customer, IPTel will generally source and install the network equipment.

The installation process differs in exact steps between sites where existing infrastructure is reused or upgraded, and sites that will have a whole new network installed.

IPTel staff can do everything required for a network install, including:

• Mounting of APs (at height if required)

• Patching of APs into structured cabling and racks

• Installation and configuration of switches

• Configuration of network management systems

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Post Deployment Survey

The ideal finish to any wireless deployment is a post-deployment survey.

This work is similar to a pre-deployment but is focussed on demonstrating that the work and effort put into design and installation has had the desired effect in delivering a better network.

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