Access points (APs): Location for optimal coverage
In today's business environment, WiFi connectivity is a key element to ensure the operability and efficiency of any organization. To achieve effective coverage improvement for businesses, it is not advisable to rely solely on the signal emitted by the router. Instead, it is essential to implement a network of WiFi access points (APs) strategically distributed throughout the facilities.
The access points (APs) not only ensure uniform and stable enterprise coverage, but also offer advanced configuration options to optimize connectivity.
Have you thought about purchasing this product? We explain everything you should take into account.
What are access points (APs)?
A WiFi access point (AP) is a device that extends the network coverage, allowing to distribute connectivity from a router or switch to different areas of the company. Its main function is to eliminate architectural barriers, such as walls, stairs or windows, which can affect the signal, thus ensuring improved coverage for companies in environments with large areas or high density of connected devices.
Thanks to their technology, the APs optimize network performance, avoiding low coverage areas and ensuring efficient connectivity for multiple users simultaneously.
They are essential in offices, restaurants, educational centers, hospitals, hotels and any facility that requires stable and uninterrupted connectivity.
How do access points (APs) work?
The operation of the WiFi access points is simple, but highly efficient. They connect to the Ethernet socket of the AP via cable, providing both power (PoE) with either a PoE injector or a PoE switch, and data connection through the local network.
For proper administration, we configure the WiFi network name (SSID), password, authentication and MAC filtering. There are other advanced configurations such as segmenting the wireless network into VLANs or assigning a VLAN ID to a specific SSID, separating employee, guest, voice, etc. networks.
How are access points (APs) managed?
WiFi APs are managed in the cloud, allowing APs to be managed remotely through manufacturers' platforms.
- Aruba Instant On or EnGenius Fit offer completely free and really advanced options.
- EnGenius Cloud has free basic functions, while the customized ones are paid.
- D-Link Nuclias Cloud and TP-Link Omada, on the other hand, always offer paid licenses, whose price varies depending on the number of APs, switches or gateways that we register.
Strategic location for improved coverage for companies
To optimize WiFi network coverage in enterprise environments, proper distribution of APs is crucial. Poor placement of devices can lead to areas with low connectivity or signal overload in certain areas.
In order to achieve efficient coverage, simulation programs are used that take into account:
- Size of the rooms.
- Type and thickness of walls.
- Architectural obstacles.
The better the location of the APs, the greater the coverage improvement for enterprises and the lower the interference in the network. These softwares generate heat maps showing coverage distribution. Colors indicate signal quality:
- Red: Deficient coverage.
- Yellow: Good coverage.
- Green: Optimum coverage.
With an incorrect location the distribution of APs does not allow the WiFi to maintain the connection correctly. The walls are too thick and do not allow the signal to penetrate inside the apartments.
In a proper location, on the other hand, the APs are placed inside so that the distribution is optimal. The walls inside the apartments are thinner, allowing the signal to be distributed. In addition, it should be noted that the number of APs to be installed varies according to the conditions of the project (in this case it increases).
WiFi frequencies and standards
Wi-Fi technology operates in different bands depending on the standard used. Each has specific characteristics that affect coverage, performance and interference.
2.4 GHz band
It has 14 channels (depending on the country and regulations, this may vary) and its frequency range is between 2.400 and 2.4835 GHz.
20 MHz channel width (optionally 40 MHz in 802.11n)
- Advantages: better range due to less attenuation in signal propagation, and better penetration of obstacles (walls or furniture).
- Disadvantages: increased interference due to other devices (Bluetooth, microwave, etc.).
5 GHz band
It has between 20 and 25 channels and its frequency range is between 5,150 and 5,850 GHz (depending on the country and regulations, this may vary).
20, 40, 80 and up to 160 MHz channel width.
- Advantages: reduces interference and provides better speeds by having more channels, some of them wider.
- Disadvantages: since the signal has a higher frequency, it is more easily attenuated, has a shorter range and penetrates obstacles less well.
6 GHz band (WiFi 6)
It has up to 59 channels and its frequency range is between 5.925 - 7.125 GHz (depending on the country and regulations, it may vary).
20, 40, 80 and up to 160 MHz channel width.
- Advantages: since the band is relatively new, it suffers less interference and has more channels with stable, fast and lower latency connections.
- Disadvantages: requires WiFi 6 compatible devices and, in addition, the range is similar to or less than 5 GHz due to attenuation.
This table presents a comparison between the characteristics of different WiFi standards and what they contribute to the improvement of a company's coverage.
| WiFi Standard | Frequency bands | Maximum channel width | Theoretical maximum speed |
| 802.11b | 2.4 GHz | 20 MHz | 11 Mbps |
| 802.11g | 2.4 GHz | 20 MHz | 54 Mbps |
| 802.11n | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz | 40 MHz | 600 Mbps |
| 802.11ac (WiFi 5) | 5 GHz | 160 MHz | 6.9 Gbps |
| 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz | 160 MHz | 9.6 Gbps |
| 802.11ax (WiFi 6E) | 6 GHz | 160 MHz | 9.6 Gbps |
| 802.11ad (WiGig) | 60 GHz | 2.16 GHz | 7 Gbps |
| 802.11ay (WiGig 2.0) | 60 GHz | 8.64 GHz | 40 Gbps |
WiFi version
Transmission speed
- Protocols: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax WiFi 6.
- Dual radio: 2.4 GHz (2×2) and 5 GHz (2×2).
- Aggregate speed: 2976 Mbps.
- Ports: 1 x 1 Gbps RJ45 port and 1 x 2.5 Gbps SFP combo port.
- Quality of Service (QoS) management.
- Up to 256 STAs (devices) and 32 virtual APs.
- Power over PoE (802.3at) or external power supply (48v. 0.6 A).
- Individual management via Web (FAT), via WIS Cloud (FIT) or via local CA controller (FIT).
Where to install the access points (AP)?
Access points are essential in places with high connectivity demand or where router coverage is not sufficient, such as:
- Large spaces with low signal.
- Closed spaces with many architectural elements.
- Offices and business centers.
- Educational centers and universities.
- Hotels and hospitality spaces.
- Warehouses and logistics centers.
- Restaurants and cafeterias.
- Hospitals and clinics.
Implementing a well-distributed network of APs is essential to ensure efficient and uninterrupted enterprise coverage, allowing employees and customers to enjoy stable and secure connectivity. With proper planning, configuration and management of access points (APs), any enterprise can achieve optimization of its network infrastructure and ensure success in its daily operations.
At Smartgroup we offer fully tailored coverage improvement solutions and ensure, through our professional team, that all of the above specifications are met.
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