Common Needs for Common Verticals
Although there may be infinite variations of what type of usage your client intends for the wireless network, some verticals have “typical” needs, related to the history of wireless in this vertical. Table 1-1 shows popular choices for some wireless markets. Notice that all three technologies work well. Table 1-1 only reflects common choices.
Table 1-1. Popular Choices for Common Wireless Verticals
Vertical |
802.11a |
802.11b/g |
802.11n |
Manufacturing |
|
X |
X |
Warehousing |
|
X |
X |
Retail |
|
X |
X |
Transportation |
|
X |
X |
Financial institution |
|
X |
X |
Hospitality |
|
X |
X |
Healthcare |
X |
X |
X |
Enterprise office |
X |
X |
X |
Higher education |
X |
X |
X |
Use this section as a guideline to help your client determine the coverage required.
Manufacturing
Wireless coverage is used to help optimize the production cycle. The environment and machinery typical of this type of environment present several constraints:
- Multipath: Metallic I-beam, conveyor belts, chain-link fences, metallic shelves, or the goods themselves might be important sources of radio frequency (RF) reflection.
- Moving objects: APs and antennas must be out of reach from moving devices such as forklifts that might accidentally knock them down while moving goods.
- Interferences: Electric engines in machinery can be a source of conflicting RF signal that might impact the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band.
- Mounting: Manufacturing environments often use high-ceiling facilities with metallic walls. Mounting APs may be difficult on the walls (where power may not be possible) or on the ceiling (sometimes too high to provide good coverage for devices on the ground using basic antennas).
Cell overlap typically needs to be 10 percent to 15 percent to overcome RF issues. Also, make sure that your customer understands how wireless will be used. Do you need to cover spot areas, or roaming paths? Are these paths changing over time? What throughput and latency are needed?