Learn how to professionally plan, configure, and manage a wireless network that includes both 802.11n technology and legacy 802.11a/b/g technology so that the end result is an enterprise-class networking experience that delivers nonstop wireless service for all its end users.

New 802.11n technologies require careful WLAN planning and implementation in order to deliver promised range and speed improvements. Ongoing management is also critical.

This paper describes best practices for deploying 802.11n and discusses management application requirements.

Introduction – What is 802.11n and why is planning and management necessary?

802.11n is the next generation of wireless LAN technology which provides a dramatic increase in range and throughput over legacy 802.11a/b/g equipment. This is accomplished through multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) radio technologies, bonding adjacent 20 MHz wide channels together for higher bandwidth 40 MHz wide channels, and efficiency enhancements to the underlying 802.11 protocol itself. While legacy clients will experience a modest increase in range, the full impact of 802.11n isn’t realized without both 802.11n capable clients and access points.

The improvements in range and throughput directly translate into a more robust wireless experience for 802.11n networks. More consistent signal levels and reductions in “dead-spots” allow voice applications to reach new levels of reliability, even in difficult environments. Higher data rates and more efficient use of the air make video and other emerging high-bandwidth applications practical, enabling the use of Wi-Fi as a primary network access method for enterprise users.

However, an 802.11n network that is not properly planned and managed can result in a tremendous waste of money and time while failing to deliver on its promises. The technology, while offering tremendous benefits, can quickly become an expensive and frustrating exercise in trial and error. Too few or misplaced access points can leave coverage holes, while too many access points, aside from being a waste of money, can result in self-interference, canceling out the benefits.

In this paper we will examine how to professionally plan, configure, and manage a Wi-Fi network that includes both 802.11n technology and legacy 802.11a/b/g technology so that the end result is an enterprise-class networking experience that delivers nonstop wireless service for all its end users. We’ll describe how planning and management for 802.11n is different than for legacy Wi-Fi technologies, and we’ll discuss what a network manager should expect of enterprise-class wireless network management tools.

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Publisher: Trapeze Networks

Conclusion
802.11n is a promising technology and a major technical breakthrough for Wi-Fi networking.

Its significant increases in data rates, throughput, and range will permanently change the way Wi-Fi networking is done in the workplace. However, it is also a complex technology that introduces a set of issues whether it is deployed in a brand new environment or as a migration from an existing legacy 802.11a/b/g network. If not properly planned, configured, and managed, 802.11n can quickly turn into a dissatisfying waste of an organization’s time and resources while failing to achieve the promised benefits.

To avoid this and fully realize the benefits of a seamless, robust, always-on wireless network, a fully featured sophisticated wireless network
management tool is essential.

Trapeze Networks RingMaster™ Advantage
The primary purpose of this paper has been to discuss the key requirements and best practices of a sophisticated enterpriseclass Wi-Fi network planning and management tool, especially as an organization considers deploying 802.11n.

At Trapeze Networks, we have strived since the company’s founding in 2002 to develop and deliver the best wireless network management tools available. Our network management tool, RingMaster, has won its share of industry awards, but more importantly has helped thousands of organizations to better manage their wireless networks every day.

We invite you to learn more about RingMaster and what it can do for your organization. Please visit us at www.trapezenetworks.com for more information.

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