122CHAPTER 6: USING RF PLANNING

Prepare the Floor

Drawings

If your floor drawings are contained in JPEG or GIF files, this step does not apply. Go directly to “Define Site Information” on page 123.

If you plan to import AutoCAD DXF™ or AutoCAD DWG files into 3WXM, you should perform some “clean up” work before importing the files. Doing this work before you import the files into 3WXM creates a more compact file, requiring less storage space. Typically, the more CAD diagram cleanup that is done within the CAD software, the more smoothly the drawing will import into 3WXM.

To clean up the AutoCAD file:

„Perform an audit

„Turn on, unlock, and unfreeze all layers

„Remove unnecessary notations

„Purge unused blocks, line types, and layers

Typically, based on the drawing technique chosen when the drawing file was created in AutoCAD or TurboCAD, a single object may be drawn with more than one line; for example, walls. When such an object is imported, it results in more than one object in 3WXM. To avoid the actual object being defined as more than one obstacle, delete parallel lines within a certain distance.

Another method you can use to achieve the same result is to group all the lines into one object. For example, you might group four lines that form an office or conference room to create one attenuation factor for that entire area. Or, group multiple lines that were drawn in the floor plan to create a bigger line.

Grouping lines is not always recommended. For example, grouping lines into one object does not work well with polylines. Grouped polylines are recognized by the planning tool in 3WXM as a single, monolithic obstacle. This causes incorrect results when viewing RF coverage.

Objects must not be RF Obstacles or Groups before Clean Layout is performed.

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3Com WX2200 manual Prepare the Floor Drawings

WX2200 specifications

The 3Com WX2200 is a robust wireless access point designed to meet the demands of modern networking environments. Aimed at businesses looking for enhanced connectivity and efficient management, the WX2200 exemplifies reliability, performance, and advanced technology.

One of the standout features of the WX2200 is its dual-radio architecture, which supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. This enables users to experience improved performance and reduced interference, ensuring that devices can connect smoothly without experiencing lag. With support for the 802.11n standard, the WX2200 facilitates high-speed wireless connectivity, offering data rates of up to 300 Mbps per radio. This provides a powerful solution for environments with numerous users and devices, from retail spaces to educational institutions.

Moreover, the WX2200 is equipped with advanced technologies like MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), which enhances throughput and range. This feature allows the access point to utilize multiple antennas for both transmission and reception, significantly improving the performance in multipath environments. The result is a more stable connection, with improved coverage and reduced dead spots.

Another key characteristic of the WX2200 is its seamless integration into larger networks. It supports a unified management architecture that allows IT administrators to easily monitor and manage multiple access points from a centralized platform. This capability is crucial for ensuring consistent performance across various locations and for handling firmware updates and configuration changes efficiently.

Security is also a prime consideration in the design of the WX2200. It incorporates WPA2 encryption and supports various authentication methods, including 802.1X, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected throughout the wireless network. The access point also features guest access capabilities, allowing visitors to connect seamlessly without compromising the security of the main network.

Furthermore, the WX2200 is designed with scalability in mind, enabling businesses to expand their wireless networks as needed. With its capability to support a multitude of concurrent users, the WX2200 can easily adapt to growing demands and changeable environments.

In summary, the 3Com WX2200 is a versatile and powerful wireless access point that leverages advanced technologies to provide seamless connectivity, impressive performance, and robust security. Its dual-band capabilities, MIMO technology, unified management system, and scalability make it an ideal choice for any forward-thinking organization seeking to enhance its network infrastructure.