144CHAPTER 6: USING RF PLANNING

34In the Wiring Closet list, select the wiring closet that contains the WX switch or switches to be connected to the shared MAPs.

If the MAPs will be directly connected to WX switches, a wiring closet is required. If all the MAPs in the coverage area will be indirectly connected to WX switches through the network, a wiring closet is not required.

35In the Redundant Wiring Closet list, select the wiring closet that will provide redundant connection to the MAPs. This is required for directly connected MAPs, if you require the MAPs to have redundant connections. Otherwise, this is not required.

36Click Finish to complete the wizard and create the coverage area. The coverage area is now displayed on your floor.

Compute and Place When you perform the Compute and Place procedure for one or more MAPs coverage areas, 3WXM automatically calculates the number of MAPs you

require and places them in appropriate locations on the floor. To do this, two calculations are performed in 3WXM. One is based on capacity (traffic engineering) and the other is based on pure RF coverage (at a given data rate).

After the calculations are performed, the number of MAPs from capacity and the number of MAPs from coverage are compared, and the bigger count “wins.” If capacity wins, a grid pattern of MAPs is established. The MAP coverage positions are reused, with the excess MAPs remaining in their original grid position.

Using a “clean” RF model is imperative for best results. If you have many parallel RF obstacles that are close together, the placement algorithm tends to add more MAPs than are required. So, even with the automatic clean layout mechanism in 3WXM, complex drawings demand additional pruning and isolation of single RF obstacles objects to keep the RF obstacle count as low as possible. For more information about cleaning your floor plans, see “Clean Layout” on page 130.

When you are performing Compute and Place for a coverage area for the first time, the results do not account for existing MAPs. Manual overrides of the MAP results are not taken into account if you perform Compute and Place again.

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3Com WX2200 manual Using RF Planning

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.