Network Plan 31
Network Plan What is a network plan?: A network plan is the workspace in 3WXM you
use to design a wireless network.
Why is this important?: You can better manage and visualize your network
topology by creating a detailed and accurate network plan.
You can start by creating a device-oriented (WX switches and MAPs) view
of your network without any geographic information about your site—no
floor dimensions, building material information, or RF obstacle
information. You can go a step further and provide some geographic
information by adding floor dimensions, your RF coverage area, and
some attenuation information, such as elevator shafts or internal
concrete walls. If you want to enjoy the full benefits of network
monitoring and visualization, you can create a detailed network plan. This
is done by importing detailed building and floor plans into 3WXM,
defining RF obstacles, and defining the quality of coverage (traffic
engineering parameters) you want for specific RF coverage areas.
RF Coverage Area What is an RF coverage area?: An RF coverage area is the geographical area
in which IEEE 802.11 radios provide wireless services.
Purpose of this section: To describe the three techniques you can use for
RF coverage.
Why is this important?: By understanding available RF coverage planning
techniques, you can use the technique that meets your organization’s
requirements.
There are three techniques you can use to get your wireless network
started:
RF Auto-Tuning lets you use the default auto tuning feature to select
power and channel settings for RF signals in your RF coverage area.
You upload the WX switches into 3WXM, configure the MAPs, enable
RF Auto-Tuning, and deploy.