3Com WX1200 3CRWX120695A, WXR100 3CRWXR10095A To create RF obstacles for all objects in a layer

Model RF Obstacles 131

Model RF Obstacles When planning a 3Com network, you need to consider how the building layout and physical objects affect signal loss. Walls, windows, and doors absorb RF signals, and different building materials have different attenuation factors.

You can model an RF obstacle on your floor plan and assign the obstacle type and attenuation factor, or you can assign an obstacle type and attenuation factor to objects in a DWG or DXF drawing. 3WXM uses these values when calculating coverage for the network.

If you do not have an imported drawing, or if you are working with a GIF or JPEG image, you must create RF obstacles manually. If you are using an imported CAD drawing, you can convert many of the objects in the drawing into RF obstacles. All objects similar in construction material should be placed in one layer. For example, if the drawing file has walls spread out in different layers, but after performing a site-survey, they walls were found to be similar in material construction, it is better to put them in one layer. In this way, the RF attenuation assignment can be performed in one step.

This section show how to select and draw objects and convert them into

RF obstacles. 3WXM preserves the layers defined in a CAD drawing.

Table 13 provides some common AutoCAD layer terminology.

Table 13 Common AutoCAD Layer Terminology

AutoCAD Layer Name	Commonly Represents...
glaz	windows
scol	steel columns
p-fixt	bathroom
p-part	bathroom stall partitions
ext	exterior
int	interior

To create RF obstacles for all objects in a layer

1Click Layers in the Organizer panel to bring up a list of the layers in the drawing.

2Right-click one of the layers in the Organizer panel.