Meru Networks WLAN Controllers with AP100, AP201, AP208 | Configuration Guide |
| Field Verified |
Wireless IP Telephones
Wireless IP telephones use voice over IP (VoIP) technology on IEEE
Access Point Capacity and Positioning
Each site is unique in its AP requirements. Please take the following points into account when determining how many APs are needed and where they should be placed in the facility:
Handset range
There must be wireless LAN coverage wherever wireless IP telephones will be used. The typical range for a wireless IP telephone is comparable to that of a laptop computer utilizing a wireless LAN PC card. However, wireless IP telephones are likely to be used in areas where data devices are not typically used, such as stairwells and outdoor areas. Wireless IP telephones have a Site Survey mode that displays dBm levels to determine adequate WLAN coverage. Refer to the Wireless IP Telephone Installation and Configuration document for details about this feature.
Number of handsets per access point
Estimate the number of wireless IP telephones and their anticipated call volume per AP area to ensure that the maximum number of calls per AP will not be exceeded. In this estimate, consider the data rates at which the handsets will operate. Higher data rates can only be sustained while well within the range of the AP. If the wireless IP telephones will be operating near the limits of the RF coverage from the AP, they will automatically drop to 1 Mb/s operation. Wireless IP telephones require approximately 15% of the available bandwidth per call for 1 Mb/s operation, approximately 10% of the available bandwidth per call for 2 Mb/s operation, approximately 7% of the available bandwidth for 5.5 Mb/s operation, and 5% of available bandwidth for 11Mb/s operation.
Note: the maximum number of telephone calls per AP quoted in the summary table above is based on 11 Mb/s operation, and will be reduced if some or all wireless IP telephones are operating at 1, 2, or 5.5 Mb/s.
LAN bandwidth
Estimate anticipated peak call volume to ensure that the LAN has enough bandwidth available to handle the network traffic generated by all of the wireless devices. Network traffic can be monitored/analyzed using a network sniffer or a simple network management protocol (SNMP) workstation.
Number of other wireless devices per AP
The wireless IP telephones share bandwidth with other wireless devices. To ensure adequate RF bandwidth availability, consider the number of wireless data devices in use per AP.
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