Fortinet 100 Using multiple access points, Using multiple APs to provide a constant strong signal

Using a wireless network Setting up a wireless network

To avoid RF interference:

•Remove these devices from the immediate area where users are working. Something as simple as a Bluetooth enabled mouse may cause transmission interruptions.

•Keep the FortiWiFi-50B AP and wireless devices at least 10 feet away from appliances such as microwave ovens and cordless phones.

•If you must have a cordless phone, select one that does not use the 2.4GHz frequency range.

•Consider more FortiWiFi-50B APs to help strengthen the signal. The weaker the signal, the slower the transmission will be as it tries to compete against other wireless devices.

•Set a channel that users and FortiWiFi-50B APs will specifically use can improve signal quality.

Using multiple access points

If you cannot avoid some of these impediments due to the shape of the office or building materials used, you may need to use multiple FortiWiFi-50B APs to help distribute the radio signal around the room. Figure 14 shows how positioning two FortiWiFi-50B APs within a uniquely shaped office space helps to distribute signals around the area.

Figure 14: Using multiple APs to provide a constant strong signal.

Stairs	Elevator
Washrooms

This sample office has washrooms, a stairwell and an elevator shaft in the center of the building, making it impossible to use a single FortiWiFi-50B AP effectively. The elevator shaft and multiple metal stalls in the washrooms can cause signal degradation. However, placing a FortiWiFi-50B AP in opposite corners of the office provides maximum coverage.

When using multiple APs, each FortiWiFi-50B AP should be set to a different channel to avoid interference in areas where signals from both FortiWiFi-50B devices can be received.

FortiGate-50A/50B, FortiWiFi-50B and FortiGate-100 FortiOS 3.0 MR4 Install Guide	59
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