HP Manager Software manual Verifying the Wireless Network, Resolving coverage gaps

168CHAPTER 4: PLANNING THE 3COM MOBILITY SYSTEM

Verifying the Wireless Network

Showing RF Coverage

You can use the following tools to help verify the wireless network:

„Show RF coverage.

„Place RF measurement points.

„Use RF interactive measurement mode.

Looking at the RF coverage allows you to see if the entire area is adequately covered by the MAP access points. You can move the MAPs and see how the coverage changes.

You can see the RF coverage for an area by doing the following:

1In the Plan RF Coverage page, select the coverage area.

2Right-click, and select Show RF Coverage.

3Select the type of coverage (802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g).

This procedure displays coverage provided by the access points on a single floor. To also view coverage provided to the current floor from access points on the floor above or below, do the following.

4In the Coverage Areas section, navigate to the floor.

5Expand the floor to display its coverage areas.

6Right-click on a coverage area, and select Show RF Coverage.

7Select the type of coverage (802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g).

If the coverage area provided by an access point on the floor above or below is one meter or less, 3WXM displays a message. This coverage area is not displayed on the current floor plan.

Resolving coverage gaps

You might see small “holes” when looking at the coverage areas at the baseline association rate. These small holes are most likely areas where users still have wireless access but not at the baseline association rate. In most situations, increasing transmit power levels to close the holes will generate more co-channel interference. 3Com recommends that you allow these small holes during the planning process.

If you need to resolve the gaps in coverage, try the following:

1Select the coverage area.

2Right-click, and select Show RF Coverage.