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Jul 31, 2021
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Wireless Network Implementation & RF Site Survey

Conducted comprehensive RF spectrum analysis with Ekahau HeatMapper and NetSpot, designed enterprise WLAN infrastructure for 780m² office using 5 omnidirectional access points with dual-band 802.11n/ac coverage, and performed antenna radiation pattern analysis.

Timeline and Details

Start dateEnd dateAssociated withProject URL
April 2021July 2021Algebra Bernays UniversityProject PDF

Overview

Designed and deployed enterprise-grade wireless LAN infrastructure through comprehensive RF site surveys, spectrum analysis, and capacity planning. Implemented multi-access point architecture with channel optimization and roaming capabilities, ensuring seamless connectivity for collaborative applications while meeting regulatory compliance (HAKOM EIRP limits).

Part 1: Residential RF Site Survey & Optimization

Spectrum Analysis (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz)

RF Environment Assessment

  • Utilized Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 adapter for spectrum scanning
  • Performed analysis using NetSpot and Ekahau HeatMapper professional tools
  • Tested with Innbox V45 Home Gateway (Optima Telekom) - 2.4 GHz only device
  • Measured SSID “inbox” operating on Channel 12 with -31 dBm signal strength at 1-meter distance
  • Identified zero channel overlap with neighboring networks (clean RF environment)
  • SNR > 20 dBm confirmed healthy network operation

Interference Sources Identified

  • Wireless phones and cameras
  • Bluetooth devices
  • LCD monitors with RF emissions
  • Satellite receivers
  • ISM band devices (2400-2500 MHz)

Heat Map Generation & Coverage Analysis

Survey Methodology

  • Created architectural floor plan using RoomSketcher (127.37m² residential space)
  • Conducted walking survey with 1-meter measurement intervals
  • Generated visual heat maps showing RSSI distribution across entire property
  • Performed two comparative tests:
    • Test 1: 100% transmit power (maximum coverage)
    • Test 2: 20% transmit power (reduced coverage showing dead zones)

Signal Quality Standards Applied

Signal StrengthQualityUse Case
-30 dBmExcellentMaximum achievable (few meters from AP)
-67 dBmVery GoodReliable for latency-sensitive applications
-70 dBmGoodMinimum for reliable packet delivery
-80 dBmPoorBasic connectivity (unreliable packets)
-90 dBmUnusableNo functional connectivity

Coverage Results

  • At 100% power: Adequate coverage throughout property including kitchen and terrace
  • At 20% power: Significant signal degradation in kitchen and terrace areas
  • Material attenuation effects observed (concrete, drywall, glass)

Optimization Recommendations

Access Point Repositioning

  • Proposed relocation to central hallway position (upper-right corner)
  • Rationale: Equalized signal propagation to all rooms
  • Expected improvement: 15-20% better coverage uniformity

Equipment Upgrades

  • Replace ISP combo device with dedicated enterprise-grade AP supporting 5 GHz
  • Enable 40 MHz channel bonding for increased throughput
  • Disable WiFi on ISP gateway, use purely as router
  • Maintain Channel 12 operation (no interference detected)

Technical Stack

NetSpot • Ekahau HeatMapper • RoomSketcher • Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 • ISM Band (2.4 GHz) • Channel Planning • RSSI Measurements

Part 2: Enterprise WLAN Design (BRM d.o.o.)

Project Requirements

Client Specifications

  • Office space: 780m² (conference rooms, offices, reception, kitchen, employee area)
  • Dual-band support: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz mandatory
  • Standards: 802.11n and 802.11ac only
  • Seamless roaming: No connection drops during inter-AP transitions
  • SSID: “BRM”
  • Collaborative applications: Zoom, Skype, Adobe Connect (VoIP quality required)
  • Budget constraint: Minimize AP count while meeting performance targets

Regulatory Compliance (HAKOM)

  • 2.4 GHz: Maximum EIRP 20 dBm (200 mW with 20 MHz bandwidth)
  • 5 GHz: EIRP varies by sub-band:
    • UNII-1: 23 dBm
    • UNII-2: 23 dBm
    • UNII-2 Extended: 30 dBm
    • UNII-3: 36 dBm

Performance Targets

  • 2.4 GHz: Net loss ≤ 83 dB; minimum data rate 200 Mbps at weakest point
  • 5 GHz: Net loss ≤ 94 dB; minimum data rate 160 Mbps at weakest point

Architecture Design

Building Material Analysis

MaterialSignal Attenuation
Drywall (15 cm)8-16 dBm
Reinforced concrete (25 cm)10-19 dBm
Glass wall (15 cm)4 dBm
Metal doors4 dBm
Partition walls (6 cm)3-4 dBm

EIRP Calculations

  • Antenna: 5 dBi omnidirectional
  • Transmit power: 63 mW (17.99 dBm)
  • Cable loss: 0 dB (internal antenna)
  • EIRP formula: EIRP = Transmit Power - Cable Loss + Antenna Gain
  • Result: 22.99 dBm (199.22 mW) - within legal 200 mW limit

RSSI Calculations

  • 2.4 GHz: RSSI = 22.99 dBm - 83 dB = -60 dBm (Good quality)
  • 5 GHz: RSSI = 22.99 dBm - 94 dB = -71 dBm (Acceptable quality)

MCS Index Configuration

  • 2.4 GHz: 802.11n with 3 spatial streams, 400ns GI → 216.7 Mbps (exceeds 200 Mbps requirement)
  • 5 GHz: 802.11ac with 2 spatial streams, 40 MHz channel → 180 Mbps (exceeds 160 Mbps requirement)

Deployment Solution

Access Point Configuration (5 APs Total)

AP2.4 GHz Config5 GHz Config
AP1Channel 1, 63 mW, 802.11n, 20 MHzChannels 36-40, 63 mW, 802.11n/ac, 40 MHz
AP2Channel 11, 63 mW, 802.11n, 20 MHzChannels 44-48, 63 mW, 802.11n/ac, 40 MHz
AP3Channel 6, 63 mW, 802.11n, 20 MHzChannels 52-56, 63 mW, 802.11n/ac, 40 MHz
AP4Channel 6, 63 mW, 802.11n, 20 MHzChannels 60-64, 63 mW, 802.11n/ac, 40 MHz
AP5Channel 1, 63 mW, 802.11n, 20 MHzChannels 100-104, 63 mW, 802.11n/ac, 40 MHz

Channel Planning Strategy

  • 2.4 GHz: Non-overlapping channels 1, 6, 11 (EU best practice)
  • Avoided 1, 5, 9, 13 scheme due to potential co-channel interference
  • 5 GHz: Distributed across UNII bands with 40 MHz bonding
  • Zero channel overlap achieved on both bands

Coverage Analysis

  • 2.4 GHz: Full office coverage with RSSI ≥ -60 dBm everywhere
  • 5 GHz: Critical areas fully covered (conference rooms, offices, reception, kitchen)
  • Central employee area: Partial 5 GHz coverage, but workstations receive adequate signal
  • Heat maps generated using Acrylic Wi-Fi HeatMaps software

Technical Stack

Acrylic Wi-Fi HeatMaps • 5 dBi Omnidirectional Antennas • 802.11n/ac • EIRP Calculations • MCS Index Optimization • Channel Bonding (40 MHz) • HAKOM Compliance • RSSI Planning

Part 3: Antenna Radiation Pattern Analysis

Pattern Visualization

Antenna Specifications

  • Type: Omnidirectional 5 dBi
  • Radiation: 360° horizontal plane coverage
  • Vertical null: Signal strength approaches zero along antenna axis
  • Application: Point-to-multipoint topology

2D & 3D Pattern Generation

  • Tool: Antenna Pattern Editor
  • 2D pattern: Shows uniform 360° horizontal radiation (doughnut shape)
  • 3D pattern: Visualizes toroidal radiation pattern (multiple viewing angles)
  • Confirmed omnidirectional behavior across horizontal plane
  • Demonstrated vertical axis null (minimal coverage directly above/below antenna)

Analysis Insights

  • Horizontal axis: Maximum energy propagation
  • Vertical axis: Signal attenuation to near-zero
  • Pattern confirms suitability for indoor office deployment (ceiling-mounted APs)

Technical Stack

Antenna Pattern Editor • 5 dBi Omnidirectional Antenna • Radiation Pattern Analysis • 2D/3D Visualization • RF Propagation Modeling

Results

Part 1: Residential Survey

  • Successfully identified clean RF environment (Channel 12 with no interference)
  • Generated actionable optimization recommendations (AP repositioning + equipment upgrade)
  • Demonstrated 80% coverage degradation at 20% transmit power in remote areas

Part 2: Enterprise Deployment

  • 5 access points provide complete 780m² office coverage
  • Met all technical requirements: EIRP compliance, RSSI thresholds, MCS data rates
  • Achieved zero channel overlap on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
  • Seamless roaming enabled via overlapping coverage cells
  • Cost-optimized solution: Minimal AP count while exceeding performance targets

Part 3: Antenna Analysis

  • Validated omnidirectional radiation characteristics through 2D/3D patterns
  • Confirmed antenna selection appropriate for office environment
  • Documented theoretical vs. practical propagation behavior

Key Learnings

  • Site survey methodology: 1-meter interval walking surveys provide accurate heat map data for residential/SMB environments
  • Material attenuation: Reinforced concrete (10-19 dBm loss) significantly impacts coverage vs. drywall (8-16 dBm)
  • Channel planning: European 2.4 GHz deployments should use channels 1, 6, 11 to avoid co-channel interference
  • 5 GHz advantages: 40 MHz bonding and less congested spectrum provide superior performance for enterprise applications
  • Roaming: Overlapping coverage cells (15-20% overlap zones) essential for seamless VoIP/video conferencing
  • Regulatory compliance: HAKOM EIRP limits must be calculated including antenna gain to avoid violations
  • MCS optimization: 802.11ac with 2+ spatial streams required to meet 160+ Mbps requirements in realistic office environments
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