An AP is the most commonly used device for building a small wireless LAN. It acts as a bridge between wired and wireless networks; its main role is to connect wireless clients to one another and then connect the wireless network to Ethernet. APs are at the core of a wireless network, and improper deployment will inevitably compromise wireless performance. The following practical AP deployment tips will help you effectively extend Wi-Fi coverage.
- Reset the wireless AP’s default password. After deploying a wireless AP, the first task should be to reset its default password. Otherwise, anyone who obtains the default password online may be able to access the access point’s configuration interface directly.
- Use Power over Ethernet wherever possible. To maximize wireless coverage, many companies install wireless APs on ceilings or in similar locations, which can make it difficult to connect the access points to a power source. There are generally two solutions: use a power extension cable, or use Power over Ethernet (PoE). We recommend the second option, which supplies power to the access point through an unused Ethernet port. For network equipment, connecting the end of the Ethernet cable to a dedicated PoE module avoids the hassle of running additional power wiring.
- Do not install wireless APs near metal objects. When deploying wireless APs, make sure the installation location is not subject to radio interference. In one case, a customer contacted the relevant support team after discovering that the wireless network was not working properly. After learning the access point’s exact location, technicians found that it was mounted on top of a steel beam beneath a metal roof. The surrounding metal was severely interfering with the radio signals. Repositioning the access point immediately resolved the problem. Therefore, avoid installing wireless APs near metal structures whenever possible.
- Adjust signal strength as needed. Some wireless APs allow users to adjust signal strength through the web interface. Most users simply run them at maximum signal strength, but requirements vary by environment. For example, a parking lot may not require particularly strong wireless coverage. Carefully assess the required coverage area, then adjust the actual signal strength appropriately.
- Provide backup power for wireless APs. This is extremely important, first to prevent disruptions caused by major power failures, and second to handle brief power interruptions lasting only a second or two. Even such a short outage can disconnect a wireless network. Many users access the wireless network from battery-powered laptops or mobile devices, which are unaffected by a temporary power outage. Most wireless devices can automatically re-establish lost connections. However, if user authentication is enabled in the network settings, no one can access backend network resources until they have been reauthenticated. This can leave users confused and generate a flood of support calls.
- Change wireless channels to reduce co-channel interference. The wireless router’s configuration interface includes a wireless channel option. Generally, 54M wireless devices offer 11 channels, numbered Channel 1 through Channel 11. When multiple wireless signals use the same channel, interference occurs.
- Make full use of the wireless AP’s built-in security features. Even entry-level wireless APs include numerous security features. Most wireless APs allow administrators to restrict network access by MAC address. Some also provide an alerting mechanism that sends an email warning when someone repeatedly tries to connect using an incorrect password. When deploying wireless APs, users should therefore gain a thorough understanding of the security features available so they can use them to optimize the network effectively.
- Use meaningful SSIDs. Many IT professionals recommend disabling SSID broadcasting on wireless APs. However, even when an SSID is not broadcast, hackers can still discover it easily. For this reason, we recommend using an SSID with a clear, meaningful name. This helps users connecting to the wireless network for the first time confirm that they have joined the correct network.
- Treat wireless connections as untrusted. A key advantage of wireless networks is that users can access the network without physically connecting to a device. This makes network encryption essential. We recommend using a more secure approach. Do not automatically trust every user connected to the wireless network simply for convenience. Instead, treat the wireless network like an internet connection. Only users authenticated through a VPN or a similar mechanism should be permitted to access the entire network wirelessly.
- Prevent DHCP scopes from overlapping. In one case, a company purchased a second wireless AP to extend wireless coverage. A technician with little practical experience was instructed to configure the device with the same settings as the other access points. As a result, both access points used the same DHCP scope. Fortunately, the access point checked for IP address conflicts on the network before assigning IP leases. Otherwise, overlapping DHCP scopes within the coverage area could have caused significant problems for end users.
Businesses and individuals alike often struggle to extend the reach of wireless signals and reduce the shielding and obstruction caused by walls. Besides using a higher-power router, deploying wireless APs to extend wireless coverage is a highly effective solution to these challenges.
