A proper Wi-Fi system design requires the following considerations

• Number of users, devices, and applications
  • The number of users and devices can impact the density of the Wi-Fi coverage
  • More users in a packed auditorium or conference room can overload the access points; more access points are required
  • High throughput applications require high quality access points with low latency (Voice over WLAN and videoconferencing)
• Cloud or On Premises
  • Cloud based access points require a monthly fee, but have little programming requirements and are easy to maintain and replace
  • On premises systems require a physical controller
• Value-Added Services
  • Guest Wi-Fi
  • Tracking location of users
  • RFID for inventory tracking
• Security
  • Authentication and authorization
  • Preventing rogue Wi-Fi networks
• Vendor
  • Maintenance and warranty
• Structured cable system

Structured cabling systems are necessary in all commercial and industrial buildings.  It is important to properly design the cabling system to accommodate all of the tenants for now and the future.  Why?  It is difficult to replace or repair cable after the building has been built.

• Prior to construction
  • Creation of proper construction drawings
  • Identification of the use of the building, the capacity, and the number of tenants
  • Identification of the MPOE (where internet/phone lines enter the building)
    • Lines that the ISP may bring in could include fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, 25-pair, 100-pair
    • Ideally this will be a locked room with plywood backboards where the ISP can install their equipment
    • In a strip mall, there may be shared MPOE
  • Identification of IDFs or riser rooms
    • In large buildings such as office buildings, shopping malls, and industrial facilities, the MPOE cross-connects to multiple IDFs or riser rooms
    • In an office building, there is typically one IDF per floor
    • Adequately sized conduit and cable should be installed between the MPOE and the IDFs
  • Identify the type and quantity of cable to be used
  • Identify locations of cable drops
    • Many types of equipment use structured cable, including wall jacks, access points, surveillance cameras, speakers, alarm systems, and security card readers
  • Identify location of conduit and cable trays
    • Cable trays can support large cable runs
    • Stub up conduits and junction boxes should be installed at wall jack locations
• During construction
  • Proper installation of conduit and cable trays before drywall or ceiling
  • Proper installation of structured cabling
  • Termination, testing, and certification of all cable runs
• After construction
  • Warranty (some cable manufacturers provide a warranty of up to 25 years)