Belden Wireless Solution

RF (Radio Frequency) cell planning is a critical part of designing a wireless communication network like a cellular network. It requires careful consideration of many factors to ensure good signal coverage, capacity, and quality of service.

In 2006, while standard WLANs used cell-based technologies that required complex RF Cell Planning in an attempt to avoid co-channel interference, the Belden Wireless Solution used a unique Channel Blanket topology to allow each radio channel to be used everywhere, at every access point, thereby creating blankets of continuous wireless coverage with no roaming latency or co-channel interference problems. High throughput was achieved even when cell traffic is high. Full compliance with IEEE 802.11a/b/g protocol and security standards is maintained. The Belden Wireless Solution covered the entire enterprise with overlapping blankets on independent channels; ensured seamless, zero AP-to-AP hand off mobility for latency sensitive applications such as voice and video; was exceptionally easy to deploy, configure, validate and maintain, providing plug-and-play flexibility to add or remove access points with no effect on the existing set-up; and anticipated the fixed/mobile convergence of voice (VoWLAN), data and video in WLAN deployments.

RF Cell Planning Components

1. Frequency Planning: This involves assigning frequencies to each cell in a way that maximizes coverage and capacity while minimizing interference.
2. Cell Size Determination: Based on the expected traffic and the type of service to be provided, the cell radius is determined. Smaller cells are used in high traffic areas and larger cells are used where traffic is relatively low.
3. Coverage Planning: This involves determining where to place base stations and antennas to provide optimal coverage. It includes considerations of antenna height, down-tilt angle, and the direction of the main beam.
4. Capacity Planning: This involves estimating the number of users a network or subnetwork can support. It is based on traffic forecasts, the types of services to be offered, and the quality of service targets.
5. Propagation Modeling: This involves predicting how radio waves will travel in the environment, taking into account factors like terrain, buildings, vegetation, and atmospheric conditions.
6. Interference Analysis: This involves predicting and mitigating interference between cells. It takes into account the co-channel and adjacent channel interference, as well as interference from other systems.
7. Handoff Strategies: This involves planning how calls will be handed off from one cell to another as users move around.
8. Link Budget Analysis: This involves a calculation to ensure a reliable connection between the transmitter and the receiver. It takes into account the power levels of the transmitters, the gains and losses in the system, and the required signal quality at the receiver.
9. Regulatory Compliance: This involves ensuring that the network complies with all relevant regulations, such as those concerning the use of radio spectrum and exposure to RF emissions.
10. Network Optimization: After the network is deployed, there is often a process of optimization where the network's performance is analyzed and adjustments are made to improve coverage, capacity, and quality of service.

These are some of the key components of RF cell planning. It's a complex process that requires a strong understanding of RF principles, communication systems, and the local environment. It also often involves the use of sophisticated computer software to model and analyze the network.

The deployment of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) requires careful planning and consideration of various factors to ensure a reliable, secure, and efficient network.

WLAN Deployment Considerations

1. Coverage: The placement of access points (APs) is critical in determining the WLAN's range. The WLAN should be designed to provide signal coverage to all intended areas, considering obstacles like walls and floors that can weaken the signal.
2. Capacity: The WLAN should be designed to handle the expected number of users and devices, and the types of applications they will be using. This might include data-heavy applications like video streaming or video conferencing.
3. Interference: Other wireless devices, electrical equipment, and even structural elements can cause interference that degrades the WLAN's performance. A site survey can help identify potential sources of interference.
4. Security: WLANs should be designed with strong security measures to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches. This includes the use of strong encryption, network access control, and regular monitoring and updating of the network.
5. Scalability: The network should be designed to allow for growth and change over time. This might involve deploying more APs than are currently needed, or choosing systems that can be easily upgraded or expanded.
6. Redundancy: To ensure network reliability, it's important to design the WLAN with backup systems and failover mechanisms in case of device or link failures.
7. Compatibility: The WLAN should be compatible with the devices and software that will be used on the network. This includes not only computers and smartphones, but also any IoT devices.
8. Cost: All of these considerations need to be balanced against the cost of the WLAN, including the cost of equipment, installation, maintenance, and energy use.
9. Regulatory Compliance: The WLAN should comply with all relevant regulations, including those concerning the use of radio spectrum and data protection.
10. User Experience: Ultimately, the aim of a WLAN deployment is to provide a good user experience. This involves not only providing good coverage and capacity, but also minimizing factors like latency and jitter that can negatively impact the user experience.