Running Head: Final Project 1

Final Project

Kofi Appiah Nuamah

University of Advancing Technology

November 10, 2011

FINAL PROJECT 2

Planning the Wireless Network

Wireless networks are increasingly growing popular due to its easy scalability and

relatively inexpensive expenditure to deploy. Wireless technology has helped simplify

networking by enabling seamless connectivity between devices without the use of physical

wiring. The nature of the project calls for high speed connectivity as well as providing reliability

and efficient performance. In this vein, the 802.11n standard will be deployed. 802.11n

standards provide high performance and reliability and also provide compatibility with legacy

wireless devices operating on older standards (802.11a/b/g) (Geier, 2010). The company in

question already has a physical LAN network in place and wish to change to a wireless network.

Some basic elements must be identified here first before proceeding with full scale deployment.

A wireless site survey of the project site shows the external walls are made of steel with interior

offices. Another point of note is determining the network size. This will enable us predict the

number of access points to be used as well as the network infrastructure of choice (Paquet &

Teare, 2006). We will also be able to identify possible problems that may be encountered on

deployment (signal interference, hardware limitations, installation limitations etc).

Project Scope

The project scope details the whole project in its entirety. A documented analysis defines

the requirements needed for the deployment. The end users need uninterrupted connectivity in all

offices. There is already an existing physical LAN network which can be useful to the network.

It is worth noting what frequencies to use to avoid interference. It is also worth noting the tools

and equipment that will be used for the wireless network such as amplifiers that will be deployed

to boost signal in latent areas. This analysis also gives an estimation of what training will be

required for operations and maintenance purposes. The results of the analysis also further inform

FINAL PROJECT 3

us of hardware and software costs to be included in the budget. Based on the preliminary survey,

the access points can make use of existing switches as source of power (Geier, 2010).

Requirements

The starting point of a wireless survey is by interviewing the end users on their

expectations of the wireless network as well as common behavior and use of the network (Geier,

2010). A unanimous response by employees shows the need for high speed connectivity in all

areas. In achieving this, I advise we also not lose sight of security requirements for the network.

It is also worth noting that room must be made for future expansion while eliminating signal

interference and poor quality as much as possible. Basic application requirements of the

company include email; file sharing, web browsing, video and voice telephony. Client devices

expected to be used on the network include laptops, desktop computers, wireless IP phones as

well as smartphones and a wireless capable printer, fax and scan station. There is also a

microwave oven and a beverage machine installed in the break room. The company also wishes

to introduce a Nintendo Wii game console to the break room for recreational purposes. The

company uses fluorescent lights for illumination. The offices are separated into cubicles with

wooden and class panels.

Architectural Considerations

Based on existing physical infrastructure as well as requirements of end users, centralized

controller based access point architecture will be the best fit for this project. Four factors that are

taken into consideration before making this decision include access network, distribution system,

and voice application over wireless capabilities as well as other application connectivity

requirements. In order to provide high performance but reducing congestion of access points, the

FINAL PROJECT 4

system architecture will have to be planned appropriately. This will be divided into three logical

components: a data plane, control plane and management plane. The Data plane will comprise

the various access points charged with handling client data packet processing (Penwell, 2006).

This will be connected to the Ethernet switches to the control plane. The control plane will

provide client access and authentication, Quality of Service (QoS) and roaming abilities via

Wlan controllers and RADIUS servers. The management plane will handle wlan radio frequency

and network system management (Network Dictionary, 2011). Multiple access points will be

deployed and closely together forming what is called a ‘micro cell’ to prevent high utilization of

bandwidth by end users (Geier, 2010). Another method that will be used will be load sharing of

bandwidth across access points. We will have to set rate limitation on switches to avoid vice

packets from being dropped by access points. The existing switches will also be source of power

for the access points. It will be worth purchasing switches with inline power to achieve PoE

(Power over Ethernet) requirements. Single-site architecture will be used to fulfill voice over

wlan requirements of the network since calls will only occur within the office complex. In view

of this, a separate router will manage voice connections to the wireless network via the

company’s existing telephone system.

Implementation

Access Points must be installed in areas where they will be both secure and easy

accessibility for servicing. Omni directional access points will be used to spread signal coverage

in all areas. Due to pre-existing Ethernet LAN network, we can safely configure wireless access

points in the ceiling of the building. One central office near the boardroom will have to be

dedicated for storing network equipment i.e. wireless controller, RADIUS server etc.

FINAL PROJECT 5

Pre-deployment tests to conduct include testing for signal coverage, performance and

security vulnerabilities that may occur on the network. Using Cisco Aironet Site Survey Utility

an RF signal survey will be taken and analyzed. From the analysis, signal coverage seems fairly

moderate. Next we will be testing for performance of the access points. This will include load

testing, association tests and registration tests. Based on the analysis I recommend that a micro

cell be configured with the access points. Channels must be set for the various devices to avoid

interference. Finally, penetration tests must be conducted on the network to determine

vulnerabilities in the network (Geier, 2010). With all tests and analysis made and documented

we can proceed with pilot installation and full deployment.

Operational Consideration

It will be beneficial to train some in-house employees as Help-Desk professionals to

enable them troubleshoot basic wireless connectivity problems that may occur. Documentation

of operational and maintenance of network equipment must be saved in a database for reference

by technical support and IT staff. The network must constantly be monitored to ensure security

and performance is not compromised. Management must set policies in place to protect their

assets. IT professionals must help set authorization and authentication policies.

FINAL PROJECT 6

Budget

Item Description Quantity Amount ($)AdministrativeStaffing & Training 10 150.00TechnicalCisco 3600 Aironet Series AP

5 105.00

Cisco 5500 Series Wireless controller

2 100.00

PoE VX-Pi100 injector 5 45.00SoftwareCisco Configuration Assistant

n/a 100.00

Miscellaneous 50.00Total 2,600.00

Benefits

Wireless networks provide many advantages over wired networks. These include

convenience and reduced cost of maintenance as compared to wired networks. In addition,

wireless networks provide mobility of access within anywhere within signal coverage. This

improves productivity of service which is not provided by wired networks. Wireless networks

are also easy and relatively faster to install eliminating the need for running wires all over.

Finally, wireless networks offer scalable solutions to wired networks and can be configured to

tailor various topologies and applications (Netgear, 2006).

FINAL PROJECT 7

Reference

Geier, J. (2010). Designing and deploying 802.11n wireless networks. (pp. 202-261).

Indianapolis, IN: Cisco Press.

Network Dictionary. (2011). Wi-Fi wireless LAN (wlan) networking architecture and

technologies. Retrieved from http://www.networkdictionary.com/Wireless/Wi-Fi-

Wireless-LAN.php

Netgear. (2006). What are benefits of a wireless network?. Retrieved from

http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/N100688.asp

Paquet, C., & Teare, D. (2006). Wireless lan design. Retrieved from

http://www.ciscopress.com/articles/article.asp?p=469624&seqNum=5

Penwell. (2006, June 1). Choosing the right wlan architecture. Retrieved from

http://www.cablinginstall.com/index/display/article-display/256716/articles/cabling-

installation-maintenance/volume-14/issue-6/features/wireless/choosing-the-right-wlan-

architecture.html

FINAL PROJECT 8

Appendix

Fig.1 Signal Coverage Diagram

FINAL PROJECT 9

Fig. 2 WLAN Topology Schematic