Deployment Checklist
This section includes proposed checklists of minimum activities
and considerations recommended during the design, deployment, and implementation
of a wireless LAN solution.
The aim of this checklist is to prompt you to consider all
aspects of the deployment, and not simply the physical installation of the
infrastructure. Each step should be considered a specific project deliverable,
process, or document.
The following checklists are not to be considered
all-inclusive, but are examples only. Please refer to the appropriate chapters
that cover planning and preparation (Chapter 3), supplementary services (Chapter 4), architecture (Chapter 5), security (Chapter 7), and management (Chapter 8) for more detailed discussion. Note also
that every installation is unique.
Architecture
Use the following checklist as a guideline when considering
your network architecture:
 Determine whether the
WLAN is a mobility/productivity enabler or simply another transport medium.
Determine whether a pilot
deployment is required, or proceed to full-scale deployment.
Based upon preceding
points, define internal support SLAs.
Define WLAN
architecture. -
- Centralized Controllers based solution versus distributed
autonomous AP solution. -
- Traffic/application type -
- Selection of standard (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, etc.) -
- Scalability -
- Single site -
- Campus -
- National deployment -
- Global deployment
-
- Security -
- Open (not recommended) -
- Static WEP (not recommended) -
- Dynamic WEP (that is, EAP-based) -
- 802.11i / RSN -
- VPN overlay
-
- AAA integration -
- RF planning -
- IP address scheme -
- Wireless VLANs -
- Data -
- Voice -
- Guests
-
- User to access point ratio -
- Quality of service (QoS)
Document final
architecture.
Deployment Methodology and Project Planning
Determine deployment resource requirements using the following
checklist as a guide:
Outsource to trusted
vendor or handle with internal staff.
Identify project
dependencies. -
- Wired network infrastructure (complete if necessary) -
- Power -
- AAA (install if necessary) -
- Security posture defined -
- Security standards and policy
Produce project plan.
If using vendors:
Identify vendor
capabilities. -
- Cabling vendor -
- Solutions provider -
- WLAN certified experts
Delineate vendor/in-house
responsibilities and workflow.
Define vendor SLA and
contract.
Document vendor work
orders, including engineer instruction sheets.
Define site survey
documentation requirements.
Define and document
post-installation acceptance test.
Clients
Consider the following points about your clients:
Enumerate number of
clients and platform.
Decide on client form
factor.
Ensure client
interoperability.
Purchase client adaptors
(if necessary).
Ensure client adaptors
are at latest firmware level and "flash" if necessary.
Define client adaptor
distribution method: pick-up model vs. distribute model.
Define client software
distribution method. -
- Individual user installs -
- Centralized software distribution method (Altiris, SMS,
etc.) -
- Recall model -
- Self-service model
Educate users. -
- Deployment characteristics -
- Application support -
- Coverage area -
- Roaming issues
-
- Develop user FAQs -
- Communication plan -
- User training sessions -
- Self-service web-based training
Implement support
plan. -
- Educate enterprise helpdesk -
- Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 support -
- SLAs -
- Vendor support agreements
Infrastructure
Use the following checklist as a guide
when considering your infrastructure:
Purchase hardware (for example, APs, switches, and so on).
Identify firmware level
of hardware and "flash" if necessary.
Manage the network. -
- In-house -
- Appliance -
- Third party
Establish naming
conventions.
Differentiate inline
power vs. AP power supplies.
Determine whether APs
will be cabled for console access.
Secure the access
point.
Deployment
Consider the following points regarding your deployment:
Carry out site survey
(in-house or vendor).
Produce site survey
documentation.
Determine cable AP
locations (data, console, and power, if applicable).
Install WLAN controllers
(if appropriate)
Install of APs. -
- Physical security -
- Location (visible vs. concealed) -
- Labeling
Configure APs. -
- If required, apply standard configuration (IP address, shared
secret, host name, and so on): Individual vs. network management method -
- Integration into network management system
Configure
access/distribution network. -
- Switches -
- VLANs -
- Console servers
Perform post installation
test: In-house vs. vendor.
Move into production
status.
Complete client
distribution if necessary.  | 
Sections
