Planning the Installation
Planning the Installation
Before taking components out of the boxes, installing network interface cards, and setting up
antennas, spend some time planning the installation. This will significantly reduce the number
of problems that might arise. Planning the installation consists of the following actions:
1. Developing an installation plan
2. Coordinating the installation
Developing an Installation Plan
Overall, an installation plan explains how to install the network. Developing an installation
plan helps you focus on what needs to be installed. It also provides instructions for installers
who might not have been involved with the design of the network and, therefore, do not have
firsthand knowledge of the network’s configuration. The following identifies the major components
of a network installation plan:
• Points of contact
• Safety tips
• Installation procedures
• Tools
• References to design documentation
• Schedule
• Resources
• Budget
• Risks
The project team should assign someone as installation manager who will develop the plan and
be responsible for the installation.
Implementing a Wireless LAN
CHAPTER 8
8
IMPLEMENTING A
WIRELESS LAN
279
Points of Contact
The plan should indicate someone as the central point of contact for each installation site if
problems arise. This person could be the customer representative or someone who works in the
facility where the installation will take place. Be sure this person can provide access to
restricted areas and locked rooms. Also, indicate who on the project team can answer questions
regarding the installation procedures, network configuration, and frequency usage concerns.
Safety Tips
When network components are being installed, accidents are less likely to happen if you incorporate
good safety practices and remind people about them. Here are some safety tips you
should list in your installation plan and stress at your preinstallation meeting.
• Insist that no installers work alone—use the buddy system. If a severe accident occurs,
the other person can obtain help.
• Recommend that installers remove rings and necklaces while installing hardware components.
A metal necklace can dangle into a live electrical circuit (or one that is not connected
to a power source, but is still energized by charged capacitors) and provide the
basis for electrical shock. Rings also conduct electricity or can catch on something and
keep you from removing your hand from a computer or component.
• Use proper ladders and safety harnesses if placing antennas on towers or rooftops. There
is no reason to take high-elevation risks.
• Wear eye protection when using saws or drills.
Installation Procedures
The plan should clearly describe the procedures for installing components. In some cases, you
can simply refer installers to the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, write at least the
major steps involved in installing each component. You can use the procedures for installing
and testing the network outlined in the next sections as a basis.
Deploying Wireless LANs
PART III
280
The less cluttered the work environment, the greater the range will be for the wireless
LAN. A cluttered office can decrease range as much as 50%.
TIP
Tools
Be sure to identify the tools necessary to complete the job. If you have ever constructed a
Barbie house, built a patio cover, or worked on a car engine, you certainly realize the need for
having the right tools. Not having the proper tools results in time delays looking for the tools
or rework needed because you used the wrong tools. Here is a list of tools the installers might
require:
• Wireless installation tools and utilities assist in planning the location of access points and
testing wireless connections. They are generally available from the applicable wireless
product vendor.
• Two-way radios provide communication among the installation team, especially when
spread over a large geographical area.
• Specific test equipment verifies the network installation.
• Standard tools, such a flashlights, ladders, and crimping tools, should be readily available
for the installation team.
Reference to Design Documentation
The installation will probably require use of design documentation to better understand the
overall network configuration. Be sure to indicate the existence of the documentation and how
to obtain it.
Schedule
Create a schedule that identifies when to perform each of the installation activities. This helps
keep the installation process on schedule. Unfortunately, the best time to install network components
is during downtime, such as evening hours and weekends. This minimizes disturbances.
Hospitals and warehouses never close, but you should plan the installation activities
for when the organization is least active.
Resources
Make certain the plan identifies resources needed to perform the installation procedures.
Generally, you will not have a staff of technicians with experience installing wireless networks.
If you plan to perform wireless installations as a service to other companies, then you may
want to train existing staff to do the implementations. However, in cases where it is a one-time
installation, it’s best to outsource the work to a company specializing in network installations.
Budget
Create a budget to track expenses related to the installation. The project team has already prepared
a budget during the project planning stages. At this time, it may only be necessary to
refine the budget to reflect the installation plan.
Risks
Identify any risks associated with the activities and explain how these risks can be minimized.
You might be required, for example, to install 200 wireless LAN connections within a two-day
time period. With only two installers, you run the risk of not completing the installation on
time. Therefore, you will need to look for additional help to keep on schedule. If someone
Implementing a Wireless LAN
CHAPTER 8
8
IMPLEMENTING A
WIRELESS LAN
281
needs to preapprove your plan, it is best to identify risks and solutions before starting any
work.
|
737 times read
|
|
|
|
Sections
Syndication
