WiFi is no longer a convenience; it is a utility. Designing a commercial wireless network requires more than just buying a few access points (APs) and plugging them in.
Site Surveys are Mandatory
You cannot guess RF propagation. Materials like concrete, tinted glass, and metal shelving block WiFi signals. Perform an active site survey using heat-mapping software to determine the optimal number and placement of APs. This prevents dead zones and channel interference.
Capacity Planning
Don’t just plan for coverage; plan for density. A conference room with 20 people might have 60 devices (laptop, phone, watch each). Ensure your APs can handle the client count. Dual-radio or even tri-band APs are essential for high-density areas.
Channel Planning
In the 2.4GHz band, only use channels 1, 6, and 11 to avoid overlap. The 5GHz band offers more channels but penetrates walls poorly. 6GHz (WiFi 6E) offers massive bandwidth but requires line-of-sight. Manually tune power levels so APs don’t scream over each other, creating “sticky client” issues.
Security Segmentation
Never put guests on your corporate LAN. Use VLANs to separate traffic. The Guest SSID should have client isolation enabled (so guests can’t hack each other) and bandwidth throttling. The Corporate SSID should use WPA2/WPA3-Enterprise (802.1X) authentication tied to a RADIUS server, not a simple shared password.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Access Points Do I Need?
A rough rule of thumb is one AP per 1,500-2,000 sq ft for open offices. However, walls and user density drastically change this. A site survey is the only accurate way to know.
Is WiFi 6 Worth the Upgrade?
Yes. WiFi 6 (802.11ax) handles multiple devices much better than WiFi 5, reducing latency in crowded environments like offices or cafes.