Re: Wireless Network "Interfering" With Fire Alarm

[Nathan Hay]

I'd agree that he is grasping at straws.  If his alarm cable is shielded or twisted pairs then there is virtually no chance that 802.11g could induce a voltage in it.  Any fluorescent lights the cabling runs by is probably more likely to cause a problem.  Like you said, there are thousands of systems living together peacefully (our school included), so the burden of proof lies on the contractor.  I would suggest enlisting the help of someone in your Electrical Engineering school if you need a detailed analysis of the situation.  They might be able to offer ideas for tests or just show by calculations that a 2.4 Ghz radio signal can't interfere with a fire alarm system.   Nathan         Nathan P. Hay Network Engineer Computer Services Cedarville University Office: 937-766-6516 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: www.cedarville.edu >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 5/24/2006 6:15 AM >>> Wondering if anyone has ever run into a similiar problem: I'm dealing with a contractor who is claiming that our Cisco 1/g 1130s are interfering with the wired fire alarm system- putting individual smoke-heads into trouble, causing newly added devices to not be addressable, etc. He has no basis and can offer no proof, but is making lot's of noise about his perception. Knowing that there are thousands of buildings around the country and world with RF from WLAN, cellular, radio stations, etc. and fire systems getting along nicely, my first take is that this guy is grasping at straws. If I stretch my mind, the best I can come up with is his wiring is acting like an antenna, building up a voltage that shouldn't be present, and thus maybe creating a condition that points to improper grounding of his stuff- but I think even that is a reach. Any thoughts? Have! yet to do any real onsite t-shooting with him yet. Regards- Lee Lee Badman Network Engineer CWNA, CWSP Information Technology and Services Syracuse University (315) 443-3003 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.