We have our internal network infrastructure group (they run phone & data wiring under "contract" to us) install the AP at the same time they run the wiring. They terminate one end at the AP and the other end in our patch panel in the comm closet. When they are done, a second group comes behind them and patches the AP into our mid-span PoE device (PowerDsine) and from there into the switch. They then configure the PoE device (only an AP name is added on the port used) and the switch (proper DOT1Q VLAN and port description). This group then notifies me to do the setup of the AP (Cisco WiSMs and Airwave AMP). This usually just involves changing the AP (actually, a Light Weight unit) to use a static IP address (it gets a DHCP address to get started), assign it the name we want, and put it in the proper AMP group so it gets associated with the proper WiSM controller. Normal start to finish time is listed as 3-5 days. Rush jobs can be handled in much less.
New building design (as well as installations in existing buildings) is done entirely from AutoCAD drawings. New buildings drawing files are supplied by the architects. Older building drawing files come from our internal facilities folks, if they have them (and they have most). If they don't have them, we have scanned in some drawings that were produced from actual building measurements a while back that were intended to make "you are here, emergency exit this way" signs for the fire safety folks. We then used AutoCAD to place our APs on a 50' diagonal grid covering the entire building. Some adjustments need to be made for high use areas (eg, classrooms where we expect a lot of wireless users in a small space) and to make accommodations for architectural oddities (eg, glass walls, extremely high ceilings, special/need-to-be kept-pretty spaces). So far, we have not had any coverage holes. And, the WiSMs report the APs running at, or one level below, max power on all radios (a/b/g now, adding n starting now). Also, new building wiring and AP installation are done after the comm closet is secure but before the drop ceiling grids are installed. And, as an aside, we have only had five APs stolen since we started installations years ago. And, those were before we starting putting small locks on each unit. In addition to the locks, we put the APs in the dorms in student rooms (rather than on the other side of the wall in a public hall, if possible, based on our AutoCAD layout) so we could charge the occupant for damage or loss. In other buildings we just put them where the design says to put them. -jcw ------------------------------------- John Watters UA: OIT 205-348-3992 -----Original Message----- From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:wireless-...@listserv.educause.edu] On Behalf Of Case, Brandon J Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 9:01 AM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] Wireless Installation Process I'm curious as to how you all out there handle the actual physical installation of APs in your environments. Do you handle that within the same team that manages the wireless network or is it a separate group that installs the equipment? How do you go about having the data jacks installed? Just as an estimation, approximately how long does it take to have an AP installed? For buildings that are still in the planning phase, do you design the AP locations into the building based on CAD drawings ahead of time? Or do you perform an on-site survey after the building is open and then proceed with installation? Any and all comments are appreciated. Thanks, -- Brandon Case, CCNA Network Engineer, ITaP Purdue University ca...@purdue.edu Office: (765)49-67096 Mobile: (765)479-7597 Fax: (765)49-46620 ********** 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/.
