We mount all APs below the ceiling and have only had only 1 stolen and 1 vandalized over the past 5 years.
I find it much easier to trouble shoot when u can actually see the unit and the pretty lights (the "tunnel up" light on Aruba APs especially), its a real pain to have to carry a ladder around, climb up, find the AP, then see what's up. Another benefit to note is contractor troubles. We've had a few times where rooms were renovated in the past (when we did have some APs above the ceiling) and the units and cables are just ripped down and I have to go looking around for the AP that no one seen, but is definitely somewhere amongst all the stuff they ripped out. Now, contractors usually see the AP and ask: What's that thing ? Can I take it down, or do you need to ask some one abut it ? Ken Connell Intermediate Network Engineer Computer & Communication Services Ryerson University 350 Victoria St RM AB50 Toronto, Ont M5B 2K3 416-979-5000 x6709 -----Original Message----- From: "Fleming, Tony" <[email protected]> Sender: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv <[email protected]> Date: Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:33:05 To: <[email protected]> Reply-to: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv <[email protected]> Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] Mount hidden or in plain view in dorms? Crew, We hide our access points above ceiling grids. Our logic is the devices are out of site and less prone to vandalism (in fact we have had zero vandalism). One concern that has been expressed by our wireless team is the congestion above the ceiling grid - pipes, HVAC ducting, lighting and cables. It is logical that all of these obstructions do not help RF propagation and create sources of interference. My question for you guys: Did any of you change your mounting locations from above ceiling grid to below the grid (visible)? Did you notice substantial signal improvement? What is the vandalism rate? Did your facilities/administrative folks express any concerns about the AP visibility? ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
