Cabling and Infrastructure for Enterprise Wireless Networks Scott D. Thompson President Oberon, Inc. Task Group Member TIA-1179 Healthcare Facility Cabling Standard Senior Member, IEEE Hello I’m Scott Thompson with Oberon, Inc.. This 45 minute presentation is intended for the knowledge-able ITS specialist, who seeks to understand the implications of growth of wireless networks on their business, and basics on how to design wireless networks. This includes both wireless LAN and in-building wireless DAS systems. Link-Up 10-13-2010

Effective November 1, 2010, BICSI recognizes Cabling and Infrastructure for Wireless Networks Part I training for the following BICSI Continuing Education Credits (CECs). RCDD RITP ESS NTS OSP WD Installer 2 Cu/Fiber Tech-nician Cert. Trainer 1 “Note: Recognition of BICSI CECs does not mean that BICSI endorses, accredits, approves, or sanctions a course in any way. CECs are assigned based upon represented course content only and are not the result of an in-depth evaluation of instructional quality” BICSI recognizes this presentation for the following continuing education credits. A certificate will be mailed out to registered attendees within 48 hours of this presentation Link-Up 10-13-2010

Oberon manufactures ceiling and wall mounted Tele- communications Enclosures (TEs) for wireless LAN access points, DAS equipment, multimedia gateways and other networking components Oberon is leading manufacturer of telecommunications enclosures and wireless access point enclosures, antennas, cables, and other accessories. Oberon was started as a wireless network design consultancy. From this design work, our products have emerged. Necessity is the mother of invention. TIA and IEEE standards, and NEC and UL codes impact how we design our products Wireless AP enclosure Workspace Telecom Enclosures Link-Up 10-13-2010

AGENDA PART 1 December 5 2012 Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) and Cellular (DAS) Wireless networking design basics Cabling for wireless networks Installing and mounting the access points PART 2 January 16 2013 Wireless in Healthcare & Hospitals Cabling for IEEE 802.11n and 802.11ac wireless access points Emerging applications- wireless projectors, Multimedia gateways, etc. This webinar is broken into two parts, each is recognized for 1 CEC Link-Up 10-13-2010

Growth in Global Mobile Data IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc and Cisco 2010 visual networking index This chart is from an IEEE report based on the Cisco Visual Networking Index report of 2010 It has been validated by growth trends of the last two years Chart suggests that the Wi-Fi interconnect is the prevailing interconnect in 2015, with strong growth in cellular data which will be led by 4G networks The amount of data moved through all media is growing, suggesting upgrades in cabling The growth in Wi-Fi and in-building wireless will lead to more cabling. As you will see in this presentation wireless is about mobility, not about eliminating the cost of the cable. Leading to the saying “wireless is not” Link-Up 10-13-2010

Wireless LAN (WiFi), Cellular (DAS), and Public Safety Uses unlicensed spectrum at 2.4 and 5 GHz Network interface is standards based IEEE 802.3 Ethernet on category twisted pair cabling Usually engages “Wi-Fi™ Certified” products Generally paid for and operated by the network owner For clarification purposes I will define the following networks: Wireless LAN or Wi-FI networks which operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHZ spectrum network is based on an 802.3 Ethernet network with category twisted pair cabling Wi-Fi is a certification for interoperability. The manufacturer has tested for interoperability Owned by the operator as an extension of the wired LAN Link-Up 10-13-2010

Wireless LAN (WiFi), Cellular (DAS), and Public Safety Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and Public Safety Uses licensed spectrum at 400 (PS), 700 (4G), 800, 850, 900, 1800, 1900, 2100 MHz. Owned by mobile service provider Network interface may be proprietary waveform over twisted pair, optical, or coaxial medium Paid for by the network owner, mobile service provider, property owner, third party neutral host or combination The second type of in-building wireless network is based on Cellular technology and is generally called DAS. You may not set up a repeater! This uses the cellular spectrum plan and signal waveform. Originally designed for outdoor use, the intention is to bring better coverage indoors, because many buildings are a great impediment to signal propagation 80% of mobile calls originate indoors, so by providing indoor coverage, the outdoor network can be largely freed up to support high dynamic mobile traffic (people in cars and on street) The spectrum is owned by the cellular companies and depending on your service provider, your phone only uses a portion of the spectrum The spectrum available in the Wi-Fi band is much greater than available to a device on the cellular bands Link-Up 10-13-2010

Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Cellular (DAS), and Public Safety Infrastructure differences between Wi-Fi and Cellular Cabling, coverage, capacity, reliability, and backup requirements will be different Propagation and antenna placement is different Although the infrastructure may be different, cost savings may be realized by simultaneous design and installation Some DAS and public safety systems may have mandated coverage ordinances applied Some DAS and Public safety systems solutions may use Category twisted pair cabling. This may be an important solution consideration Lower frequencies propagate better than higher frequencies, so cellular antenna at 700 MHz will “cover” a larger area than a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi antenna. Propagation through walls and around corners is better at lower frequencies. This is hard to generalize as cellular bands may range from 400 MHZ to 2100 MHz Link-Up 10-13-2010

Wireless LAN (WiFi), Cellular (DAS), and Public Safety Trends Cellular spectrum is very limited! Spectrum re-use will help stretch capabilities In-building DAS and micro-cellular systems reduce loading on the outdoor macro-cellular mobile network Off-load traffic from cellular network to wireless LAN The solution is a combination of micro-cellular networks and off-loading to Wi-Fi- both require in-building cabling We have had to move television stations to make way for cellular bandwidth, spectrum is very limited Advanced electronic waveforms and signal processing has helped achieve spectrum efficiencies, and this will continue to advance, but not at the rate of data consumption Another way to stretch spectrum capacity is to engage spectrum re-use. What this means is that rather than having one large basestation with high transmit power cover a large area and a lot of users, use many small low power basestations, each serving fewer people, and each small station re-using the same spectrum. This can be achieved with in-building DAS systems which reduce loading on the outdoor macro-cellular network Another way to do this is to have the cellular network “off load” traffic to the wireless LAN network. For example, if somebody is downloading files from the internet in a building with a wi-fi network, their smart phone is smart enough to automatically detect and connect to the Wi-Fi network, and continue the download or session over the Wi-Fi network, thereby freeing up the cellular channel. The cellular spectrum is more limited than the Wi-Fi- spectrum. The mobile service providers originally feared that Wi-Fi would steal their business, but now are looking at Wi-Fi- even private Wi-FI networks- augmenting their capability , and freeing up precious spectrum from truly dynamic mobile applications The upshot is that both of these methods will require substantial provisioning of bandwidth by cables- again, wireless is about mobility, and not eliminating the cost of the cable. Again - “wireless is not” Link-Up 10-13-2010

Wireless Networking Design Basics Requirements gathering Define the client devices to be used Define the applications to be used Define the coverage area and density of users Document initial assumptions, AP configs, antennas used in survey, cable lengths, etc. This applies to both Wi-fi and DAS designs, AP is both wifi and DAS Smart phones and tablets are commonly used client devices Applications now will be HD images and video, things like face-time Density is high, everyone in a conference room or classroom will have a laptop. Coverage area is smaller. A rule of thumb is 20-30 client devices per AP, like a typical classroom Link-Up 10-13-2010

Wireless Networking Design Basics Perform a site survey Set the access point transmit power level to the same level as your critical client devices http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid/ Identify the fringe based on minimum Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) or Signal to Noise ratio (SNR). Typically in the -75 to -60 dBm range Remember that different client devices may receive different signal levels based on client antenna styles Perform a site survey, either a physical walk around survey or a predictive model or both Most access points are capable of a higher transmit power than the typical client device- often 5 to 10 times higher, so set the AP power to about the power of the critical client device. Data communications are in two directions, so it does not make sense to have one direction transmitting at a higher power than the other. In the physical survey you will try to identify the fringe of coverage for minimum specified RSSI. This is usually in the range of -75 to -60 dBm. The access point or device manufacturer can provide the desired RSSI for their device. Laptops on a cart that have antennas embedded in their display are probably better at picking up wireless signals than a smart phones in the palm of your hand. As an example, you might remember the Death grip phenomenon where people could cause the early iPhones to lose cellular connection depending on how the held the phone. For 802.11n MIMO to work, antennas should be ½ wavelength apart. Smartphones probably only have one antenna Link-Up 10-13-2010

Wireless Networking Design Basics Device Frequencies TX Power Capabilities iPhone 4 2.4 GHz 13.5 dBm 802.11 b/g/n iPhone 5 2.4 & 5 GHz Not on OET website a/b/g/n iPad & iPad mini 16.5 dBm, 17.5 dBm Droid 2 12 dBm b/g/n Samsung Galaxy IIIS 12 dBm, 14 dBm The trend now is to include BOTH 2.4 GHZ and 5 GHz Wi-fi into tablets and smart phones for reasons I will get into, but as a designer you need to be prepared for more 5 GHz demand Typically, 75% of users are still in the 2.4 GHz band, but there is 7 times as much bandwidth in the 5 GHz band, and it is largely unused. Many enterprises are disabling the 802.11b functionality as it can draw down throughput. Except for legacy dedicated applications like barcode scanners in a warehouse I did a quick survey of commercial devices and you can see the trend towards including the 5 GHz capability Note that an access point with say, 22 dBm transmit power, has 10 TIMES the transmit power of the smartphone with 12 dBm transmit power, because the 10 dB difference is a factor of 10 Link-Up 10-13-2010

One approach to site survey is the access point on a stick One approach to site survey is the access point on a stick. The access point is positioned where it is desired, then the surveyor, using survey software, moves around to find the fringe of coverage The AP is then moved to the fringe and the process is repeated This ensures that there is some overlap in coverage The antennas and AP transmit power should be the same as planned for the final implementation The surveyor should be aware of the practicality of mounting the access point in the surveyed location Link-Up 10-13-2010

Wireless Networking Design Basics Engage 802.11n access points – cabled infrastructure should support 1 gigabit interfaces Prepare for 802.11ac Engage WMM (wireless multimedia) for QoS Exploit the 5 GHz band (21 non-overlapping channels, versus 3 non-overlapping channels at 2.4 GHz) Implementation should closely match the survey All of your enterprise APs are 802.11n now, and soon they will be 802.11ac. They should be interconnected with 1 Gig interfaces. This was true a couple of years ago Again, design for and engage the 5 GHz band as much as possible. Since there are 21 5 GHz channels, this band provides for much greater spectrum re-use Link-Up 10-13-2010

Wireless Networking Design Basics 3 channel Plan at 2.4 GHz 11 1 6 1 11 6 This cartoon is the traditional 2.4 GHz 3 non–overlapping channel plan Even with these very idealized circular cartoon cells you can see that the same channels overlap 1 1 11 6 Link-Up 10-13-2010

Wireless Networking Design Basics 3 channel Plan at 2.4 GHz Plus, 21 channel 5GHz overlay 120 108 116 136 52 104 36 132 112 56 44 140 40 128 You can see that when you use 5GHz, there are so many channels that you can plan to not have any same channel overlap. The 5 GHz waveform does not propagate as well through materials as the 2.4 GHz waveform, because it is at a higher frequency. A rule of thumb is that the 5 GHz waveform will cover roughly ½ the area that the 2 GHz waveform will Although in an open area this will be about the same. Sometimes, the implementation is based on a 5GHz site survey, and the 2.4 GHz radio is turned in in every other access point 48 60 124 64 100 Link-Up 10-13-2010

CABLING FOR WIRELESS Link-Up 10-13-2010 This is roughly the halfway point Link-Up 10-13-2010

TSB-162 –Guidelines for Wireless Telecommunications Systems Bulletin TSB-162 Telecommunications Cabling Guidelines for Wireless Access Points (APs) Provides guidelines on the topology, design, installation, and testing of cabling infrastructure for supporting wireless local area networks (WLANs) Lets start with the guideline for installation of wireless access points. TSB-162 was created by the TIA TR-42 engineering committee and released in March of 2006. TSB-162 is not a standard, but rather contains technical material that may be a useful to industry and users. Telecommunications Systems Bulletin TSB-162 Telecommunications Cabling Guidelines for Wireless Access Points (APs)- provides guidelines on the topology, design, installation, and testing of cabling infrastructure for supporting wireless local area networks (WLANs) in compliance with the ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-C and 569-B standards for supporting wireless LAN in customer premises. Link-Up 10-13-2010

TSB-162 Guidelines for Wireless TSB-162 states that cabling (for wireless access points) should be installed and performance tested per existing 568-B.2 standards. (Now 568-C.2) Determination of exact cell size and placement of the wireless access point (WAP) is outside the scope of the TSB (recommends perform a site survey or simulation) What are some of the guidelines within TSB-162? TSB-162 states that cabling should be installed and performance tested per existing 568-B.2 standards. This is now the 568 C standards Determination of exact cell size and placement of the AP is outside the scope of the TSB (perform a site survey or simulation) Link-Up 10-13-2010

TSB-162 Pre-Cabling Guidelines for Wireless Access Points 5,540 sq.ft. circular cell AP Lmax=13 m (42 ft) Hmax=81 m (265 ft) TR TO TO r=13m (42 ft) Patch=6m (20 ft) The TSB-162 is guidelines for pre-cabling in a grid approach that allows user flexibility when deploying wireless access points As an example shown here, based on the typical bay size for commercial buildings, a pre-cabled grid with 60ft square cells could be deployed A Telecommunications Outlet or TO, is provided near the center of each square cell Doing a little math shows that this results in a maximum patch cord length (Lmax) of 42 ft. from the TO to the access point Given a 20 ft equipment cord in the telecom room, this permits a 265 ft horizontal (Hmax) from the telecommunications room to the outlet (265’ +20’ + 42’) = 327ft Of course, actual coverage is determined by a site survey or predictive analysis. Meeting rooms may be covered with two access points Notice that the 5650 sq. ft circular cell is quite a bit larger than the 3,000 to 3600 sq. ft. cell size now recommended by vendors for wireless VoIP EQUIPMENT (switch) TO Equipment in the Telecom Room X=18.3 m (60 ft) TO TO Meeting room 3,600 sq.ft. square cell Link-Up 10-13-2010

TSB-162 Pre-Cabling Guidelines for Wireless Access Points This is an example showing the 60’ x 60’ gridwork overlaying an actual building layout and site survey. There are (14) 60’ x 60’ square cells, which could have a TO in the center There are 9 access points, indicated by the blue lettering There is a TO at the center of each square cell This was an older survey done for a non voice network, so coverage with 9 access points was adequate at the time. With the addition of voice services, which will require stronger signal coverage, the additional 5 access points can be connected in the cells wherein there is not currently an access point. This allows the network designer/installer to pre-cable, without having performed the site survey or predictive analysis, which must be done later. Link-Up 10-13-2010

TSB-162 Cabling Guidelines for Wireless Access Points Accepts an in-the-grid ceiling mount, with antenna un-obstructed by ceiling tiles Accepts wall mount above or below suspended ceiling. AC power must be in an approved enclosure above the ceiling Telecommunications Enclosures (TEs) can be mounted in a ceiling panel to provide locked security or aesthetics for APs Consider maintenance and security of APs Observe separation of power and network cabling Local power or PoE acceptable (end span or mid span) Horizontal should be terminated at E.O., then patch to AP Here are some other guidelines from TSB 162 Recommends an in-the-grid ceiling mount, with antenna un-obstructed by ceiling tiles Recommends wall mount above or below suspended ceiling. AC power must be in an approved enclosure above the ceiling Telecommunications Enclosures (TEs) can be mounted in a ceiling panel to provide locked security or aesthetics for APs Consider maintenance and security of APs Observe separation of power and network cabling Local power or PoE acceptable (end span or mid span) Link-Up 10-13-2010

INSTALLING ACCESS POINTS Link-Up 10-13-2010

Installing access points and DAS remotes Method 1: Above the ceiling Method 2: Attach to ceiling grid Method 3: In a ceiling enclosure or locking mount Method 4: On the wall Outdoors In this part I will describe different methods for mounting access points indoors and outdoors Link-Up 10-13-2010

Preferred installation orientation AP above drop ceiling AP on the ceiling grid This cartoon shows the 4 indoor methods for installation Generally speaking, the AP vendors have designed the access point and its antennas for ceiling installation- the so-called omni-direction pattern. This does not mean that the wall mount does not work, it just means that the coverage may not be as ideal Antennas can be selected to improve coverage in wall mounted installation AP in enclosure AP on the wall Link-Up 10-13-2010

Method 1: Above the ceiling- things to avoid Cracked ceiling tile These are some of the things to avoid when mounting in the ceiling A lot of metal Link-Up 10-13-2010 “Poke thru” antenna

Method 1: Above the ceiling Equipment should be UL 2043 “Plenum rated” Use a hanger sturdy enough for AP, use a support wire Support Wire In addition to these issues, when you mount the AP above the ceiling, there will be some amount of loss through the tile. This is probably worse at 5 GHz than at 2.4 GHz Hard to remember where APs are mounted unless tile is labeled somehow Vendors are recommending against above the ceiling tile installation Oberon P/N 1045-00 above-ceiling hanger Link-Up 10-13-2010

Method 2: On the Ceiling Grid Avoid lifting ceiling tile Minimize hole in tile Conceal cable Lock AP Holes in tile may be a problem from the standpoint of Infection control and burn rating of ceiling system in hospital There are different widths of ceiling grids: 15/16” and ½” There are different styles including recessed grid, flush grid, and concealed grid or spline Link-Up 10-13-2010

Method 3: Install access point in a ceiling Enclosure or locking mount Access point is mounted in a metal back box Access points with detachable antennas can have the antennas mounted on the door Excellent security and coverage pattern Oberon Model 1052-00 Ceiling enclosure with Antennas mounted on door Link-Up 10-13-2010

Method 3: Install access point in a ceiling enclosure or locking mount There are mounting features on the door for many styles of antennas, both Wi-Fi and DAS Link-Up 10-13-2010 Model 1052-00 Model 1072-00

Method 3: Install access point in a ceiling enclosure or locking mount Model 1057-00 Model 1052-AP135 Model 1052-WA Model 1052-3510 Access points with non-detachable antennas can be mounted inside a plastic dome Access points with body integrated antennas can be locked into the door Doors are interchangeable to allow migration to new access points, without removing enclosure from the ceiling Model 1059-00 Model 1052-CCOAP Link-Up 10-13-2010

Install access point on the wall Method 4: Install access point on the wall Things to avoid include mounting the access point low or in an accessible location, or mounting it in such a way that it can be blocked, moved, or disconnected Link-Up 10-13-2010

Install access point on the wall Method 4: Install access point on the wall Right Angle Bracket Surface mount lock box Recess Wall Mounts Model 1029-00 Select a solution which provides the security, aesthetics and performance suitable for the location Model 1030-00 Model 1032-00 Link-Up 10-13-2010

Outdoors: Use a NEMA 4 or NEMA 4X enclosure Power dissipation of access points is low, so ventilation is not required. Select an AP with extended temperature range. De-rate AP accordingly when in enclosure App Note on de-rating AP in enclosure at http://www.oberonwireless.com/additional-resources.php Keep enclosure out of direct sunlight Avoid large metal walls NEMA enclosures are useful outside, but also in other challenging environments such as manufacturing, warehouses, hospital surgical areas, swimming pool areas, parking garages, or areas where if the sprinkler system is activated, the wireless must still function Link-Up 10-13-2010

Outdoors: Use a NEMA 4 or NEMA 4X enclosure Model 1024-00 wall and mast mount Here are two NEMA enclosures, First one is a compact, rugged enclosure designed for under seating installations in stadiums and auditoriums The second is a low profile enclosure for unobtrusive wall and mast mounts Model 1020-PS under seating Link-Up 10-13-2010

Why use a wireless access point enclosure? Enclosures provide physical security, and protect the AP from tampering, accidental moves, disconnects, damage and obstructions, thereby preserving the integrity of the site survey. Enclosures serve as a convenient place to terminate and conceal data and antenna cables. Cable certification can be performed by the installer “to the enclosure”, and the access point can be installed thereafter. Enclosures can improve the aesthetics or appearance of the installation. The ceiling is the ideal location for antennas. Code or directive compliance. For example in Healthcare environments, ceiling enclosures provide easy access to the AP for moves, adds, & changes without exposing the air handling (plenum) space, simplifying infection control Oberons designs are based on site survey work Link-Up 10-13-2010

Scott D. Thompson sdt@oberonwireless.com www.oberonwireless.com END OF PART I PART 2 January 16 2013, 1:00 p.m. Wireless in Healthcare Cabling for IEEE 802.11n and 802.11ac wireless access points Emerging applications- wireless projectors, multimedia gateways, etc. Scott D. Thompson sdt@oberonwireless.com www.oberonwireless.com Link-Up 10-13-2010