Wireless in the Warehouse Survey and Installation Methodology NetCom International Incorporated John A. Helm, VP Operations.

Wireless in the WarehouseWireless in the Warehouse

Survey and Installation Methodology

NetCom International Incorporated

John A. Helm, VP Operations

NetCom International Inc.

NetCom International Inc.NetCom International Inc.

Doing data communications since 1986 Design and Installation Services only

organization dedicated to quality of service Over 7000 Wireless Site Surveys and Installations Single source solution encompassing cable,

electrical and equipment staging departments Key deployment of Field Engineers in major cities

optimizes NetCom Internationals coverage range nationally.

Learn more at WWW.NETCOMITL.COM


Wireless WarehousingWireless Warehousing

Warehouse environments require mobility and repetitive actions

Many elements such as redundant functions and expansive space can slow overall operation performance

Today’s wireless network can streamline these functions and make up for that space by allowing the data entry to go where the work is being performed


Wireless Warehouse Project RequirementsWireless Warehouse Project Requirements

Collect pre-site information– Critical information determining the type of equipment

and survey to be conducted

Site survey– A proper site survey should be conducted for any

facility that would require greater than one access point

Installation– An improper installation could result in serious

performance problems, make sure the installation is done by certified contractors for all aspects

– Ensure all materials have been ordered and delivered prior to this step


Pre-Site SurveyPre-Site Survey

A form of data collection – Information that will dictate how or where the

survey is conducted– This helps to determine overall project

requirements such as:• Throughput needed• Redundancy and overlap• Number of users • Type of applications which dictate performance• Survey restrictions and special needs

See an example on the “Contact Us” web page at WWW.NETCOMITL.COM

FOR MORE INFO...


Site SurveySite Survey

The only way to guarantee a successful installation is to have a full site survey or engineering design plan for the facility

Installation without a site survey can lead to serious network problems


What You NeedWhat You Need

Test Equipment Antennas & Cables Ladder or Lift Safety Equipment Marking Materials Site Drawing Meet with MIS Conduct a Walk-

through of the Site


Test EquipmentTest Equipment

Selection of antennasAP model that will be installedWireless Laptop or client device

usedSpectrum Analyzer


Antennas & CablesAntennas & Cables

Always test with the antenna to be installed

Any antenna extension cables needed for the installation should be used for the Site Survey too


Dipole Omni Directional WhipDipole Omni Directional Whip

The Dipole Omni-Directional Whip: Access Points and PC boards are usually

installed with this antenna.– Polarization: Vertical– Gain: 2.14dBi


Omni-Directional AntennaOmni-Directional Antenna

The High-Gain Omni-Directional: This antenna covers a significantly greater area

than can be covered with the unity-gain Omni-directional type. Access Points are usually installed with high-gain antennas.

– Polarization: Vertical– Gain: 5.2 and 12dBiTop


Hemispherical Patch AntennaHemispherical Patch Antenna

The Patch: This is a directional antenna with a very

wide pattern. It is sometimes easier to mount the “patch” than any other type antenna.

– Gain: 6dBi and 8.5dBi– Frequency: 2.4 GHz


High Gain YagiHigh Gain Yagi

This is a very directional antenna with a beam width of only 30 degrees. When the high-gain Yagi is used in a facility with many objects surrounding it, the antenna can provide long directional coverage. This type of Yagi is enclosed in a plastic casing.

• Gain: 13.5dBi

• Frequency: 2.4 GHz


Access PointAccess Point

Always use an Access Point (AP) that is capable of the results desired

The device used should replicate the following needs by the end user:– Frequency range– Power out – Desired data rates– Specific form factor if needed


Laptop or Client DeviceLaptop or Client Device

Any device used for testing the connection between the AP and Client device must be able to run diagnostic utilities to test the link

Laptops are normally used however sometimes client devices are specified such as pen based PC’s


Other Test ToolsOther Test Tools

A Spectrum Analyzer is sometimes used to locate sources of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)

A handheld Frequency Counter can provide a quick reference to specific emissions in a close area

An Electromagnetic Field Probe can detect local sources of Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI)


Site DrawingSite Drawing

A set of drawings or prints are needed to annotate: – AP locations– Coverage areas– Cable and electrical requirements– Sources of interference

A set of colored pens, ruler and of course something to mark the locations in the facility such as flagging tape are also needed


Site WalkthroughSite Walkthrough

A walkthrough is necessary for:– Defining coverage areas desired– Identifying environmental restrictions– Familiarizing with the facility to develop

a game plan for the Site Survey


Think of Rate vs. RangeThink of Rate vs. Range

2 Mbps FHSS

2 Mbps DSSS 1 Mbps FHSS

5.5 Mbps DSSS

11 Mbps DSSS


Site SurveySite Survey


Facility LayoutFacility Layout

Rack Shelving

Staging and Burn-in

Shipping & Receiving

NetC

om International Inc.

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1


Continuing the SurveyContinuing the Survey

1

1

2

2

Coverage Overlap


Surveying Dense StockSurveying Dense Stock

Rack Shelving

Staging and Burn-in

Shipping & Receiving

NetC


1

1


Continuing Dense StockContinuing Dense Stock


Site Survey UtilitiesSite Survey Utilities


Site Survey ReportSite Survey Report

A good site survey report should include specific information:– Contact information– AP locations and Antennas used– Configuration notes– Cable and/or power requirements– Installation notes– Diagrams


Installation of EquipmentInstallation of Equipment

Install Cabling and Electrical needsInventory the equipment on siteConfigure access pointsInstall access points, antennas and

antenna extension cables if neededConnect all devices, power on and

do a certification test to verify coverage


Cabling and ElectricalCabling and Electrical

Rack Shelving

Staging and Burn-in

NetC


1

Data

Electrical


Inventory and ConfigurationInventory and Configuration

Be sure to connect Antennas before powering on!


Equipment InstallationEquipment Installation

Antennas must be mounted according to polarization

Access Points will be mounted to:– Wall– Backboard– Inside an enclosure

All cable and wire will be service looped following the guidelines discussed on the cabling and electrical slide

Top


Connect and TestConnect and Test

Be sure to properly connect all devices then apply power

Use the Cisco Site Survey utility to verify the installed coverage is right

Check roamingCheck data rateCheck qualityCheck strength


Showing Off!Showing Off!

The person on the left is wondering why he didn’t get a superior wireless capable device like his co-worker did.


Application StoriesApplication Stories

Walk in Freezers– This can be an anti-

RF environment when all metal construction is used.

– AP’s are usually mounted outside with the antenna inside or all is mounted inside the freezer in a heated NEMA

Applications– Many warehouse

apps are simple barcode scanning that requires little throughput. *


Application Stories cont.Application Stories cont.

Many manufacturing and warehouse sites have remote buildings that need network capability– Bypass a phone

charge and factor in a wireless bridge

Make installations robust to the environment– Place devices out

of the way– Never jeopardize

safety to yourself or others to do the work…Be Careful!


ContactContact

Reference your web site for Cisco Wireless products

www.Cisco.com

John A. Helm

VP Operations


3675 Kennesaw N. Ind. Pkwy.

Kennesaw, GA 30144

Ph: 770-919-0048

Email: [email protected]

View our Video of NetCom Int.

You may reference our website for additional help on Site Surveys and Installations

www.netcomitl.com

Wireless in the Warehouse Survey and Installation Methodology NetCom International Incorporated John A. Helm, VP Operations.

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