| Before you can start offering wireless Internet | | | | performance of the router, there are |
| access in your business you have to first set up a | | | | environmental conditions and architectural features |
| wireless hotspot. This will involve providing a | | | | which may diminish the strength and range of the |
| wireless Internet access point. Depending on the | | | | wireless access point. |
| size and layout of your hotspot area as well as | | | | Placement of the wireless Internet access point |
| your intended usage you may have to provide | | | | should also be carefully considered. In general a |
| multiple access points. This article will explain the | | | | good starting point for a wireless access point will |
| concept of a wireless Internet access point to | | | | be the center of the coverage area. This is |
| help you determine how many access points you | | | | because the signals will radiate outward from the |
| need and how they should be created. | | | | access point in a circular pattern. If the access |
| First you should determine how many access | | | | point is skewed within the coverage area it is |
| points you will need for your wireless hotspot. For | | | | very likely there will be areas where the signal |
| business establishments such as small coffee | | | | strength is weak or non existent. There will also |
| shops and cafes, the answer to this question is | | | | be areas located outside of the coverage area |
| usually quite simple. As long as the layout of these | | | | where the signal may be strong. This is not ideal |
| places of business is relatively straightforward and | | | | because you do not want those outside of your |
| there are minimal obstructions, it is very likely that | | | | business establishment to be able to use your |
| only one access point will be required. | | | | wireless network. |
| Larger businesses, or business places with a | | | | Finally, when you are considering the placement of |
| complex floor plan may not be as simple to | | | | your access point, you should consider a location |
| design. Businesses such as hotels, airports or | | | | which is free of obstructions. Generally speaking |
| hospitals which are large, irregularly shaped and | | | | an area high on the wall or the ceiling is likely to |
| contain a number of obstructions will likely require | | | | have the fewest obstructions. However, it is |
| multiple access points. Even a small area may | | | | important to note architectural features which can |
| require additional access points if there are | | | | serve as obstructions. Once you select a location |
| architectural features such as walls or soffits | | | | for your access point, always test out the |
| which adversely impact the ability to provide | | | | strength of the signal throughout your business |
| wireless Internet access. | | | | area. If areas with a weak signal are detected, |
| Next you will need to consider the range of the | | | | determine the cause of these dead areas and |
| router you select as your wireless access point. | | | | reposition the access point in an attempt to |
| The range will be affected by the technology of | | | | eliminate this weak area. After repositioning the |
| the antenna. You can expect greater range with | | | | access point be careful not to fall into the trap of |
| 802.11n routers than with 802.11b routers. This is | | | | only re-testing the weak area. The entire |
| because the 802.11b router has only one radio and | | | | coverage area should be re-tested to ensure you |
| antenna while the 802.11n router may offer two | | | | have not only eliminated the weak spot but also |
| or three radios. Regardless of the expected | | | | avoided creating any additional weak spots. |