When it comes to Wi-Fi networks, capacity planning is essential for ensuring a reliable and high-performing wireless experience for users.
Wi-Fi surveys are an important part of this process, as they allow organisations to assess the current capacity of their network and identify areas where changes or upgrades are needed. In this post, we’ll discuss the key considerations for Wi-Fi surveys and capacity planning, and provide some best practices for implementing these changes.
One of the most critical considerations for Wi-Fi surveys and capacity planning is the number of users and devices that will be accessing the network, this includes assessing the number of users that will be using the network, as well as the types of devices that will be connected to it. To accommodate this demand, it’s important to have enough access points (APs) and controllers to handle the number of users and devices that will be connecting to the network.
Another important consideration is the type of applications that will be used on the network. Applications such as video streaming and online gaming can be more demanding on a network than others, such as web browsing and email. Understanding the types of applications that will be used on the network can help ensure that there is enough capacity to support these applications.
To ensure that a Wi-Fi network has enough capacity to meet the expected demand, there are several best practices that can be followed:
Conduct regular Wi-Fi surveys: Regularly assessing the network through Wi-Fi surveys will allow you to identify any areas where capacity is lacking and make adjustments as needed.
Utilise spectrum analysis tools: These tools can help identify any interference or other issues that may be impacting the performance of the network.
Implement load balancing: Load balancing can help distribute the load of users and devices across multiple APs, ensuring that no one AP becomes overloaded.
Use Quality of Service (QoS) policies: QoS policies can help prioritise certain types of traffic, such as video streaming or online gaming, to ensure that these applications have enough bandwidth.
Use wireless network management tools: These tools can help monitor the network and make adjustments as needed to ensure that it is performing optimally.
By following these best practices, organisations can ensure that their Wi-Fi networks have the capacity to meet the demands of users and devices. Conducting regular Wi-Fi surveys, utilising spectrum analysis tools, implementing load balancing, using QoS policies and wireless network management tools are all critical steps in ensuring that a Wi-Fi network is able to handle the number of users and devices that will be connecting to it.
