1. Point-to-point and point-to-multipoint
A point-to-point link connects two locations. Point-to-multipoint uses a central site to serve multiple remote sites. The correct architecture depends on geometry, capacity and equipment.
2. Line of sight is more than seeing the other roof
Buildings, trees and terrain can obstruct or degrade a radio path. Longer links require proper path assessment and vendor link-planning tools.
3. Use the right antenna pattern
Directional antennas concentrate energy toward the remote site and are normally appropriate for point-to-point links. Omnidirectional coverage solves a different problem.
4. Mounting and weather exposure
Use secure mounting, outdoor-rated equipment and cabling, weather-resistant entries and appropriate surge/earthing practices for the selected system and site.
5. PoE and cable run
Outdoor radios are often powered over Ethernet. Verify the exact power method and voltage/PoE standard. Do not connect passive PoE equipment to standards-based PoE by assumption.
6. Commission the link
- Verify alignment
- Record signal/noise metrics
- Confirm negotiated capacity
- Run bidirectional traffic tests
- Check interference
- Document mounting and cable route
- Monitor stability
Field application and acceptance
This section turns the technical concepts above into a repeatable procurement, installation and handover process.
Field design workflow
Begin with users and applications, then the building. Record client count, device types, mobility, critical rooms, expected throughput and voice/video requirements. Review floor plans, building materials and available cable routes. Perform predictive planning where useful, but validate the real RF environment before finalising positions.
The wired network is part of the design. Confirm switch-port speed, PoE class, VLANs, uplink capacity and controller or gateway requirements for every AP.
Questions to answer before ordering
- Which bands and WiFi generations do the important clients support?
- How many concurrent clients are expected in each area?
- Is roaming required for voice, scanners or mobile work?
- What Ethernet speed and PoE class does each AP require?
- What mounting orientation and environmental rating are required?
- Which SSIDs map to which VLANs and security policies?
- How will RF performance be validated after installation?
Fault-finding method
Separate RF, client, wired and service problems. Check whether the client can see the intended AP, then review signal, noise, channel use and association state. Confirm AP Ethernet speed and PoE mode, switch errors, VLAN path, DHCP, DNS and gateway reachability. Compare one failing client with another known-good client before changing the infrastructure.
Operational documentation
Record AP model, serial, switch port, cable ID, location, mounting orientation, channel, transmit power, SSID/VLAN mapping, PoE requirement and controller/site assignment. Keep survey results so later changes can be compared with the commissioned environment.
What correct looks like
Target areas meet the agreed application requirement, clients obtain the correct network and policy, APs receive full intended power and wired speed, roaming works where required, channels and power are controlled rather than chaotic, and post-installation measurements match the handover documentation.
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