Wireless Network Design for Rapidly Expanding Company

How Many APs for Workgroup Bridging Must Be Ordered?

Question

A rapidly expanding company has tasked their network engineer with wirelessly connecting a new cubicle area with Cisco workgroup bridges until the wired network is complete.

Each of 42 new users has a computer and VoIP phone.

How many APs for workgroup bridging must be ordered to keep cost at a minimum while connecting all devices?

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

A.

To determine the minimum number of access points (APs) required for workgroup bridging, we need to consider several factors, including the number of users, the coverage area, and the capacity requirements.

Assuming that each user requires a wireless connection for both their computer and VoIP phone, we can estimate the capacity requirements as follows:

  • Each VoIP phone typically requires a bandwidth of 100 kbps.
  • Each computer may require a bandwidth of 1 Mbps or more, depending on the type of applications being used.
  • Assuming that both devices will be used simultaneously, we can estimate a total bandwidth requirement of 1.1 Mbps per user.

For 42 users, this gives us a total bandwidth requirement of approximately 46.2 Mbps.

Next, we need to consider the coverage area. Workgroup bridges are typically used to connect two or more wired networks across a distance, so we need to ensure that each AP can cover the distance between the cubicle area and the existing wired network. The exact coverage area will depend on several factors, such as the physical layout of the area and any obstacles that may interfere with the wireless signal.

Assuming that each AP can cover a distance of approximately 100 feet indoors, we can estimate that we will need at least four APs to cover the 400 feet distance between the cubicle area and the existing wired network.

Therefore, the correct answer is A. 4 APs.