Ensure Full Coverage with Minimal APs: Recommendations for Network Technician

A school is implementing a wireless network and wants to ensure there is adequate coverage.

The gymnasium has thick cinder-block walls, and there are several offices adjacent to it.

Which of the following should the network technician recommend to ensure full coverage while minimizing the total number of APs purchased?

A.

Deploy two APs to the gymnasium with the maximum power level transmitting to cover the adjacent offices.

B.

Deploy a single AP to each adjacent office set to transmit at maximum power.

C.

Use a high-gain antenna on the AP in the gymnasium and install an AP in every other adjacent office.

D.

Use a spectrum analyzer to generate a heat map of the gymnasium to pinpoint AP placement.

D.

The most appropriate solution for this scenario is to use a spectrum analyzer to generate a heat map of the gymnasium to pinpoint AP placement (Option D).

Explanation:

Option A: Deploy two APs to the gymnasium with the maximum power level transmitting to cover the adjacent offices. This option is not the best solution since using maximum power level can create interference with other wireless networks and it is not cost-effective. Also, having two APs in the gymnasium may not necessarily provide full coverage to the adjacent offices due to the thick cinder-block walls.

Option B: Deploy a single AP to each adjacent office set to transmit at maximum power. This option may not provide adequate coverage in the gymnasium, and having a single AP in each office may not be cost-effective.

Option C: Use a high-gain antenna on the AP in the gymnasium and install an AP in every other adjacent office. While using a high-gain antenna can increase coverage, it may not be sufficient to cover the entire gymnasium. Additionally, installing an AP in every adjacent office may be costly and not necessary.

Option D: Use a spectrum analyzer to generate a heat map of the gymnasium to pinpoint AP placement. Using a spectrum analyzer is the best approach as it allows the technician to analyze the signal strength and identify any areas with weak coverage in the gymnasium. This method helps to determine the best placement for the AP to ensure full coverage while minimizing the total number of APs purchased.

In conclusion, the best solution for this scenario is to use a spectrum analyzer to generate a heat map of the gymnasium to pinpoint AP placement (Option D).