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Wireless Networking Handbook
(Publisher: Macmillan Computer Publishing)
Author(s): Jim Geier
ISBN: 156205631x
Publication Date: 09/01/96

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Part III
Implementing and Supporting Wireless Networks

CHAPTER 8
Designing a Wireless Network

After fully defining the requirements for a system, the next step is to perform the design, which determines the technologies, products, and configurations providing a solution. As with any engineering activity, the goal of network design is to find a solution that meets requirements at the least cost. In some cases, a preliminary design can establish a basis for initial cost estimating and work planning. But the design phase of the project defines all aspects of the solution and supports product procurement, installation, testing, and operational support of the system.

The design phase of the project produces items such as schematics, building layout drawings, bills of materials (parts lists), and configuration drawings. These items are necessary to fully define the design.

This chapter discusses the following steps, which are necessary for completing the design of most projects:

  Define network elements
  Identify products
  Identify the location of access points
  Verify the design
  Document the final design
  Procure components

Defining Network Elements

The process of defining network elements includes deciding which technologies and standards to utilize as a solution to the requirements. You may decide, for example, to use an ethernet network to provide connectivity between access points. In some cases, you might also need to select a product to define the network element. This is mostly applicable with the network operating system and off-the-shelf applications. For example, you might choose Novell Netware as the network operating system. For word processing, you might decide to use Microsoft Word.

The general process of defining network elements is as follows:

1.  Identify which network elements apply
2.  Determine values for each network element

In other words, identify that part of the network architecture on which you need to concentrate to find a solution, and then determine the technologies, standards, and, if necessary, the products for each element.

Identifying which Network Elements Apply

A network consists of many elements that support the dissemination of information among applications, databases, and systems. Figure 8.1 identifies the elements that comprise a network, from application to the physical layer. The goal of this step is to identify the network elements that apply to your specific implementation. To accomplish this, review the network requirements and develop the list of elements that you will need to consider.

Determining Values for Network Elements

The next step in defining the network elements is to determine values for each element. As with most engineering efforts, it is a good idea to maximize the use of standards when selecting technologies and to use a top-down approach.

Ideally, the design team should select technologies and standards having the highest level of maturity. Careful selection leads to longer lasting and easier-to-maintain solutions. When assessing maturity levels, use the following evaluation criteria:


Figure 8.1  The identification of network elements.

Low Maturity

  No standard and low product proliferation
  De facto standard and low product proliferation
  Emerging official standard and low product proliferation
  Stable official standard, but reaching obsolescence; low or high product proliferation, with vendors and end-users switching to other technologies

Moderate Maturity

  No standard and high product proliferation
  Emerging official standard and high product proliferation

High Maturity

  Stable official standard and high product proliferation
  De facto standard and high product proliferation

A top-down design approach first defines high-level specifications directly satisfying network requirements, then defines the remaining elements in an order that mostly satisfies specifications already determined. Figure 8.2 illustrates the top-down design approach. As shown, designers should first define applications because they directly support user requirements. Then, designers should choose the best platform for these applications, which would consist of the network operating system and hardware/software platforms. Designers then continue to specify network elements, such as medium access, medium, and bridges, which support the network operating system and platforms.


Figure 8.2  The top-down design approach.

The following sections offer potential technologies, standards, and products for each of the network elements. Review these sections and, using a top-down approach, choose the solution that best meets your requirements.

Application Software

Users can accomplish required tasks, such as word processing, database access, and e-mail, with application software. Application software, then, directly satisfies network requirements, particularly user requirements. There are many types of applications, ranging from simple utilities to fully-featured office automation. The following briefly describes various categories of applications:

  Vertical Market Applications. Provide customized data entry, query, and report functions for various industries, such as healthcare and banking.
  Office Software. Generally consists of word processing, database, spreadsheet, graphics, and electronic mail.
  Scientific Applications. Provide the analysis of real-world events by simulating them with mathematics.
  Project Management Software. Renders the capability to efficiently track a project and analyze the impact of changes.
  CAD (Computer Aided Design) Software. Uses vector graphics to create complex drawings.
  Desktop Publishing Software. Provides the capability to effectively merge text and graphics and maintain precise control of the layout of each document page.
  Infoware. Provides online encyclopedias, magazines, and other references.
  Mathematical Programs. Enable the creation and execution of complex mathematical equations.
  Multimedia Software. Adds graphics, sound, and video for use in education and specialized applications.


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