Application

Wi-Fi coverage for indoor and outdoor sites

Access points connect wireless clients to the local network. Coverage planning starts with the site layout, construction materials, uplink, power and expected client use.

Open-plan office used for indoor Wi-Fi coverage planning
Access-point count and position require a floor plan, construction details and on-site radio measurements.

Define the area before selecting hardware

Record the areas that need service, the expected client types and the available Ethernet and power routes. Indoor rooms, outdoor spaces and links between buildings are separate design tasks.

  • Floor plan, wall materials, ceiling height and outdoor boundaries
  • Expected client locations, device types and concurrent use
  • Existing router, gateway, switch and internet connection
  • Ethernet cable routes, PoE source and mounting positions
  • Areas requiring an indoor AP, outdoor AP or separate bridge link
Network path

Internet connection, LAN, PoE and access points

The upstream router or gateway controls the WAN and local network. The switch provides Ethernet and PoE, and each access point serves its planned radio area.

01 Router or gateway WAN access, routing, DHCP and local network policy
02 Ethernet and PoE Switch ports, uplink capacity, cable routes and power budget
03 Access points Indoor or outdoor enclosure, mounting position and radio plan
04 Coverage area Client locations, measured signal, roaming and interference
Indoor access point in a Wi-Fi network path
Hardware roles

Indoor AP, outdoor AP or bridge

Choose each device by its network role and installation environment. A bridge carries Ethernet between two sites; it does not replace the access points serving client devices.

Indoor access point

Ceiling or wall installation for rooms, corridors and shared indoor areas with an Ethernet and PoE connection.

Indoor access points

Outdoor access point

Weather-protected hardware for exterior walls, yards, campus edges and other outdoor client areas.

Outdoor access points

Wireless bridge

A two-radio link extends Ethernet to another building or endpoint where a cable route is not practical.

Wireless bridge planning
Site inputs

Information needed for a coverage review

  • Annotated floor plan or site map with required coverage areas
  • Wall, door, glass, ceiling and outdoor obstruction details
  • Expected users, client devices, applications and peak periods
  • Existing WAN, router, switch, VLAN, Ethernet and PoE information
  • Mounting restrictions, cable routes and available survey results
Next step

Send the site layout and network details

Include the country, coverage areas, existing network, available cable routes and expected client use. Model recommendations remain subject to the final site and radio review.

Request a coverage review Read the network role guide