THE BAD-FI

From the unexpected attenuators file… via @scottm32768

So, here's a good example of why you should at least do a spot check to see if anything's changed in your environment. Like, I don't know, teachers mounting ROUND METAL THINGIES from the ceiling?!

Also, AP mounted DIRECTLY on metal. :-(

Ok, I'm calling it - mounting near, on, or around METAL is the #1 stupid thing on BAD-FI.

    Ok, ok, you win!!! Install APs on metal for all I care!!! via @gugamastroianni

    • APs designed for HORIZONTAL mounting installed VERTICALLY. This is why it's important to understand antenna patterns.
    • APs mounted DIRECTLY on what looks like walls with METAL on them. People, WiFi and METAL DON'T MIX.

    Well, at least they got the antennas right. (sigh) via @EmperorWiFi

    "Just when I thought I was out... THEY PULL ME BACK IN!!!!"
     
    - Michael Corleone

    At least the antennas are correctly positioned. But, AP mounted directly on concrete, METAL cable tray directly in from of AP, antennas right next to concrete overhang. Geez, you'd think someone at MIT could figure this out. 

    7 Myths of 802.11ac WiFi from @iBwave and @RevolutionWiFi

    iBwave, a developer of wireless analysis and design tools, sponsored this webinar with Andrew von Nagy (@RevolutionWiFi). Andrew breaks down several myths regarding 802.11ac. 

    • Will I get GIGABIT SPEEDS in real life?
    • Bigger channels is better, right?
    • Does MU-MIMO mean Wi-Fi is finally Switch-like"?

    Andrew will answer these and other questions in the video.

    WARNING: Watching this video and using these tools may keep you from BAD-FI. So, watch at your BAD-Fis peril!

    Great Survey "Hacks" from Gentlemen, and Scholars @blong1 & @gugamastroianni

    So glad I don't have to put velcro on my "Precious". It works, but it's not pretty. And some say I'm a Fancy Boy! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

    TIP: Use a Survey Desk when doing a survey. Your BACK will love you for it. 👌

    REMEMBER, a good survey keeps the BAD-FI away.

    Another Reminder that Metal & WiFi Don't Mix

    Sadly, this is very common. In the following replies to this Tweet, Todd correctly recommends that his customer suspend the AP below all the metal obstructions.

    Typically, when we do that we use a piece of all-thread, cut to size, attached to a 4-gang box to mount the AP from. Here's a good example from Jennifer Huber's blog.

    There are a few issues here:

    1. The AP being so close to metal (in this case the very beam it's attached to) means that the immediate reflections from the metal start to distort the signal as soon as it emanates from the AP.
    2. The metal below the AP are blocking, AND reflecting that signal.

    This all adds up to a poor user experience on the ground. Where the signal is degraded, blocked, and attenuated.

    For an idea of how metal affects RF signal I refer you to this excerpt from the CWDP (Certified Wireless Design Professional) Study Guide:

     

    “Examine an antenna, and you will find that it is made of metal parts and dielectrics. The metal parts of the antenna do not even have to be touching each other. It should be clear that bringing metal or dielectrics close to an antenna can have a dramatic effect on performance.”
     
    Excerpt From: Shawn M. Jackman, Matt Swartz, Marcus Burton & Thomas W. Head. “CWDP Certified Wireless Design Professional Official Study Guide.” iBooks. 

    (Click the link to read the rest of the chapter and view the excellent graphic)

    So, be aware of where your APs are placed, and what surrounds them. Give the RF some time to propagate before it comes back and slaps that AP upside the head.

    :-)

    Yay, 40MHz Xfinity, in 2.4GHz, FTW. :-(

    Don’t do this. 40MHz is for 5GHz only. Unless, you know, you live in a cave, or a farm, or it’s the Zombie Apocolypse and there are no other WLANs around. THEN you can use it.