Enhancing Warehouse Connectivity – Professional Wifi Installation Job Overview
Our most recent wireless network installation project took us to an impressive 250,000 square foot warehouse in the heart of the commercial industry in North Las Vegas, Nevada. We embarked on this challenging yet fulfilling project to overhaul the warehouse’s Wi-Fi infrastructure over the course of a weekend. This tight schedule was necessary to accommodate the warehouse’s normal business operations, ensuring they could resume work on Monday without any issues and with improved wireless connectivity. View our professional WiFi installation video below for a complete walkthrough of this project!
Scope of Work for the Wireless Installation Company
Planning for this project started months before the installation weekend. After multiple reviews of the wireless design provided by the client, we were able to put together our scope of work for the installation. As the wireless installation company working on this project, it was important for us to take the time to understand the client’s problems and needs and turn them into actionable deliverables.
Mezzanine Level – Wireless Access Points
For the mezzanine level of the warehouse, five wireless access points needed to be swapped from directional to omnidirectional access points. This process included removing the directional access points, mounting the new omnidirectional access points, and relabeling them. We also needed to confirm full connectivity, not only for wireless clients but also by verifying with the internal IT staff that the access points were successfully reaching the wireless LAN controller (WLC).
Wireless Access Point Installation in the Warehouse
In the main warehouse area, we need to install 15 wireless access points in the rafters. For each of these access points, we have to build out the bracket. The bracket is designed to attach securely and easily to the rafter, providing mounting spots for both the wireless access point and the external antenna. Each wireless access point location will require a Cat6 Ethernet cable run from the nearest node. Both ends of this cable need to be terminated, the access point side will be terminated in a mini junction box, with an Ethernet jumper connecting the access point to the junction box. On the node side, the cable will be punched down into the next open slot in the patch panel, and a short Ethernet jumper cable will be used to connect the wireless access point to the access layer switch.
Orienting the Antennas of Installed Wireless Access Points
Unfortunately, the previous wireless network installers installed the directional antennas for the wireless access points in the rafters of the warehouses perpendicular to the direction of the warehouse aisles. Due to the signal propagation characteristics of these antennas, their current alignment has degraded the wireless signal. According Ekahau, one of the leaders in wireless network design, they talk about the importance of external antennas in warehouses. We were tasked with finding a way to properly mount these antennas so that they would be parallel to the warehouse aisles. We needed to remount and adjust 13 of these antennas.
How to do a Professional Wifi Installation in a Warehouse?
Two of the biggest challenges for a professional WiFi installation in a warehouse of this size are the ceiling height and securing access points and external antennas to the rafters. With ceilings soaring over 35 feet high, having the right lifts is crucial, along with an efficient cable running method. Otherwise, delays in access point installation can occur. Our approach began by leaving the cable reel near the node on the ground, allowing the cable to run freely into the rafters. At corners or potential pinch points, another team member managed the cable to ensure smooth continuation with minimal bends, aiming for runs with no more than one 90-degree turn for efficiency. On the return to the access point, we carefully dressed the cable, pulling back slack to ensure a neat appearance. Using the appropriate scissor lift significantly streamlined and expedited this process, enhancing safety for the low-voltage team.
Another critical challenge in professional WiFi installation is the mounting of access points. Anyone can affix an access point and antenna to a rafter, but achieving a professional and functional appearance requires meticulous planning. Our client contributed greatly by researching and providing us with Single-Axis I-Beam Mounts for Cisco 9100 series access points, enabling us to mount them swiftly and effectively.
How to Partner With a Low Voltage Contractor on Your Next Network Installation?
At Universal Fiber Optics, we have successfully completed numerous wireless installations across a diverse range of industries, including office spaces and large-scale warehouses. Our extensive experience has equipped us with the expertise to tackle projects of any complexity, ensuring optimal network performance and reliability.
We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive, no-obligation consultations and detailed walkthroughs for each of our clients. Our primary goal is to assist them in achieving their desired network infrastructure, providing valuable insights and recommendations tailored to their specific needs. Whether they ultimately choose to work with us or not, we are committed to delivering exceptional service and support throughout the entire consultation process.
By partnering with Universal Fiber Optics, clients benefit from our dedication to quality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction. We understand the critical role that a robust wireless network plays in today’s business environment, and we are passionate about helping our clients enhance their connectivity and operational efficiency.
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