Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 9.5
Wi-Fi nodes broadcasting within a suburban neighborhood, with
33 nodes active within range of my truck on the street. Many of these nodes
are open for access without authentication or encryption enabled.
to avoid other devices in the nearby area. Many devices such as mobile
hotspots and WiFi-enabled cell phones enter and leave areas, requiring
regular site reviews.
Signal Boosters
Your site survey may also identify areas where signals from two or more
devices interact and cancel each other out, or where building construction
or other environmental factors create areas of low signal strength. This is
common in areas with heavy mechanical equipment, electrical motors, or
steel-frame construction, and may only affect part of an area so it is not
caught during general site surveys. Signal boosters or directional anten-
nas may be necessary in certain areas to ensure that wireless connectivity
is available continuously. Care should be taken in high-density environ-
ments to avoid boosting signal strength to the point at which it compro-
mises access on the same channel nearby.
