How Virtual Cell Technology Solves the Channel Planning Headache
Anyone who has deployed a microcell wireless network knows about the Channel Planning headache. Where can I deploy another AP, without co-channel interference? Do I need to adjust the power output for an AP to deploy another? How can I add coverage without an expensive redesign?
What is Microcell?
Microcell is how most wireless networks are deployed. It is the process of laying access points (AP) out, utilizing channels 1, 6, and 11, of the 802.11 spectrum. The channels alternate to avoid co-channel interference.
Problems with Mircocell
It is time consuming and costly to fill areas with no coverage.The image to the right shows an area with no coverage. How do you cover that area without co-channel interference?- The client (cell phone, laptop, or tablet) accessing the network picks the AP it connects to. That's right the $100 cellphone, tells your $100,000 wireless network which AP it is going to use.
What is Virtual Cell Technology?
Virtual Cell Technology is a wireless infrastructure, in which all APs are on a single channel and are under command from a single controller. So instead of having APs on different channels, all APs are on a single channel.
Benefits of Virtual Cell Technology
- Easily deployed - there is no channel planning required
- Single Controller - the controller tells the client which AP to utilized depending on specific client needs and AP signal strength
- Higher Density of Clients - because the controller commands the client, the wireless network can handle a higher density of clients, with out losing connection speed.
- Less APs needed - with the Virtual Cell Technology all APs are on a single channel and running at full power.
- Easy to expand - if you need more coverage, all you need is another AP. No channel planning needed
