Clear To Send: Wireless Network Engineering

https://youtu.be/gDR38L1sOfQ An AP-on-a-Stick (APoS) survey is the most reliable way to know how a Wi-Fi design will behave in a difficult environment. You mount a real access point on a tripod, place it where you plan to install it, and measure. It is also the survey type where the most time gets wasted — and almost never on RF. In this episode we go through how we prepare and run APoS surveys: the conversation with the client, the equipment decisions, the configuration work that belongs in the office, and the way we organise the survey files we bring back. What we cover * When an APoS survey is justified, and when a predictive design plus a validation survey is the better answer * Preparing the work on site with the client: escorts, access, PPE, production constraints, and communicating what our equipment entails * Choosing the right equipment for the site: stick height, antennas, brackets, PoE batteries * Why the access points must be configured and tested before leaving the office * The case for a two-person crew * Planning the measurements in advance so the on-site day is pure execution * Using one survey file per variable to compare antennas, locations, heights and power levels APoS preparation checklist * [ ] Escorts confirmed, with names and time slots * [ ] Site access, parking and PPE requirements documented * [ ] Client informed of the equipment coming on site and its footprint * [ ] APs configured, labelled and tested: SSID, channel, width, tx power, name broadcast * [ ] Full kit tested end to end, batteries charged, spares packed * [ ] Velcro wraps, zip ties, duct tape and screwdriver kit in the bag * [ ] Measurement plan built from the predictive model, test points numbered on the floor plan * [ ] Survey file naming convention agreed before the first walk Key takeaway An APoS survey is won or lost before you get on site. Prepare off site, execute on site. Resources * Vantage Point 6/9/12 m tall mast tripod for APoS surveys * Manfrotto 269HDBU — 7 m super high stand * Manfrotto 1004BAC — 3.6 m air-cushioned stand * Ventev Venvolt 2 site survey battery pack * Ekahau AI Pro — design, survey and reporting software * Ekahau Sidekick 2 — survey measurement device * Hamina Planner — browser-based design and analysis * Hamina Onsite — site survey and APoS validation app * WiFiStand — AP mount that clamps onto standard poles * <a href="https://www.get-console.

In this episode of the Clear to Send podcast, the hosts revisit the classic Wi-Fi design question: &#8220;How many SSIDs is too many?&#8221; While the long-standing technical advice has always been to minimize SSIDs to conserve airtime, the discussion explores how modern standards—like 6 GHz, multiple BSSIDs, and changing client habits—impact this rule of thumb. The episode provides technical discussion on management overhead, strategies for network consolidation, and advice on how to communicate these technical limitations to management. Supporting Data Beacon airtime per SSID, per radio Beacon data rateAirtime per SSID4 SSIDs8 SSIDs1 Mbps~2.0%~8%~16%6 Mbps~0.35%~1.4%~2.8%12 Mbps~0.18%~0.7%~1.4%24 Mbps~0.10%~0.4%~0.8% Based on ~10 beacons/sec at a 100 TU beacon interval and a ~200-byte beacon frame. Co-channel multiplication &#8211; 4 SSIDs on the channel Beacon data rate1 AP3 co-channel APs5 co-channel APs1 Mbps~8%~24%~40%12 Mbps~0.7%~2.2%~3.6%24 Mbps~0.4%~1.2%~2.0% The headline stat for the episode: it is not the SSID count that kills you, it is the SSID count multiplied by co-channel APs and divided by your data rate. &#8220;We need a new SSID&#8221; → the better answer The requestBetter solutionDifferent PSK per IoT device typeOne SSID with MPSK / iPSK / DPSKSeparate SSID per departmentOne 802.1X SSID + RADIUS role/VLAN assignmentContractor networkSame 802.1X SSID, different roleTemporary SSID for an eventScheduled SSID, scoped to those APs, with an expiry dateMarketing wants a branded guest SSIDOne guest SSID, brand the captive portal instead

Thank you to our sponsor: Meter: Visit meter.com/cleartosend to book a demo! What does it take to climb the ladder of your IT career? In this episode, we’ll discuss our perspectives and what got us to where we are today. We’ll go into some of the tips we recommend IT professionals do, what kind of attitude you […] The post CTS 375: From Tech to Architect: Growing Your Wi-Fi Career appeared first on Clear To Send.

Thank you to our sponsor: Meter: Visit meter.com/cleartosend to book a demo! What does it take to get started in wireless? You’ll definitely need a lab network. In this episode, we discuss how to get started with building a home lab. The costs will vary but there is a low cost way to get started and we’ll […] The post CTS 373: Building a Home Lab for Wireless Testing appeared first on Clear To Send.

We’re happy to have Ali join us on the show today for Wi-Fi Origins. He’s been an active member of the Clear To Send community. In this episode, he tells us a little bit about himself. Going back in time, Ali talks about getting into IT and his first exposure to Wi-Fi. There were many […] The post CTS 371: Wi-Fi Origin Stories: How Mohammad (Ali) Ali Got Started in Wireless appeared first on Clear To Send.

This episode is sponsored by Juniper Networks, now part of HPE. Wes Purvis and Rowell Dionicio join together in-person with François joined in virtually, on the road. Wi-Fi 7 is the theme for 2025 and Juniper Networks is rounding out their portfolio of Wi-Fi 7 access points. Wes gives us insight into the adoption rate […] The post CTS 369: Wi-Fi 7 Access Points with Wes Purvis (Sponsored) appeared first on Clear To Send.

Thank you to Meter for supporting the podcast. We greatly appreciate it! In an introduction of our new series, Wi-Fi Origin Stories, we have a special guest, Ian Stout. Ian is CWNE #333. He has a lot of experience dealing with networks in the education space. In this episode, Ian goes into his IT beginnings. […] The post CTS 367: Wi-Fi Origin Stories: How Ian Stout Got Started in Wireless appeared first on Clear To Send.