The importance of RF planning in Wi-Fi network design
In the world of Wi-Fi network design, radio frequency (RF) planning is one of the key pillars, yet it often does not receive the attention it deserves. It is not enough to simply install state-of-the-art access points (APs). Without considering how radio waves behave in the physical environment, network performance can be disappointing, even with the best hardware available.
What is RF planning?
RF planning is designing the wireless structure of a network based on a technical analysis of the environment: how signals propagate, what obstacles exist, how materials behave, and what performance is expected. It is a combination of science, simulation and experience to determine the best placement, configuration and power of APs for efficient and robust coverage.
Unlike simplified heat map-based approaches, comprehensive RF planning considers factors such as device density, interference, and quality of service (QoS), aligning the design with business objectives.
Why is RF planning so crucial?
Radio frequency is dynamic and subject to change. The signal can be degraded by factors such as:
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Building materials (walls, glass, metals).
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Furniture layout.
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Human presence or constant movement.
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Non-Wi-Fi emitting devices.
When these elements are not properly considered, problems can arise such as:
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Co-Channel Interference (CCI) and Adjacent Channel Interference (ACI).
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Uneven distribution of clients.
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High error rates and retransmissions.
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Erratic roaming or unexpected disconnections.
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Excessive overlapping of cells (OBSS).
The result is a network that, while appearing well designed on paper, fails when faced with real-world conditions, affecting everything from productivity to critical services.
Key components of efficient RF planning
1. Site Surveys
These are essential to understand the real environment where the network will operate. They are divided into:
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Predictive: Simulated in software with architectural plans.
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Active: Performed in-situ with test APs and real measurements.
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Passive: Capture the Wi-Fi environment without transmitting traffic.
The combination of predictive and active studies provides a more complete view of the environment.
2. Propagation modeling
It allows to simulate the signal behavior, considering:
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Frequency bands (2.4, 5 and 6 GHz).
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Attenuation due to physical obstacles.
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Reflection, refraction and multipath effects.
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Antenna pattern and transmission power.
Understanding the relationship between coverage, SNR and modulation (QAM) is vital to translate signal into real performance.
3. Channel planning
In dense networks, proper channel assignment reduces interference and improves throughput. Special attention is required for the simultaneous use of channels in 5 GHz and 6 GHz, where frequency reuse must be precise.
4. Power management and antenna selection
The power of the APs must be adjusted to avoid both dead zones and excessive overlap, which generates interference. In complex spaces, such as warehouses or industrial plants, directional antennas can significantly improve efficiency.
Best practices for robust RF design
Layered design
The design should be structured according to the functions to be fulfilled by the network:
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Coverage layer: Ensures basic connectivity.
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Capacity layer: Supports high user density.
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Location layer: Facilitates device tracking (RTLS
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Voice layer: Optimizes performance for low latency traffic.
Each layer must respond to a specific set of requirements.
Roaming planning
Devices do not always roam optimally. A design with well-calculated overlaps and well-defined handover thresholds is required to ensure continuity of connection.
Eliminate obsolete data rates
Allowing low prime rates (such as 1 Mbps) penalizes channel efficiency. Setting a higher minimum rate improves overall performance, reduces unnecessary air-time and favors modern devices.
Post-deployment validation
A design is not complete until it is validated in the field. Post-deployment surveys allow measurement:
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Effective coverage.
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Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).
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Channel utilization and interference levels.
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Retries, packet loss, and association success rates.
To detect external (non-Wi-Fi) interference, a spectral analysis of the environment is essential.
Tools that strengthen RF planning
An effective RF strategy requires much more than intuition and experience. Today, specialized tools are used, such as:
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Predictive simulation software.
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Professional equipment for on-site validation.
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Real-time monitoring systems.
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Spectrum analyzers.
But even with these tools, one thing is still missing: the end-user perspective.
Where does 7SIGNAL come in?
Planning lays the groundwork, but ensuring quality over time requires constant observation from the customer's point of view.
7SIGNAL offers a unique platform for monitoring Wi-Fi performance from the user's device. Through active testing and continuous data, it is possible to detect problems that RF models or controllers miss. This solution measures:
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Signal strength and SNR in real time.
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Latency, jitter and packet loss.
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Roaming times and handoff duration.
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Channel utilization and perceived experience.
All this, with proactive alerts that allow you to act before the user notices a problem.
Conclusion: from design to actual experience
RF planning is not simply about placing access points. It is a strategic discipline that defines the success of a Wi-Fi network from day one. But the real challenge lies in maintaining that performance in the face of constant changes in the environment, devices and business expectations.
That's where 7SIGNAL comes in: as an indispensable complement to validate, optimize and maintain high-performance Wi-Fi networks.
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