Wireless Network Design - Expanding the wired network

Wireless network design is the process of generating a layout of hubs and links within an environment to ensure desired network availability and flow capacity. Designing a wireless network is quite different from a wire network design by taking advantage of some of the most advanced RF design kits and process technologies in the industry. Designs for wireless networks are based principally on projected subscriber density, desired coverage area, and traffic demand. Wireless design is one of the most challenging areas of electrical engineering, and the shortage of individuals who can address the issues of wireless design is expected to get worse over the next two decades.

Wireless communication networks are essential for providing communications for mobile users, and while radio communications are useful in providing good coverage over large areas, the data transfer rates achievable with it is limited compared to the data transfer rates achievable with fixed networks. Wireless is inherently a shared medium, and wireless bridging of ethernet connections between locations is particularly attractive, due to the cost savings. Wireless networks can be used to connect adjacent buildings together or create to a link between locations up to 10 miles apart. Wireless LANs can also extend the reach of the wired network, providing previously unavailable connectivity to that network. Wireless LANs are especially ideal to implement in office buildings, manufacturing floors, health care centers, or campuses, and they can be adapted to both indoor and outdoor environments. In instances where wiring is not an option, wireless LAN implementations can also be used in buildings such as historical structures, open space floors, or buildings with sealed rooms.

Wireless LAN systems from can usually be installed in one day, and integrate seamlessly into the existing networks. Wireless networks will form virtual offices anywhere in the world and wireless video will can create remote classrooms, remote training facilities, and remote hospitals anywhere in the world. Wireless technology will also enables developing countries to build up their communications networks quickly and cheaply, bypassing the high cost and delays associated with building wired infrastructures.

Designing a wireless communications system depends on using a complex set of engineering analysis that requires significant expertise and experience in radio frequency communications and networking, in addition to an in depth knowledge of the application requirements. Designing the wireless network is important to ensure configurations are setup correctly for wireless traffic to efficiently travel over the wired network. Design and integration of the wireless network and into the wired network is very important to maintaining the overall reliability of the network.

Traditional wireless network design are based on the utilization of a single Home Location Register (HLR) for each wireless network, but growth considerations are prompting consideration for multiple HLR topologies. One of the major challenges for the wireless network design is the efficient mobility management, which can be addressed both globally and locally. The best way to properly implement wireless network design is to fully understand its balancing, coverage, and capacity. As time goes on, more and more wireless designs are beginning to come into the market due to growing consumer demand for a wire-free life.