A successful Wireless installation requires that a minimum wireless signal strength is maintained between wireless devices. Location is an important part of system design. Distance, metal objects, and other obstructions can reduce or completely block the wireless signal transmissions.
Do not consider Wireless systems a plug and play solution. Correct location and mounting of wireless products are critical to a successful installation. Always engineer the system before you attempt to install. Observe the guidelines and procedures in this section to determine the optimum location for wireless systems.
- Mount the wireless products so they are easily accessible.
- Mount the wireless products in direct line of sight to as many other wireless products within the same wireless network (PAN).
- Avoid metal, concrete, and brick obstructions, including equipment rooms and elevator shafts between the wireless products.
- For best signal transmission, locate all routers/repeaters and coordinator radios in the same plane if possible. For example, if you mount the routers/repeaters above a dropped ceiling, mount all routers/repeaters above the dropped ceiling. You can locate the devices in an atrium as long as you maintain correct line of sight.
- Avoid locations where a microwave oven is located between two wireless devices.
- For best signal transmission, mount the wireless products with at least 50 mm (2 in.) exposed below and clear of any pipes, duct work, or other metal obstructions.
- Do not mount the wireless device in recessed areas, metal enclosures, or shelving.
- Locate all wireless products that are configured for the same network (PAN) on the same floor.
- Where an enclosure may be required, such as for an air cooled chiller application, use weatherproof fiberglass or polycarbonate enclosures for wireless devices, for example, Johnson Controls ACC-TMRENC-0.