Standards and Limitations
Wi-Fi Standards
When network cabling is non-existent or limited to a specific area forcing the use of Wi-Fi. IEEE Standards 2.4 and 5.0 have limits on distance and are exasperated when obstacles such as walls of brick, steel, cement and drywall, and glass are introduced. In LAB Conditions for 802.11 (2.4) these limits are measured to be 125 feet/38 meters while 802 11n are measured at 235 feet/72 meters, remember these are theoretical perfect condition numbers and do not include as described limits. For accuracy this document is describing IEEE Standards 2.4 and 5.0 GHz 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ad best practice.
Ethernet Standards for Cabling and Connectors
| Cat5 | Cat5e | Cat6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 100 meters/328 feet | 100 meters/328 feet | 100 meters/328 feet |
| Performance | 10 Mbs | 100 Mbs | 1 Gbs |
| Max Speed | 10/100 Mbs | 1 Gbs | 10 Gbs |
When using Networking cabling or Ethernet connections it is recommended to use Cat5/Cat5e or Cat6 cabling, use of Cat3 or below is not recommended.
Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi
A Wi-Fi connection enables users to access a network and the internet through a wireless connection to a Wi-Fi router – no cables are needed. An Ethernet connection uses an Ethernet cable to connect devices to the network or the internet.
- A Wi-Fi connection transmits data via wireless signals, while an Ethernet connection transmits data over cable.
- No cables are needed to access a Wi-Fi connection, providing greater mobility for users who can connect to a network or the internet while moving freely around a space. To access a network via an Ethernet connection, users need to connect a device using an Ethernet cable.
- An Ethernet connection is generally faster than a Wi-Fi connection and provides greater reliability and security.
While a number of variables determine the actual speed of a Wi-Fi connection and an Ethernet connection, Ethernet is almost always faster than Wi-Fi. The fastest Ethernet speeds today top out at 10 Gbps or higher, while the fastest Wi-Fi speeds theoretically max out at 6.9Gbps, though actual speeds are much slower—usually less than 1 Gbps. The important thing to remember is what is the speed of your ISP which is what ultimately determines your speed of the connection. You may reach a speed of 1 Gbps internally, but once you hit your ISP with a cap of 100 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up that will be your actual speed.
A well-tuned and configured Wi-Fi network can perform very well and match Ethernet speed when it comes to the speed over the internet, as seen in the speed tests provided below.
Wireless Router Location
The Wireless router will need to connect to the ISP modem or network access point in your home. Therefore most people locate the Wireless router near the ISP modem or network access point. However, this location may not be located in a central location to the entire home. Because the Wireless Router provides the Wireless access point then you should place it in a central location, if possible, to get the best wireless reception.
Wi-Fi works best when you can see the Wi-Fi access point.Think of Wi-Fi waves like music coming out of a speaker. The closer you are to the source, the better you can hear it. When you’re separated by walls, things get quieter and more muffled.
When choosing a location, do not:
- Have large distances that include walls and “obstructions” between the device and the access point.
- Number of devices connecting to the access point.
- Hide access point in cupboards or closets.
- Install access point behind/under the sofa.
- Place an access point on/around the metal cabinet, appliances (includes on the other side of the wall).
- Install access point next to motors, microwaves, cordless telephones (includes on the other side of the wall).
- Use of “Power line” adapters, or “telco line” adapters for Wi-Fi or Ethernet is not recommended.
When placing your Wi-Fi device consider all directions, and how you adjust your antennas also determines your coverage. The image below illustrates multiple antennas, some vertical and some horizontal.
For example, when placing a Wi-Fi device on a metal filing cabinet, most of the radio waves going down are blocked.
Check Your Signal Strength
Any device (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, etc.) will have a Wi-Fi connection indicator. Generally, this indicator is the universal Wi-Fi symbol, which has four to five curved bars. The more that are filled solid, the stronger your connection is. Walk throughout your space holding the device. Pay attention to the indicator and where the bars increase or decrease. Note how far you are from your router. This will give you a good idea about where the signal is weak or drops in your space, and how far you can be from your router with your devices. If you have a short-range, you can look into moving your Wi-Fi device or Wi-Fi extenders to extend your Wi-Fi signal.
Extending Your SoHo Network
In large homes/offices, it may not be possible to connect all devices directly to the Wireless router and so you will need to purchase additional networking components. You can extend your home network by:
- Extending your Wi-Fi coverage by installing additional Wireless Access Points or a more powerful access point. Instead of one single box trying to cover the house, mesh systems use a bunch of wireless access points all over. Your ISP modem plugs into one of these mini-routers, and then the rest connect up to each other wirelessly.
- You can extend the Wired network by running cables into other rooms.
Wi-Fi and Shared Tenant Space
When in a shared tenant space, such as an apartment, your neighbors will have their own Wi-Fi zones set up, which may conflict with your Wi-Fi zone. Resolving this may require deeper investigation into Wi-Fi channels which is beyond the scope of this document.
Checking Network Equipment and Internet Speeds
On any network, the speed is restricted by the slowest component of the network. A computer with a Gigabit network card talking to a computer with a 100 Mbps network card is restricted to 100 Mbps. Items such as Wi-Fi standards (a/b/g/n), cabling (cat5 vs. cat6), connectors, and switches (port speed and settings) may also restrict speed.
Shared devices like switches and wireless access points are network choke points just like traffic lights and roundabouts on a road. For internet speeds, you can use an online speed test site. It is important to test the network speed on both Wi-Fi and Ethernet as there can be a difference in speed. It is recommended to test multiple times under different conditions. For example, you are alone in the space, versus others in meetings, TV streaming, etc.
Here are four examples of how different connections can affect your speed. All were done with the same ISP, laptop, and location except for the “Dark Spot” in which the laptop was placed in a low Wi-Fi reception point.
Usage Considerations
When considering speeds and utilization, one must consider both upload and download speeds. In many cases they are not the same. Typical US internet connection is 10 Mbps up and 100 Mbps down.
- Netflix requires 5 Mbps down per connection for HD Streams
- Spotify requires 2 Mbps every 3 min down per stream
- 8x8 Voice requires 90 kps up and down per call
- 8x8 Meetings 2-6 Mbps up and down
- Other Meeting Applications can be from 2-8 Mbps up and down
For example when a SoHo environment has 1 voice call, 2 meetings, and a Netflix stream happening that requires 100 kbps + 2(~5 Mbps ) + 5 Mbps for approximately 16 Mbps down which is more bandwidth than is available possibly resulting in quality issues.