Introduction
Proper planning for internet setup is crucial when establishing a new office to ensure seamless connectivity among all devices, including local ones such as desktops and printers. Our recent client, who relocated to Faber Tower in Kuala Lumpur, required a network solution for connecting up to 100 devices via Wi-Fi and approximately 20 devices via LAN cable.
Project Scope
The objective of this project is to provide internet connectivity to all devices, particularly in staff working areas and director rooms through Wi-Fi. For the operational area, LAN cable connections are required. The customer has subscribed to 100 Mbps TIME fiber internet. The office measures 94 feet x 51.3 feet, with the operation area accessible from the main entrance. There’s a wall that divides the operation area and the staff working area on the left side. Although the router is in the server room, its signal isn’t strong enough for the director’s room and the working area. Additionally, Wi-Fi is needed in the meeting room and small room next to the staff working area, but not in the pantry.
Customer Requirement
The customer has requested that all network devices be located in the server room and that there be no visible LAN cables throughout the office. In addition, the Wi-Fi solution must be capable of supporting 100-200 devices throughout the entire office.
Solution
AST IT selected two units of TP-LINK EAP650 AX3000 Ceiling Mount Wi-Fi 6 Access Point and one unit of TP-LINK TL-SL2428P JetStream 24-Port 10/100Mbps + 4-Port Gigabit Smart Switch with 24-Port PoE+ for the project. The Access Points will be installed in the staff working area and operation area, while the Switch’s two Gigabit ports will connect to the router and NAS device. The remaining 16 x 100Mbps ports will connect to PCs, and another two ports will be used for the Access Points.
Outcome
We placed the switch in the server room and ran CAT 6 LAN cables on top of a metal cable tray directly to the operation area, covering a distance of about 7 meters. Another CAT 6 LAN cable was run to the staff working area, covering a distance of approximately 60 meters. We also provided the customer with 16 x CAT 6 LAN cables to connect their PCs. Once the installation was complete, we performed a speed test around the office to check the WiFi signal strength. The results of the speed test are as follows:
Challenges Faced
During the installation process, we encountered some challenges. The LAN cable from the server room to the metal tray was already full of other cables, which caused some delay in moving them out. Additionally, the flexible cable management sleeve we used was not ideal for our situation as it was thin and difficult to put all 65 meters of cable into. We had to use many cable ties to secure the sleeve along the metal tray. Lastly, the switch was placed under a table, and the LAN cables were fixed, making it challenging if the customer decides to move the switch.
Suggestions
We recommended to the customer to consider purchasing a server rack in order to relocate all of their network devices onto a wall. This will help to provide better security and prevent the accumulation of dust on the devices.
Conclusion
The project has been successfully completed, as evidenced by the wifi signal test results that match the application’s requirements. The wifi coverage is extensive, and the speed test results are stable. Customer feedback also indicates that there are no issues with wifi connectivity for all devices. At AST IT, we always make an effort to visit the customer’s location to understand their needs and requirements before recommending any solutions. Please contact us at 016-3344672 (Andrew) to schedule a free site visit. Thank you for reading up to this point.
