WiFi Jedi.com

Just a quick note… on the importance of taking good notes.  🙂

I am deploying 150+ Xirrus arrays for a elementary school district here in Phoenix, Arizona.   If you have been following my blog, you have seen several posts about pre-implementation planning.

We have moved past the project planning stage and into project implementation.   We have configured all the devices to meet the business and technical requirements of the district and have now begun physically mounting our WiFi arrays.

If you are unfamiliar with Xirrus, we aggregate multiple radios into a single platform along with a full layer 2 non-blocking switch, dedicated threat sensor, stateful firewall, and spectrum analyzer.  This allows us to provide the same coverage and capacity as other vendors with 75% less devices, cable runs, and switch ports.  We also don’t add any equipment to your IDF closets and consume considerably less power.

While we deploy considerably less devices, it is still imperative to note of all installation details.   While mounting the devices, it is important to take note of the location, IP address, MAC address, and device serial number.  You should also note any relevant details about the environment such as exisiting rogue/SOHO APs and potential sources of interference such as microwave ovens or large motors .   Lastly, note any follow up items such as where new cable runs are needed or where legacy APs (which in this case, are Cisco) need to be removed.   Be sure to assign each of the follow-up activities to a responsible party as well as assign a specific deadline for accountability.

Also take digital photos.  They shouldn’t replace your notes, but as the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words”.  Happy note taking!