From the previous post (Demo II), we now continue to a crucial aspect of network planning: the floor plan.
A well-prepared floor plan is essential for strategic placement of key components such as Wi-Fi access points (APs), IoT devices, and surveillance cameras.
With a floor plan and the locations of electrical outlets marked, you can efficiently determine the best positions for repeaters, cabling routes, and antenna or gateway placements.
To demonstrate the importance of this step, I’ll focus on two easily understandable examples: the placement of Wi-Fi access points and surveillance cameras.
Understanding Access Point Placement
Wi-Fi access points typically come with antennas; some are directional (focused signal in one direction), and some are omni-directional (signal radiates in all directions). Below are examples of each type:
Directional Access Point
Omni-directional Access Point
Recommended Equipment: UniFi Series
For projects requiring extensive coverage and segmented network management, I recommend using UniFi equipment. In this example, I’ll use the UniFi 6 Access Point (AP).
UniFi access points allow you to configure separate SSIDs (network names) for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. If configured properly, these can be assigned distinct IP ranges. This setup lets you control which devices connect to which band, helping optimize performance based on device type.
Wi-Fi 6 access points using the 5 GHz band typically provide high-speed coverage within a radius of 6.7 meters. Meanwhile, 2.4 GHz coverage varies by model:
U6-LR (Long Range): Up to 185 m² (2,000 ft²)
U6-Lite: Up to 115 m² (1,250 ft²)
U6-Pro: Up to 140 m² (1,500 ft²)
Surveillance Camera Selection Factors
When selecting a surveillance camera, there are several key factors you need to consider:
- Analog vs. Digital
- Connection Type: Ethernet (IP-based) vs. RG6 coaxial
- Power Supply: Direct DC power vs. Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- Storage Method: Internal storage, Network Video Recorder (NVR), or cloud-based storage
Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right setup for your needs.
For some configurations, specific adapters may be required. Below are examples:
PoE Splitter – Allows power and data to be separated for devices not fully compatible with PoE
RG6 Adapter – Used for connecting analog cameras via coaxial cable
Cable.
For all connected devices, I recommend using UTP Category 6 (Cat 6) cable as the primary cabling standard. Cat 6 is highly versatile and supports a wide range of applications, including surveillance cameras, Wi-Fi access points, storage devices, access control systems, and various IoT devices. It can carry both data and power efficiently—supporting Power over Ethernet (PoE) up to 50V or 100W, depending on the PoE standard used (such as PoE++, IEEE 802.3bt).