Most wireless mesh nodes have higher effective transmit power than client devices. As a result, the uplink power levels are generally lower than the downlink levels. To provide reliable two-way communications, you must design the system to accommodate the lower effective transmit power of the client devices. This will have a big impact on mesh node density. Most wireless mesh nodes have higher effective transmit power than client devices. As a result, the uplink power levels are generally lower than the downlink levels. To provide reliable two-way communications, you must design the system to accommodate the lower effective transmit power of the client devices. This will have a big impact on mesh node density.
Most likely the network will need to support multiple client devices. In this case, you MUST identify the client devices with the lowest effective transmit power, and build the network based on this device. Keep in mind that the effective transmit power includes the client’s transmit power setting (which may be less than the maximum level) and antenna gain. The transmit power setting alone is not sufficient. The antenna often has a large impact on the overall effective transmit power.
If you don’t know exactly what client devices the network needs to support, such as with public networks, then take your best shot at designing the network for the most likely client device having the lowest effective transmit power. It may be worthwhile in this case to survey potential users and review client device market reports to ensure you have a good idea of what type of client devices will be connecting to the network.
Because client device type is such an important factor that drives signal coverage, it’s a good idea for the city or region to include required client device types and parameters (e.g., associated transmit powers and antennas) in the RFP and contract. Also, be sure to plan testing that includes the client types you’ve identified as having the lowest effective transmit power.
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