A company is setting up a wireless network in a new branch office. The network administrator decides to install multiple wireless access points to ensure adequate coverage. Which of the following factors should be the primary consideration when deciding on the placement of each access point?
Positioning access points near the largest number of wired network connections
Avoiding physical obstructions to minimize signal interference
Orienting all access points toward the center of the area
Maximizing the distance between the access points to reduce overlap
When selecting mounting points for wireless access points, the first priority is to guarantee a clean RF line-of-sight so that every part of the floor plan receives a usable signal. This means locating each AP where its antennas are not blocked by thick walls, metal shelving, or other large physical obstacles that absorb or reflect 2.4- and 5-GHz radio waves. After candidate spots free of major obstructions are chosen, the installer can fine-tune spacing and channels to control overlap and can add extra APs in high-density areas to handle client load. Without clear paths for the signal, however, neither channel planning nor additional capacity will overcome poor coverage.
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How can channel planning reduce overlap between wireless access points?