| This section includes proposed checklists of minimum activities and considerations recommended during the design, deployment, and implementation of a wireless LAN solution. The aim of this checklist is to prompt you to consider all aspects of the deployment, and not simply the physical installation of the infrastructure. Each step should be considered a specific project deliverable, process, or document. The following checklists are not to be considered all-inclusive, but are examples only. Please refer to the appropriate chapters that cover planning and preparation (Chapter 3), supplementary services (Chapter 4), architecture (Chapter 5), security (Chapter 7), and management (Chapter 8) for more detailed discussion. Note also that every installation is unique. Architecture Use the following checklist as a guideline when considering your network architecture:  Determine whether the WLAN is a mobility/productivity enabler or simply another transport medium.
Determine whether a pilot deployment is required, or proceed to full-scale deployment. Based upon preceding points, define internal support SLAs. Define WLAN architecture. - Traffic/application type - Selection of standard (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, etc.) - Scalability - Single site - Campus - National deployment - Global deployment
- Security - Open (not recommended) - Static WEP (not recommended) - Dynamic WEP (that is, EAP-based) - 802.11i / RSN - VPN overlay
- AAA integration - RF planning - IP address scheme - Wireless VLANs - Data - Voice - Guests
- User to access point ratio - Quality of service (QoS)
 Document final architecture.
Deployment Methodology and Project Planning Determine deployment resource requirements using the following checklist as a guide: Outsource to trusted vendor or handle with internal staff. Identify project dependencies. - Power - AAA (install if necessary) - Security posture defined - Security standards and policy
Produce project plan.
If using vendors: Identify vendor capabilities. - Solutions provider - WLAN certified experts
Delineate vendor/in-house responsibilities and workflow. Define vendor SLA and contract. Document vendor work orders, including engineer instruction sheets. Define site survey documentation requirements. Define and document post-installation acceptance test.
Clients Consider the following points about your clients: Enumerate number of clients and platform. Decide on client form factor. Ensure client interoperability. Purchase client adaptors (if necessary). Ensure client adaptors are at latest firmware level and "flash" if necessary. Define client adaptor distribution method: pick-up model vs. distribute model. Define client software distribution method. - Centralized software distribution method (Altiris, SMS, etc.) - Recall model - Self-service model
Educate users. - Application support - Coverage area - Roaming issues
- Develop user FAQs - Communication plan - User training sessions - Self-service web-based training Implement support plan. - Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 support - SLAs - Vendor support agreements
Infrastructure Use the following checklist as a guide when considering your infrastructure: Purchase hardware (for example, APs, switches, and so on). Identify firmware level of hardware and "flash" if necessary. Manage the network. - Appliance - Third party
Establish naming conventions. Differentiate inline power vs. AP power supplies. Determine whether APs will be cabled for console access. Secure the access point.
Deployment Consider the following points regarding your deployment: Carry out site survey (in-house or vendor). Produce site survey documentation. Determine cable AP locations (data, console, and power, if applicable). Install WLAN controllers (if appropriate) Install of APs. - Location (visible vs. concealed) - Labeling
Configure APs. - Integration into network management system
Configure access/distribution network. - VLANs - Console servers
Perform post installation test: In-house vs. vendor. Move into production status. Complete client distribution if necessary.
| 