Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1476549
October/November/December 2022 I 13 FIGURE 5: Patching at the switches. Look for jacks, patch panels, and patch cords that comply with IEC 60512-99-001, Connectors for Electronic Equipment. This includes testing of communications cabling being used for remote powering. This signifies the ability for these devices to be disconnected under Type 4 PoE without damaging the circuit boards. Before specifying direct connect terminations, verify the body of the plug fits within the space allowed at the WAP's Ethernet ports. Backbone cabling should be a minimum of 25 Gb/s capable multimode optical fiber media to support Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E uplink capacity. Network Equipment The structured cabling systems described previously make up the passive components of the data network systems. The active data network electronics needed for Wi-Fi 6 and 6E may be different than those already installed. Since Wi-Fi 6 and 6E WAPs can accept more traffic compared to earlier generations of wireless, the current gigabit Ethernet backhaul may become a bottle- neck. Typically, the network design will use multi-gig PoE switches. These provide the ability for each port to be 1, 2.5, 5, or 10 Gb/s. While all switches in a TR do not usually need to be this way, the WAPs are split between a couple of multi-gig switches to reduce the potential of a complete wireless outage by losing a single switch. Some network administrators may decide to delay a switch upgrade until more client devices, compatible with the 6GHz band, are available. Calculate PoE loads carefully to ensure the network equipment can provide the power needed over the full number of ports supporting the Wi-Fi devices. Pay atten- tion to power supplies so they do not cause a reduction in the available PoE. Most of these multi-gig PoE switches are using either 720 W or 1100 W power supplies. See Figure 5. Industry Standards and Recommended Guidelines For standards with recommendations and best practices for the cabling infrastructure, consult the following: • ANSI/BICSI 008-2018, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) System Design and Implementations Best Practices. • ANSI/BICSI N2-17, Practices for the Installation of Telecommunications and ICT Cabling Intended to Support Remote Power Applications. • While TIA TSB-162-B and ISO/IEC TR 24704 are not standards and can only recommend the use of two category 6A per WAP, the recently published ANSI/4966-A, Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Educational Facilities requires a minimum of two category 6A or higher performing cable runs for every WAP. Consider the industry standards and best practices when evaluating the costs and benefits of the infrastruc- ture required to support next generation technologies. There are potential impacts on both the passive and active components of the network. Increasing the perfor- mance of the structured cabling system is required for wireless communication and will also benefit other areas of the network. Since the cabling infrastructure often has a life span of 15 or more years, it makes sense to deploy the suggested industry recommendations that defer the need to replace the cabling infrastructure. MODERNIZE THE WIRELESS ACCESS POINT'S • ISO/IEC TR 24704, Information technology—Customer Premises Cabling for Wireless Access Points.