JP2004304255A - Wireless lan designing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wireless LAN designing apparatus for easily determining the optimum layout of access points and clients by taking into account problems of the response of the clients and the radio wave interference. <P>SOLUTION: The wireless LAN designing apparatus is provided with: a means 2 for entering a layout drawing of a building wherein a wireless LAN is installed; a means 3 for entering a radio wave transmissivity or a radio wave reflectance of a radio wave propagation obstacle; a means 4 for laying out the access points and the clients; a means 5 for dividing the layout drawing of the building into areas if necessary and entering a communication performance condition; a means 6 that calculates the strength of radio wave from each access point at a plurality of points on the building layout drawing on the basis of the layout of the access points and the clients, displays a range which a radio wave with a minimum radio wave strength from each access point reaches, and displays areas wherein the radio wave strength reaches no minimum radio wave strength and areas wherein the radio waves are interfered with each other; and a means 7 for performing enhancement display of the clients whose communication speed does not reach a minimum communication available speed by calculating the response time of each client. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wireless LAN design apparatus capable of easily designing an optimal arrangement of an access point and a client when installing a wireless LAN.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the development of communication technology, demands for installing a wireless LAN in a building have been significantly increased.
[0003]
When a wireless LAN is to be installed inside a building, structural elements such as walls, ceilings, floors, columns, partitions, etc. of the building, and cabinets, desks, and other objects reflect, diffract, and scatter radio waves. Or has a complex effect on the propagation of radio waves, such as transmitting radio waves.
[0004]
Various calculation methods have been proposed for the attenuation of radio waves caused by such reflection, diffraction, scattering, and transmission of radio waves. Ramo, J .; R. Winner and T.W. The calculation method is described in detail in Van Duzer et al., "Fields and Waves in Communications Electronics" (John Wiley & Sons, published in 1967).
[0005]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-288495 discloses the above-mentioned S.A. A method is disclosed in which a component of a structure is regarded as a reflection and transmission surface of a radio wave using the method of Ramo, and an RF propagation path to a position of a reference receiver is grasped based on those coefficients. This technique provides an average field strength value as a guide for the purpose of comparing and evaluating a plurality of indoor communication system designs.
[0006]
In addition, for the layout design of base stations in a wireless communication system, a method of simulating the propagation path of a complicated radio wave by a computer has been proposed. As an analysis means, a geometric optical method called a ray tracing method has been proposed.
[0007]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-94502 discloses, as an improvement of the ray tracing method, analysis of radio wave propagation characteristics to obtain an error rate distribution and an effective transmission speed distribution, and an electric field strength, a delay characteristic, an error rate and an effective transmission speed. A technique has been proposed in which a threshold value is set to determine a communicable area for a wireless base station and the number of wireless base stations.
[0008]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-99880 discloses a method of extracting the arrangement, dimensions, and number of structural elements of a building from CAD data of the building and performing an electromagnetic field simulation.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-288495 (FIGS. 1 to 5)
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-94502 A (FIG. 2)
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-99880 A (FIG. 1)
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, each of the above-mentioned conventional techniques focuses on the propagation characteristics of radio waves from a wireless base station.
[0011]
That is, the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-288495 is a technique for quickly predicting the propagation path of a radio wave from a wireless base station. This is a method for obtaining the electric field strength and delay characteristics due to radio waves from the station, and calculating the communicable area for the radio base station and the number of radio base stations. The technology described in JP-A-2001-99880 is Similarly, an electromagnetic field simulation of a radio wave from a wireless base station was performed.
[0012]
However, when actually designing a wireless LAN, it is not necessary to pay attention only to the propagation characteristics (electric field strength, delay characteristics, etc.) of radio waves from a wireless base station (referred to as “access point” in the present application). It is necessary to pay attention to the response of the device transmitting and receiving to the wireless base station) and the interference of the radio waves.
[0013]
First, the prior art does not consider the problem of client response in a wireless LAN, as described below.
[0014]
In a wireless LAN, a plurality of clients share the same radio band. Although depending on the frequency of use, as the number of clients using one access point increases, the radio band available to one client decreases, and the throughput decreases. In other words, when the client accesses, the response time received by the client becomes longer.
[0015]
As described above, in the design of the wireless LAN, not only the propagation characteristics of the radio wave from the access point but also the arrangement of the access point and the client are closely related, and both the access point and the client are appropriately arranged in relation to each other. Otherwise, good performance as a wireless LAN cannot be exhibited.
[0016]
Next, the conventional technology does not consider the interference of the channel in the wireless LAN.
[0017]
If you focus only on the strength of the radio wave, increase the number of wireless base stations and place them all over the target area. The rate seems to decrease. However, in the wireless LAN, the 2.4 GHz frequency band is used according to the IEEE 802.11b standard, and the range is divided into 14 channels for use. For this reason, the frequency bands of the 14 channels have portions overlapping each other, and when an access point having overlapping frequency bands is used in close proximity, radio waves interfere with each other in a client in the overlapping region, causing a data error.
[0018]
As described above, regarding the problem of radio wave interference in the wireless LAN, the arrangement of the access point and the client are closely related, and if the access point is not appropriately arranged in relation to the client, good performance as the wireless LAN is exhibited. You cannot do it.
[0019]
The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a wireless LAN design apparatus that can easily determine an optimal arrangement of an access point and a client while considering the problem of the response and the interference of radio waves in the client. It is in.
[0020]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The wireless LAN design apparatus according to the present invention
Means for inputting, on a computer screen, a building layout diagram of a place where a wireless LAN is to be installed;
Means for inputting a radio wave transmittance or a radio wave reflectance to an object that can be a radio wave propagation obstacle in the building layout drawing;
Means for placing an access point and a client on the building layout,
Means for dividing the area as necessary on the building layout map, and inputting a communication performance condition including a minimum radio field intensity and a minimum communicable speed,
Calculate the strength of radio waves from each access point at multiple points on the building layout drawing from the location of the access points and clients placed, and display the areas where the radio field strength does not reach the minimum radio field strength and the areas where radio waves interfere Means to
Means for calculating the response time of each client and highlighting the client that does not reach the minimum communicable speed.
[0021]
According to the present invention, a building layout map of a place where a wireless LAN is to be installed is input on a computer screen, radio wave transmittance or radio wave reflectance is input to elements and equipment of a building structure, and the computer screen is displayed on the computer screen. By arranging the access point and the client, it is possible to calculate the radio wave intensity received from the access point at the place where the wireless LAN is to be installed. Based on the calculated received radio wave intensity, it is possible to display a region where the radio wave intensity does not reach the minimum radio wave intensity and a region where the radio wave interferes.
[0022]
Also, the wireless LAN design device according to the present invention
Means for inputting, on a computer screen, a building layout drawing of a place where a wireless LAN is to be installed and a place around the place,
Means for inputting a radio wave transmittance or a radio wave reflectance to an object that can be a radio wave propagation obstacle in the building layout drawing;
Means for placing an access point and a client on the building layout,
Means for dividing the area as necessary on the building layout map, and inputting a communication performance condition including a minimum radio field intensity and a minimum communicable speed,
Means for dividing the area on the building layout map as necessary, and inputting the security level of each area;
From the arranged access points and clients, calculate the intensity of radio waves from each access point at a plurality of points on the building layout, display the range where the radio waves with the minimum radio intensity from each access point reach, Means for displaying an area where the intensity does not reach the minimum radio field intensity, an area where the radio wave interferes, and an area where the security level does not reach the required security level;
Means for calculating the response time of each client and highlighting the client that does not reach the minimum communicable speed.
[0023]
According to the present invention, it is possible to calculate the strength of a radio wave received from an access point, and to display an area where the security level does not reach the required security level based on this.
[0024]
The present invention can include means for inputting a radio wave output intensity to each access point on the building layout drawing, and means for moving an access point or a client on the building layout drawing.
[0025]
Further, the present invention may have a device capable of causing radio wave interference on the building layout drawing or a means for inputting an external radio wave which may cause radio wave interference.
[0026]
Further, the present invention has a cost estimating means for inputting a rack position in the building layout drawing, calculating a cable length from the access point and the rack position, and referring to a unit price table to calculate a layout cost. Can be.
[0027]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of a “wireless LAN design device” according to the present invention will be described below.
[0028]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a wireless LAN design apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 1, a wireless LAN design apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a building layout drawing input unit 2, a radio wave transmittance / reflectance input unit 3, an access point client placement unit 4, a communication performance condition input unit 5, Radio wave intensity calculation display means 6, response time calculation display means 7, radio wave output intensity input means 8, access point client moving means 9, security level input means 10, cost estimation means 11, unit price table 12 And
[0030]
The wireless LAN design device 1 can be configured using a general-purpose computer. Each of the constituent means 1 to 12 of the wireless LAN design device 1 is preferably realized by cooperation between a computer processing device, a display device, an input device, and a storage device controlled by a program.
[0031]
FIG. 2 shows a processing flow according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 to FIG. 12 are drawings explaining each stage of the processing in FIG.
[0032]
From the drawings of FIGS. 2 to 12 and the following description, the functions of the respective constituent units 2 to 12 of the wireless LAN design device 1 and the processing at each stage become clear. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG. 2, but FIG.
[0033]
To design a wireless LAN using the wireless LAN design apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, first, a program of the wireless LAN design apparatus 1 is started, a screen for inputting CAD information of a building layout drawing is displayed, and a building layout drawing is displayed. The CAD information is input (step 100). The building layout drawing input means 2 is used to input the CAD information of the building layout drawing.
[0034]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a computer screen in which a building layout is input on the computer screen.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 3, the CAD information of the building layout diagram includes the structural elements such as walls, ceilings, floors, columns, partitions, etc., and the equipment such as desks, cabinets, and bookshelves at the place where the wireless LAN is to be deployed. It is preferable to input according to the actual dimensions and the actual arrangement. Of course, you can enter the data on a reduced scale, but you must enter the data on a uniform scale.
[0036]
These means for inputting a building plan can be realized using a general CAD technique which can be implemented by those skilled in the art. Although FIG. 3 shows a two-dimensional building layout, it is preferable that the heights of cabinets, bookshelves, desks, and the like can be input. It is also preferable to input a layout drawing of a lower floor or an upper floor (not shown) so that radio wave interference and security can be examined in relation thereto.
[0037]
Next, the radio wave transmittance / reflectance is input to structural elements such as the wall, ceiling, floor, pillar, partition and the like, and equipment such as desks, cabinets and bookshelves (FIG. 2: Step 110). The radio wave transmittance / reflectance input means 3 is used for inputting the radio wave transmittance / reflectance of structural elements and equipment.
[0038]
FIG. 3 also shows an example of the input of the radio wave transmittance and the radio wave reflectance of a structural element or the like by the radio wave transmittance and reflectance input means 3.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 3, according to the radio wave transmittance / reflectance input unit 3 of the present embodiment, by moving a cursor close to a wall, a partition, or a cabinet on a computer screen, the input of properties of structural elements and equipments is performed. A box pops up, prompting the user to enter structural element and equipment properties. Of course, a list of structural elements and equipment may be displayed on the side of the screen, and the properties (radio wave transmittance and radio wave reflectance) may be input to the list.
[0040]
Note that the radio wave transmittance is a value obtained by dividing the energy of a radio wave passing through an obstacle by the energy of a radio wave incident on the obstacle.
[0041]
On the other hand, the radio wave reflectance is a value obtained by dividing the energy of the reflected radio wave by the energy of the radio wave incident on the obstacle.
[0042]
By inputting the above-described building layout drawing and the radio wave transmittance and the radio wave reflectance of the structural elements and the like, it is possible to simulate the radio wave propagation to be described later.
[0043]
Next, the equipment that can cause radio wave interference and the status of external interference radio waves are input (FIG. 2: Step 120). The input of the radio wave interference condition and the radio wave communication performance condition described later is performed using the communication performance condition input means 5.
[0044]
FIG. 4 shows an example in which a device (a radio interference device) that may cause radio interference with an external interference radio wave is input on a computer screen.
[0045]
The radio interference input here is radio interference other than the radio interference between the access points of the wireless LAN.
[0046]
It is necessary to actually verify and measure the site of external interference radio waves and radio interference equipment. The radio wave interference equipment includes, for example, Bluetooth, microwave oven, medical equipment, and the like. For the radio wave that causes interference, its frequency band is actually measured as much as possible.
[0047]
The factors of these radio interferences serve as references when arranging clients. For example, in a place where radio wave interference may occur due to such information, the frequency band of the radio wave used by the wireless LAN access point is shifted from the radio wave frequency band of the interfering radio wave, or the interference radio wave is prevented from reaching the client. , Clients can be relocated, and radio interference equipment can be moved.
[0048]
The wireless LAN design apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment issues an alert when radio wave interference is likely to occur as a result of arranging an access point or a client by inputting the above-described information on radio wave interference. Is preferred.
[0049]
Next, the condition of the area of the building layout map input on the computer screen is input (FIG. 2: Step 130). The input of the area condition is performed using the communication performance condition input means 5 and the security level input means 10.
[0050]
Area conditions are broadly divided into area communication performance conditions and security levels. Further, the area communication performance condition is divided into a response time and an error rate.
[0051]
FIG. 5 shows that the building layout is divided into appropriate areas on the computer screen, and the communication performance conditions and security levels of each area are input. The input of the security level of the area is performed using the security level input means 10.
[0052]
In the example of FIG. 5, the location where the wireless LAN is to be installed has two surfaces facing the outside of the building, one surface in contact with another section of the same company, and the other surface in contact with an area outside the company.
[0053]
Naturally, the wireless LAN installation location must have good communication performance. On the other hand, in the area outside the company, the security level is a design condition rather than the communication performance. On the other hand, partitions in the same office do not require high communication performance and high security level.
[0054]
Under such conditions, in the example of FIG. 5, the area is divided into three areas: a wireless LAN installation area, another section in the company, and an outside area, and an area communication performance condition and an area security level are input to each area. . The communication performance condition input unit 5 has a function of dividing an area by enclosing the area with a line, and can input a communication performance condition to the divided area. The security level input means 10 can input a security level into a divided area.
[0055]
The area communication performance conditions include the response time and the error rate as described above.
[0056]
The response time is a response time when the client browses, for example, a WEB page using the wireless LAN.
[0057]
This response time is affected by the number of clients using one access point and the application.
[0058]
That is, as described above, in a wireless LAN, a plurality of clients share the same radio band, so that as the number of clients using one access point increases, the radio band available to one client decreases, and As a result, the throughput decreases. That is, when many clients access, the response time of each client becomes longer.
[0059]
Also, depending on the application to be used, for example, the larger the amount of data transmitted / received at one time depending on the type of application, the longer the response time.
[0060]
Here, the relationship between the response time condition and the number of clients using one access point will be specifically described.
[0061]
For example, when the maximum bandwidth that can be used by a client is 6 Mbps and the amount of data transmitted / received at one time is 200 KB, the response time is set to 5 seconds or less, so that the number N of clients that can use one access point is set to N. Is calculated as follows:
N = 6 [Mbps] / (200 [KB] × 8 [b / KB] / 5 [s])
= 19.2 [pieces]
[0062]
Thus, the response time is affected by the number of clients using one access point. Conversely, if a large number of clients using one access point are arranged, the response time may not satisfy the area communication performance condition.
[0063]
Therefore, when the communication performance condition of the area is input and the access point and the client are temporarily placed, the number of clients using one access point is determined, and the communication performance condition of the area may not be satisfied. When the arrangement of the access point and the client is determined, and the client using the access point is determined, the wireless LAN design apparatus 1 of the present invention performs the above calculation and highlights the area or the client or the access point that does not satisfy the area communication condition. be able to.
[0064]
The error rate is defined by a required reception level.
[0065]
The required reception level is calculated by (the ratio of noise power density to energy per bit). Since various methods of calculating the error rate for the required reception level have been proposed in the past, those skilled in the art can calculate the error rate using any of these methods. When calculating the error rate, radio wave interference cannot be neglected. However, in the present invention, the error rate is evaluated mainly based on the radio wave intensity, as the radio wave interference is avoided by means such as different frequency bands. I do.
[0066]
The security level is set for the purpose of preventing data from being intercepted.
[0067]
The security level primarily considers that radio waves do not leak outside the target area. In other words, the access points are arranged with the aim of having sufficient radio wave intensity in the area where the wireless LAN is installed, and on the other hand, aiming for almost no radio waves outside of the target area.
[0068]
For this reason, a radio wave propagation simulation to be described later is performed, and when a radio wave with a strong radio wave intensity leaks into an area where the security level is to be secured, the radio wave is highlighted in comparison with the input area security level.
[0069]
However, radio waves may inevitably leak out of the installation area of the wireless LAN due to the conditions of the client layout and the building layout. In such a case, the security level can be secured by means of encryption.
[0070]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the access point is temporarily placed, the area where the required communication performance is not reached or the area where the required security level is not reached can be immediately visually displayed. The building layout drawing is divided into areas including the area and its adjacent areas, and communication performance conditions (response time and error rate conditions) and security level conditions are input to each area.
[0071]
Next, the access point and the client are arranged on the building layout map input on the computer screen (FIG. 2: step 140). The arrangement of the access point and the client uses the access point client arrangement means 4. The configuration can be performed by dragging and dropping the access point and the client.
[0072]
FIG. 6 shows a place where an access point and a client are temporarily placed on a building layout diagram.
[0073]
Next, simulation of radio wave propagation is performed based on the provisionally placed access point client (FIG. 2: step 150). The radio wave propagation simulation is performed by using the radio wave intensity calculation and display means 6.
[0074]
The method of simulating radio wave propagation is described in the aforementioned S.A. The method described in the Ramo literature can be used.
[0075]
Generally, the strength of a radio wave is inversely proportional to the distance of the propagation path of the radio wave. In addition, radio waves are reflected, diffracted, scattered, and transmitted by obstacles and attenuated.
[0076]
By the way, the transmitter transmits a radio wave at a predetermined output, and the received radio wave intensity at a place separated by a predetermined distance from the transmitter can theoretically be considered as all propagation paths. Ideally, the loss due to the distance, reflection, transmission, scattering and the like of all the propagation paths is calculated, and the propagation intensity at the receiving location is calculated by the sum of the propagation losses. However, calculating for all the propagation paths unnecessarily increases the calculation load of the computer, but does not significantly contribute to the improvement of the calculation accuracy. For this reason, in the present embodiment, calculation is performed only for a linear propagation path and, for example, a propagation path of a radio wave that reaches via one reflection. Note that the above description is not intended to limit the propagation path of the radio wave to only one reflection. Of course, it is possible to calculate the propagation path of the radio wave arriving via appropriate multiple reflections.
[0077]
Since the reflection of the radio wave is considered to be specular reflection, the radio wave intensity calculation display means 6 calculates the radio wave reception intensity at a predetermined place by using a linear propagation path connecting the access point and the reception place and a building layout diagram. Based on the CAD information, it is possible to calculate the propagation path of the radio wave arriving via one reflection.
[0078]
Once the propagation path of the radio wave is determined, the propagation distance of the radio wave can be calculated, and the propagation loss based on the calculated distance can be calculated.
[0079]
In addition, when a radio wave passes through an obstacle, a propagation loss due to transmittance can be calculated, and when a radio wave is reflected by an obstacle, a propagation loss due to the reflectance can be calculated.
[0080]
By performing such a radio wave propagation simulation for each point on the building layout drawing, the received radio wave intensity at each point on the building layout drawing including the wireless LAN installation location is calculated.
[0081]
In addition, since the intensity of the radio wave arriving from the access point is calculated by the above-described radio wave propagation simulation, the number of clients using each access point is also clarified. Then, the response time can be calculated for each client (FIG. 2: Step 160).
[0082]
The response time of each client is calculated by the response time calculation display means 7. Since the calculation of the response time is as described above, the duplicate description is omitted here.
[0083]
FIG. 7 illustrates the result of performing the above-described radio wave propagation simulation (FIG. 2: Step 170).
[0084]
Although not shown in FIG. 7, the radio field intensity decreases stepwise around the access point, and the stepwise radio field intensity can be displayed by, for example, a color. Further, in FIG. 7, the intensity of the radio wave is spread circumferentially around the access point. However, in reality, the intensity of the radio wave is often distorted due to reflection or the like.
[0085]
The display of the distribution of the radio wave intensity as described above is displayed by the radio wave intensity calculation and display means 6.
[0086]
As shown in FIG. 7, as a result of performing a radio wave propagation simulation, a certain client may not receive sufficient radio waves, and a certain client may receive radio waves from a plurality of access points overlapping each other. Clearly understand. It is necessary to adjust these imbalances in how radio waves arrive by an adjustment operation described later.
[0087]
Also, from the results of the radio wave propagation simulation shown in FIG. 7, it can be seen that the radio waves from some access points have reached the outside company area. In many cases, the outside area to which radio waves reach does not satisfy the security level condition of the area previously input. Therefore, it is necessary to improve this by an adjustment operation.
[0088]
Then, next, the work of adjusting the imbalance of the radio wave intensity is performed (FIG. 2: Step 180).
[0089]
FIG. 8 conceptually shows an adjustment method when radio waves interfere.
[0090]
As shown in FIG. 8, when radio waves of sufficient strength reach one client from two access points, those radio waves cause interference and damage accurate data.
[0091]
Thus, when radio waves interfere, only radio waves from one access point reach one client. One method is to increase the radio wave output intensity of one access point and lower the radio wave output intensity of the other access point so that the radio waves do not overlap each other, as shown in FIG.
[0092]
Another method is to move the access point so that one client can receive only radio waves from one access point.
[0093]
Yet another method is to avoid overlapping radio frequency bands used by the access points, that is, to select a channel that does not cause radio interference.
[0094]
The adjustment operation is performed using the radio wave output intensity input unit 8 and the access point client moving unit 9.
[0095]
FIG. 9 shows a diagram in which radio wave interference is adjusted.
[0096]
As shown in FIG. 9, the radio wave output intensity input means 8 of the present embodiment preferably brings up a radio wave output of the access point and a frequency band input box by moving a cursor close to each access point, so that the user can input the radio wave intensity. It can be so. When the user inputs a radio wave output, the above-described radio wave propagation simulation is automatically performed by the radio wave intensity calculation and display means 6, and a new radio wave intensity is displayed.
[0097]
Further, according to the access point client moving means 9, the access point is moved by so-called drag and drop, and the radio wave intensity distribution as a result of the movement is automatically calculated and displayed by the radio wave strength calculation display means 6.
[0098]
By adjusting the position of the access point, the radio wave output intensity, and the frequency band, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, all clients have sufficient radio wave intensity inside the wireless LAN installation target area, and In the area, it is possible to prevent the presence of radio waves enough to intercept data.
[0099]
If a radio wave having a strength capable of intercepting data arrives at the outside company area due to the arrangement of the client and the arrangement of the building, measures such as encryption can be taken.
[0100]
Further, the adjustment work may change the CAD data itself, for example, by moving a partition of a building. In this case, the process returns to the process of step 100 in FIG. 2 and the radio wave propagation simulation is performed again.
[0101]
If the entire area of the building layout including the wireless LAN installation target area satisfies the communication performance condition and the security level condition by the above adjustment work (FIG. 2: Step 190), the cost is estimated as necessary (FIG. 2: Step 190). FIG. 2: Step 200).
[0102]
Automatic cost estimation is performed by the cost estimation means 11 and the unit price table 12.
[0103]
FIG. 10 shows a screen for estimating the cost.
[0104]
As shown in FIG. 10, when the position and the number of the access points are determined, the cables are automatically routed based on the positional relationship with the PP rack (which can be input by the building layout input means 2). Note that the route of the cable is usually determined by a combination of vertical and horizontal, so that it can be easily determined. Cable routing can be done manually by the user. The cable length is automatically calculated from the cable route.
[0105]
When the cable length, the number of access points, and the number of hubs are determined in this manner, a cost estimation table is displayed as shown on the right side of the screen in FIG. , Costs are calculated and aggregated.
[0106]
When all of the above processing is completed, the wireless LAN design apparatus 1 ends the processing, stores the processing result, and can output it as needed.
[0107]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, in the design of the wireless LAN, the overall arrangement is made in consideration of the radio wave interference, the response and security at the client, and the mutual relationship between the access point and the client. It can be performed. Accordingly, it is possible to secure the communication performance of the target area where the wireless LAN is to be installed and to obtain a wireless LAN (arrangement, output, and frequency band of access points and clients) that simultaneously satisfies the security level of an area adjacent to the target area. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wireless LAN design apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the wireless LAN design apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a computer screen in which CAD information of a building layout drawing and radio wave transmittance / reflectance of structural elements and equipment are input.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing an example of a computer screen in which radio wave interference from outside and information on a radio wave interference device are input.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a computer screen on which an area communication performance condition and an area security level are input.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a computer screen on which an access point and a client are temporarily arranged.
FIG. 7 is an exemplary view showing an example of a computer screen on which a radio wave propagation simulation is performed based on the arrangement of the access point and the client provisionally placed in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view conceptually showing a method of avoiding radio wave interference.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a computer screen on which adjustment work such as avoiding radio wave interference and maintaining security for ensuring communication performance is performed.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a computer screen on which a cost is estimated.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Wireless LAN design equipment
2 Building layout drawing input means
3 Radio wave transmittance / reflectance input means
4 Access point client placement means
5 Communication performance condition input means
6 Signal strength calculation and display means
7 Response time calculation display means
8 Radio wave output intensity input means
9 Access point client transportation
10 Security level input means
11 Cost estimation means
12 Unit price table

Claims (7)

Means for inputting, on a computer screen, a building layout diagram of a place where a wireless LAN is to be installed;
Means for inputting a radio wave transmittance or a radio wave reflectance to an object that can be a radio wave propagation obstacle in the building layout drawing;
Means for placing an access point and a client on the building layout,
Means for dividing the area as necessary on the building layout map, and inputting a communication performance condition including a minimum radio field intensity and a minimum communicable speed,
Calculate the strength of radio waves from each access point at multiple points on the building layout drawing from the location of the access points and clients placed, and display the areas where the radio field strength does not reach the minimum radio field strength and the areas where radio waves interfere Means to
Means for calculating a response time of each client and highlighting a client that does not reach the minimum communicable speed. Means for inputting the respective radio wave output intensity to each access point on the building layout,
2. The wireless LAN design apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for moving an access point or a client on the building layout drawing. 2. The wireless LAN design apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for inputting a device that can cause radio wave interference or an external radio wave that can generate radio wave interference on the building layout drawing. Means for inputting, on a computer screen, a building layout drawing of a place where a wireless LAN is to be installed and a place around the place,
Means for inputting a radio wave transmittance or a radio wave reflectance to an object that can be a radio wave propagation obstacle in the building layout drawing;
Means for placing an access point and a client on the building layout,
Means for dividing the area as necessary on the building layout map, and inputting a communication performance condition including a minimum radio field intensity and a minimum communicable speed,
Means for dividing the area on the building layout map as necessary, and inputting the security level of each area;
From the arranged access points and clients, calculate the intensity of radio waves from each access point at a plurality of points on the building layout, display the range where the radio waves with the minimum radio intensity from each access point reach, Means for displaying an area where the intensity does not reach the minimum radio field intensity, an area where the radio wave interferes, and an area where the security level does not reach the required security level;
Means for calculating a response time of each client and highlighting a client that does not reach the minimum communicable speed. Means for inputting the respective radio wave output intensity to each access point on the building layout,
The wireless LAN design apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: means for moving an access point or a client on the building layout drawing. 5. The wireless LAN design apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising means for inputting a device that can cause radio wave interference or an external radio wave that can generate radio wave interference on the building layout drawing. The apparatus further comprises cost estimation means for inputting a rack position in the building layout drawing, calculating a cable length from the access point and the rack position, and referring to a unit price table to calculate a layout cost. Item 7. The wireless LAN designing device according to any one of Items 1 to 6.

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