Scenario-Based WLAN Planning Design For Warehouse

Enterprise WLAN Scenario-based Design
Warehouse scenario
Page 0 Copyright © 2023 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
Foreword
• With the rapid growth of the number of user terminals, Wi-Fi terminal access becomes more
and more common, especially the increasing application of AGV. Demands such as heavy
roaming and sensitive packet loss pose strong challenges to Wi-Fi network capabilities.
• Enterprise warehouse scenarios include high-shelf areas, low-shelf areas, and AGV areas.
Typical features of this scenario include low bandwidth requirements, high roaming, and
packet loss sensitivity.
• This document describes the service characteristics and requirements for WLAN in the
warehouse scenario, and the methods, principles, and precautions for high-level solution
design in the warehouse scenario.
Objectives
• After completing this course, you will be able to:
▫ Understand common service types and pain points in enterprise WLAN warehouse
scenarios.
▫ Have a good command of WLAN network planning methods in warehouse scenarios.
▫ Understand factors that affect WLAN network planning in warehouse scenarios.
▫ Have a good command of Huawei network construction standards in enterprise WLAN

warehouse scenarios.
Contents
1. Overview of Enterprise WLAN Warehouse Scenarios
2. Enterprise WLAN warehouse planning process
3. Huawei's WLAN Construction Standards for Warehouse Scenarios
4. Typical Cases of Enterprise WLAN Warehouse
Warehouse Scenario Overview
high shelf area low shelf area AGV area
• Space: The storey is generally high, and some of the storey is more than 10 meters high. Shelf height is different, and is
divided into high shelf area and low shelf area according to height.
• Obstacle: There are many blocks in the warehouse, mainly from the shelves and goods on the shelves, which will block
signals to a certain extent.
• Roaming: AGVs in the warehouse are highly mobile and have a large number of roaming times. The AGVs are sensitive to
packet loss and delay during roaming.
• Installation: Common installation methods of warehouses include ceiling, hanging rod, wall (bearing column), etc.
Service Characteristics of Warehouse
Scenarios
Common warehouse services AGV services
For example, code scanning, picking, and office After receiving the dispatching instruction, AGV
work. These services are mainly carried on trolley will automatically move to the shelf
code scanning guns, warehouse PCs, and where the corresponding articles are stored
tablets. according to the ground QR code coordinates,
lift the shelf, and then transport the shelf to the
position of the picker. After picking, AGV trolley
loads the shelves to the shelf area for storage.
Different service types have different requirements for enterprise WLAN.
Challenges in Warehouse Scenarios
warehouse AGV zone
• High warehouse layer • AGVs roam many small cars and are
• Shelf and goods are severely sensitive to packet loss.
blocked by signal. • The warehouse is high, and the
installation is restricted.
Contents
1. Warehouse Scenario Overview
2. Enterprise WLAN Warehouse Scenario Planning Process
4. Typical WLAN Design Case in Warehouse Scenarios
Network Planning and Design Process for
Warehouse Scenarios
Requirements collection
Site survey
Device model selection
Coverage design
Capacity design
Requirements Device model
Site Survey Coverage Design Capacity Design
Collection selection
Enterprise warehouse scenario requirements

Requirement Type Description
Verify that the drawings containing scale information are complete. Generally, the CAD drawings of
Drawing information
the customer's building can be obtained from the capital construction management office.
Determine the key coverage areas (such as the shelf area and AGV area) and common coverage areas
Coverage (such as stairs and toilets) required by the customer, and specify the areas that do not need to be
covered.
The customer may impose specific requirements for the signal field strength in coverage areas, for
Field strength
example, –40 dBm to –65 dBm in key areas and greater than –70 dBm in common areas.
Number of access STAs Determine the total number of access STAs in a coverage area.
Bandwidth Clarify with the customer about major service types and per-user bandwidth requirements.
Obstacle Collect materials and thickness of major obstacles, such as shelves and stacked goods.
Installation mode Determine the AP installation position and measure the storey height of the warehouse.
Shelf height Collect the height and distribution of shelves and the type of goods to be stacked.
Check whether the customer has specific requirements on the power supply mode and what power
Power distribution mode
supply facilities and areas are available onsite.
Interference sources Check whether there are interference sources such as Bluetooth devices and external Wi-Fi devices.
Site Survey Content in Warehouse Scenarios

Floor and Shelf Height Signal attenuation of shelf + cargo
Use a rangefinder or other methods to Test the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signal
measure the ceiling height and height attenuation caused by shelves full of goods
of different types of shelves.
special terminal Whether there is interference source
Use the CloudCampus APP or a sweep

Collect types of STAs and radio generator to locate and record
parameters on the live network, such as interference sources.
scanners and AGVs.
Signal Attenuation Caused by Common

Obstacles in Warehouse Scenarios
• The following table lists signal attenuation caused by common obstacles.
Obstacle Thickness (mm) 2.4 GHz Signal Attenuation (dB) 5 GHz Signal Attenuation (dB)
Common brick wall 120 10 20
Thick brick wall 240 15 25
Concrete 240 25 30
Asbestos 8 3 4
Foam materials 8 3 4
Hollow wood 20 2 3
Common wooden door 40 3 4
Solid wood door 40 10 15
Common glass 8 4 7
Thick glass 12 8 10
Armored glass 30 25 35
Bearing pillar 500 25 30
Shutter door 10 15 20
Steel plate 80 30 35
Elevator 80 30 35
Device Model Selection Factors

The number of spatial streams ranges from 4 to 16. An AP with more spatial streams supports higher throughput and
MIMO larger access capacity. Therefore, select APs with a proper number of spatial streams based on the application scenario
and access density.
Indoor APs support omnidirectional, directional, and smart antennas. Outdoor APs support omnidirectional and
directional antennas.
Antenna Indoor scenario: Smart antennas provide the best coverage effect. Therefore, APs with smart antennas are
recommended. Directional antennas are suitable for high installation scenarios. Omnidirectional antennas are suitable
for scenarios where the coverage area is small and the deployment is not dense.
The Wi-Fi transmit power is controlled by the country code and varies depending on the local regulations. When the
Maximum transmit power
transmit power gets closer to the specified upper limit, the transmitted signal is stronger and the coverage distance is
(combined power)
longer. For details, see the Country Codes and Channels Compliance in the product documentation.
A higher antenna gain indicates a stronger signal strength and longer coverage distance. Select APs with proper antenna
Antenna gain
gains based on site requirements.
The power supply mode is related to the deployment scenario. Currently, PoE power supply is used in most scenarios.
Power supply You can also use a power supply or use dual power supplies for backup. Pay attention to the AP's power consumption
and the power supply capability of PoE switches.
The Wi-Fi standard has evolved to the sixth generation, and each generation of the standard is compatible with earlier
Wi-Fi standard ones. The latest Wi-Fi 6 standard greatly improves the Wi-Fi speed and capacity, and achieves a four-fold increase in the
throughput and capacity. Therefore, Wi-Fi 6 APs are recommended.
As the Internet of Things (IoT) comes into widespread use, deploying an IoT network independently will cause repeated
Other features cabling, separate management and O&M, and high hardware and O&M investment. Therefore, it is recommended that
IoT scalability be considered when you select Wi-Fi APs.
... ...
Common APs in enterprise warehouse

scenarios
AP AirEngine6760-X1E AirEngine6760-X1 AirEngine6761-21E AirEngine6761 - 21 AirEngine5761-21 AirEngine5761 - 11
Image
AGV area with high AGV area with high

AGV areas with high AGV area with high AGV area with high
Recommended shelf, low shelf and AGV areas with high shelf shelf, low shelf and
shelf heights over 6
heights over 6 m
shelf, low shelf and shelf, low shelf and
Scenarios meters layer height below 6 layer height below 6
layer height below 6 m layer height below 6 m
m m
Installation T-rail and wall T-rail and wall Wall-mounting and Ceiling, hanging pole, and Ceiling, hanging pole, and Ceiling, hanging pole,
Mode mounting mounting hanging pole wall wall and wall
Dimensions 220mm×220mm×61m 220mm×220mm×61m

D x H: 220 mm x 53 mm D x H: 220 mm x 53 mm D x H: 220 mm x 50 mm
D x H: 220 mm x 50
m m mm
(D x W x H)
4 + 6 + Independent
4 + 6 + Independent
MIMO Scanning
Scanning 4+4 4+4 2+4 2+2
Built-in dual-band
Built-in dual-band Built-in dual-band Built-in dual-band
Antenna External antenna
omnidirectional antenna
External antenna
omnidirectional antenna omnidirectional antenna
omnidirectional
antenna
Maximum
39.9 W (excluding USB, 39.9 W (excluding USB,
power PoE_OUT) PoE_OUT)
22.6 W (excluding USB) 22.6 W (excluding USB) 17.9W (excluding USB) 15.3 W (excluding USB)
consumption
Smart antenna, USB, IOT, Smart antenna, IOT, USB, Smart Antenna, USB, Smart Antenna, USB,
Other Features USB, IOT, Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0
IOT, USB, Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.0
Commonly Antennas in Warehouse

Scenarios
• The following antennas and auxiliary materials are applicable to the AirEngine 6760-X1E.
Antenna Part Number 27013720 27013718
External Model ANTDG0808D4NR ANTDG1316D4NR
Antenna Type Directional Directional
Radios 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
Gain (dBi) 8/8 13/16
Horizontal (Degree) 70/70 33/18
Beamwidth
Vertical (Degree) 70/70 33/18
Dimensions (H x W x D) 40 mm x 220 mm x 220 mm 33 mm x 380 mm x 380 mm
4 x Type N female connector 4 x Type N female connector (dual-
Connector Type (dual-polarized) polarized)
• Auxiliary materials
Part Number Material Remarks

04133329 Feeder 0.5 m and other lengths; connector type: RP-SMA-J, N-J
27110089 Load
Coverage Design
Improper location, signal penetration shelf coverage Reasonable location and no signal penetration through
the shelf
1.The shelf structure and types of items are complex, and signal penetration is not considered.
2.Focus on ensuring the coverage of the AGV trolley operation area.
3.APs are independently deployed at intersections or corners to ensure signal coverage continuity and
roaming experience.
4.The AP is installed at least 3 meters away from the bearing column.
Coverage Distances of Common APs and

Antennas
• Omnidirectional AP (Wi-Fi 6)
▫ The AP can be installed on the ceiling (recommended) or on the wall (the installation height is about 3 m).
▫ The warehouse is an open scenario. Considering the edge scenario -65 dBm, the maximum coverage distance of 2.4
GHz omnidirectional antennas is 35 m, and the maximum coverage distance of 5 GHz antennas is 25 m.
▫ Factors such as obstacles and the number of access terminals must be considered for site deployment in each sub-
scenario. For details about the deployment distance, see the network construction standards in the next section.
▫ When installing the AP on a wall, consider whether the signals at the rear of the AP are blocked by the bearing
column or wall.
• APs with external directional antennas (AirEngine6760-X1E and AirEngine6761-21E)

▫ 27013720: directional antenna, used in the AGV area with a layer height of more than 6 m. The antenna is vertically
downwardly covered. The recommended installation height is 6 m to 12 m and the coverage radius is 10 m to 15 m.
▫ 27013718: directional antenna, horizontally facing the aisle between shelves, directional coverage, recommended
installation height of 3 m to 5 m, and coverage length of 70 m
Common Services and Average Bandwidth in

Warehouse Scenarios
Single-Service Baseline Rate (Mbps) Proportion of Services in Warehouse Scenarios
Service Type
Excellent Good Shelf AGV Area
AGV 0.512 0.256 0% 50%

Code Scanning GUN 0.512 0.256 70% 20%
Web Browsing 8 4 10% 10%
Instant messaging 0.512 0.256 10% 10%
VoIP (voice) 0.256 0.128 10% 10%
Average bandwidth in each scenario (Mbps)/Excellent 2 2
If the bandwidth requirement in a specific scenario is not specified, evaluate the required bandwidth based on the table above.
The average bandwidth required in different scenarios is the sum of the single-service baseline rates of different service types multiplied
by their proportions.
Number of Concurrent STAs Supported by a

Single AP
• The number of concurrent STAs supported by an AP is used to calculate the number of APs required to
meet the capacity requirement while meeting the coverage requirement.
Maximum Number of Concurrent STAs Supported by Dual-Band APs (Assuming that All STAs Support Wi-Fi 6
and Dual Spatial Streams)
STA Access Maximum Number of Maximum Number of Maximum Number of
No.
Bandwidth Concurrent STAs (Single-Radio) Concurrent STAs (Dual-Radio) Concurrent STAs (Triple-Radio)
1 2 Mbps 56 85 141
2 4 Mbps 39 56 95
3 6 Mbps 27 38 65
4 8 Mbps 21 30 51
5 16 Mbps 12 18 30
The preceding table lists the specifications of a dual-band AP (Wi-Fi 6, HE40).
For example, 200 STAs are connected to the network, with the concurrency rate of 30%. That is, only 60 STAs run
services concurrently. When both APs and STAs comply with Wi-Fi 6, a single STA requires 8 Mbps bandwidth and
a dual-band AP (4x4 MIMO) supports concurrent access of 30 STAs (2x2 MIMO). Therefore, two APs are required
to meet the capacity requirement.
Contents
Sub-scenarios included in the network
construction standards
High Shelf low shelf AGV
Network Construction Standards for High-
Shelf Scenarios
Scenario Description Network Construction Standards
1. Service type: 1. Experience rate: 100 Mbit/s; endurance rate: 2 Mbit/s.

• Use the PDA scanner to scan the 2. Capacity KPI:
bar code. • Number of STAs on a single AP: 50
2. Service characteristics: • Concurrency rate: 50%
• Low bandwidth and high roaming. 3. Coverage KPI: RSSI @ 95% area ≥ –65 dBm
3. Layer height: 4. Stable KPIs:

• 3 - 12 m. • Roaming latency: < 20 ms & packet loss rate <0.1%
5. Access KPI: The average 802.1X access duration <3s
6. Roaming KPIs:
• The roaming success rate is greater than 97%.
• The average roaming delay is less than 100 ms.
• Roaming packet loss rate < 1%.
One scenario, one policy

Scheme aesthetics Capacity Coverage Recommended AP Type Installation Mode Network Planning Solution
Ceiling or hanging
A Low Low High Omnidirectional AP Layer height 3-12 m: AP45 m evenly spaced
rod
The AP and antenna are installed at both ends of

AirEngine 6761-21E or Wall or hanging the aisle, facing the aisle. It is recommended that
B Low Low High AirEngine 6760-X1E +
pole the AP and antenna be installed 3 to 5 m high and
Directional Antenna
the coverage distance be 70 m.
Network Planning Solution for High-Shelf
Scenarios
AirEngine6761-21E AirEngine6761-21E AirEngine6760-X1E
70 m 70 m 70 m 70 m 70 m 70 m
45 m
45 m
70 m 70 m 70 m 70 m 70 m 70 m
shelf
shelf
AirEngine6761-21E AirEngine6761-21E AirEngine6760-X1E
Network Planning and Deployment Suggestions
• Use built-in omnidirectional antennas (recommended) to cover the AP ceiling. The AP height is less than 12 m. The AP spacing in a single channel is 45 m.
• Install APs with external directional antennas at both ends of the aisle. It is recommended that the APs be installed at a height of 3 to 5 m. There are three solutions:
1. AirEngine6761-21E and one directional antenna (27013718) cover one channel with a coverage distance of 70 m.
2. AirEngine6761-21E + 2 directional antennas (27013718). Each antenna covers one channel with a coverage distance of 70 m. Each antenna uses only two antennas.
3. AirEngine6761-X1E + two directional antennas (27013718), each of which covers one channel, with a coverage distance of 70 m.
Standard for Network Construction in Low
Shelf Scenarios

• Use the PDA scanner to scan the bar 2. Capacity KPI:
code. • Number of STAs on a single AP: 50
• Low bandwidth and high roaming. 3. Coverage KPI: RSSI @ 95% area ≥ –65 dBm
3. Layer height: 4. Stable KPIs:

• The floor height is 3-12 meters, and • Roaming latency: < 20 ms & packet loss rate
<0.1%
the shelf height is about 2 meters.
5. Access KPI: The average 802.1X access duration <3s
6. Roaming KPIs:

Aestheti Capaci Coverag Recommended AP Installation
Scenario Network Planning Solution
cs ty e Model Mode
low shelf Built-in omnidirectional Ceiling or Layer height: 3 to 12 m: AP30 m equal

Low Low High
area antenna AP lifting rod triangle layout
Network Planning Solution for Low Shelf
Scenarios
30 m
30 m 30 m
The warehouse layer is 3–12 m high, the shelf height is about 2 m, and the built-
in omnidirectional antenna is used for AP ceiling coverage. The APs are spaced 30
m at equal intervals and are deployed in equal triangles.
Network Construction Standards in AGV
Scenarios
• AGV trolley data transmission. 2. Capacity KPI:

• Number of STAs on a single AP: 50
• Low bandwidth, high roaming, and 3. Coverage KPI: RSSI @ 95% area ≥ –65 dBm
sensitive packet loss. 4. Stable KPIs:
AGV Warehouse 3. Layer height: • Roaming latency: < 20 ms & packet loss rate <0.1%
• 3 - 12 m. 5. Access KPI: The average 802.1X access duration <3s
6. Roaming KPIs:
Aesthetic Capac Cover Recommended AP

Scenario Installation Mode Network Planning Solution
s ity age Model
Built-in omnidirectional The spacing is about 20 to 25

AP height ≤ 6 m Low Low High ceiling
antenna AP meters.
AGV trolley work AirEngine6761-21E+

AP height 6-12 The spacing is about 20 to 25
meters Low Low High Directional 70° Angle Ceiling or hanging rod meters.
Page 25 Copyright © 2023 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. Antenna
AGV Network Planning Solution
20 ~ 25 m 20 ~ 25 m
20 ~ 25 m 20 ~ 25 m 20 ~ 25 m 20 ~ 25 m
The AP is mounted at a height of less than 6 m. AP height 6-12m
• AP height: ≤ 6 m; built-in omnidirectional antennas are used to cover APs. APs are deployed in equal triangles with
spacing of 20 m to 25 m.
• The AP is installed 6 to 12 meters high. The AirEngine6761-21E and directional antenna (27013720) are used for
ceiling coverage. The APs are deployed in equal triangles and the spacing is 20 to 25 meters.
Contents
WLAN Design Case in Warehouse Scenarios
• Building drawing of a company's warehouse area
High shelf
area
Low shelf
area
Project Requirements
• The requirements collected from communication with customers are as follows:
Requirement Type Result
The coverage area is the shelf area of a warehouse, about 150 m x 100 m. The ceiling height
Coverage
of the warehouse is 14 m.
Field strength Ensure that the major coverage area can receive signals.
Number of access STAs About 40 barcode scanners
Bandwidth 256 kbps for ach access user to scan QR codes normally
Coverage mode Indoor settled AP
Power supply mode PoE power supply
Switch position The switch is placed in the ELV room in the warehouse area.
Network Planning Tool
Using the WLAN Planner (at https://serviceturbo-cloud-cn.huawei.com), import the drawing and plan
the network.
Obstacle Drawing
After you create a project, import a drawing, and set the scale, draw obstacles based on the collected
wall materials. Multiple types of common walls are preset on WLAN Planner. In the figure above, the
purple lines indicate metal walls.
AP Position Planning
After drawing obstacles, you can deploy APs based on the corresponding network construction
standards. The preceding figure shows the deployment result.
Simulation and Rendering
After the deployment is complete, you can use the tool to view the simulation effect diagram. The effect diagram
shows the signal coverage status, which needs to meet the customer's signal coverage requirements.
Quiz
1. Which of the following statements about warehouse scenarios are correct? ()
A. The warehouse scenario has high requirements on bandwidth.
B. The warehouse scenario has high requirements on roaming.
C. The warehouse scenario has high requirements on packet loss.
Summary
• 1. Typical Service Types and Challenges in Enterprise WLAN Warehouse Scenarios
• 2. Network planning process in the enterprise WLAN warehouse scenario
• 3. Huawei Network Construction Standards and Planning Principles in the Enterprise WLAN
Warehouse Scenario
• 4. Network Planning Cases in Warehouse Scenarios
Thank You
www.huawei.com

Scenario-Based WLAN Planning Design For Warehouse

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Enterprise WLAN Scenario-based Design

▫ Have a good command of WLAN network planning methods in warehouse scenarios.

▫ Understand factors that affect WLAN network planning in warehouse scenarios.

▫ Have a good command of Huawei network construction standards in enterprise WLAN

2. Enterprise WLAN warehouse planning process

3. Huawei's WLAN Construction Standards for Warehouse Scenarios

4. Typical Cases of Enterprise WLAN Warehouse

high shelf area low shelf area AGV area

Common warehouse services AGV services

Different service types have different requirements for enterprise WLAN.

3. Huawei's WLAN Construction Standards for Warehouse Scenarios

4. Typical WLAN Design Case in Warehouse Scenarios

Device model selection

Enterprise warehouse scenario requirements

Site Survey Content in Warehouse Scenarios

Use the CloudCampus APP or a sweep

Signal Attenuation Caused by Common

Device Model Selection Factors

Common APs in enterprise warehouse

AGV area with high AGV area with high

Dimensions 220mm×220mm×61m 220mm×220mm×61m

Commonly Antennas in Warehouse

Part Number Material Remarks

Coverage Distances of Common APs and

• APs with external directional antennas (AirEngine6760-X1E and AirEngine6761-21E)

Common Services and Average Bandwidth in

AGV 0.512 0.256 0% 50%

Number of Concurrent STAs Supported by a

2. Enterprise WLAN warehouse planning process

3. Huawei's WLAN Construction Standards for Warehouse Scenarios

4. Typical Cases of Enterprise WLAN Warehouse

High Shelf low shelf AGV

1. Service type: 1. Experience rate: 100 Mbit/s; endurance rate: 2 Mbit/s.

3. Layer height: 4. Stable KPIs:

One scenario, one policy

The AP and antenna are installed at both ends of

AirEngine6761-21E AirEngine6761-21E AirEngine6760-X1E

Network Planning and Deployment Suggestions

1. Service type: 1. Experience rate: 100 Mbit/s; endurance rate: 2 Mbit/s.

3. Layer height: 4. Stable KPIs:

One scenario, one policy

low shelf Built-in omnidirectional Ceiling or Layer height: 3 to 12 m: AP30 m equal

Network Planning and Deployment Suggestions

1. Service type: 1. Experience rate: 100 Mbit/s; endurance rate: 2 Mbit/s.

• AGV trolley data transmission. 2. Capacity KPI:

sensitive packet loss. 4. Stable KPIs:

• 3 - 12 m. 5. Access KPI: The average 802.1X access duration <3s

Aesthetic Capac Cover Recommended AP

Built-in omnidirectional The spacing is about 20 to 25

AGV trolley work AirEngine6761-21E+

The AP is mounted at a height of less than 6 m. AP height 6-12m

Network Planning and Deployment Suggestions

2. Enterprise WLAN warehouse planning process

3. Huawei's WLAN Construction Standards for Warehouse Scenarios

4. Typical Cases of Enterprise WLAN Warehouse

Requirement Type Result

Number of access STAs About 40 barcode scanners

Coverage mode Indoor settled AP

Power supply mode PoE power supply

A. The warehouse scenario has high requirements on bandwidth.

B. The warehouse scenario has high requirements on roaming.

C. The warehouse scenario has high requirements on packet loss.