Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Installing a Mainstream Wi-Fi Network 

Document Information 

Title	SOP for Installing a Mainstream Wi-Fi Network
Version	1.0
Date	21st November 2023
Owner	Tuso Business Dynamics
Audience	Network Engineers, IT Support Teams, and Installation Technicians

 

1. Purpose 

This SOP provides standardized guidelines for the installation and configuration of a high-performance Wi-Fi network leveraging IEEE Wi-Fi 6 standards, ensuring seamless connectivity, scalability, and secure operations. It covers hardware setup, network configuration, and labeling standards while addressing data throughput, Power over Ethernet (PoE) requirements, and internet provisioning using Starlink or APN connections. 

2. Scope 

This SOP applies to all facilities requiring a robust, high-speed wireless network, supporting handover capabilities, high-speed connectivity for access points, cameras, and other devices powered via PoE, and scalability using managed and distribution switches. 

3. Prerequisites 

1. Hardware:

• – Wi-Fi 6-compliant Access Points (APs) 

• – Managed Layer 2/3 Network Switches 

• – Distribution Switches with PoE support 

• – Cat 6a or Cat 7 UTP Cables 

• – Router (e.g., Teltonika RUTX11) 

• – Starlink or APN Modem/Router 

• – 6U Network Cabinet 

• – PVC Trunking and Conduit Pipes 

•  -Labelling Equipment (e.g., thermal label printer) 

•  -Cable Tester 

2. Software:

• – Network management tools (e.g., Zabbix) 

• – Access Point Controller Software (if applicable) 

3. Personnel:

• – Certified network engineers familiar with IEEE standards 

• – Trained IT support personnel 

4. Procedures 

Step	Details
Hardware Setup	Connect the router to a core switch using a 1Gbps or 10 Gbps Ethernet port depending on the port capacity. Ensure distribution switches use fiber optic or Cat 6a cables for high throughput.
Access Points	Deploy Wi-Fi 6 compliant access points. Use PoE+ or PoE++ capable ports for power and connectivity.
Configuration	Set up VLANs, enable seamless roaming using 802.11r and 802.11k standards, and configure SSIDs.
Security	Implement WPA3 encryption, configure firewalls, and ensure firmware updates.

4.1. Hardware Setup 

1. Router to Core Switch Connection:

• – Use a high-speed 1Gbps or 10 Gbps Ethernet port to connect the router to the managed core switch depending on the capacity of the switch. 

2. Core Switch to Distribution Switch Connection:

• – Connect using fiber optic cables or Cat 6/Cat 6a UTP cables supporting up to 1 Gbps – 10 Gbps throughput over short distances. 

• – Label the ports: e.g., ‘CORE-SW01-01-F’ for Fiber or ‘CORE-SW01-01-C6A’ for Cat 6. 

3. Access Points:

• – Connect Wi-Fi 6 APs to the switches using PoE+ (802.3at) or PoE++ (802.3bt) capable ports. 

• – Use shielded Cat 6a cables for distances up to 100 meters to ensure low latency and high throughput. 

 

4. Cables and Interference Avoidance:

• Cat 6 or Cat 6a UTP cables for indoor installations. 

• Shielded Cat 6/Cat 6a for outdoor runs to avoid electromagnetic interference (EMI). 

• Use UTP cables that support Power over Ethernet (PoE) for powering devices. 

• Use shielded cables in EMI-prone areas. 

• Ensure a minimum distance of 12 inches between cables and electrical lines. 

• Avoid placing APs near sources of EMI, such as microwaves or heavy machinery. 

 

1. Enclosures and Cable Management: 

• 6U network cabinets for indoor installations. 

• PVC trunking for indoor cable runs. 

• PVC conduit pipes for outdoor installations. 

 

4.2. Network Configuration 

• – VLAN Setup: Configure VLANs to segment traffic for APs, cameras, and end-user devices. 

• – SSID Configuration: Enable seamless roaming using 802.11r (Fast Roaming) and 802.11k (Neighbor Reports). 

• – IP Addressing: Use DHCP for end-user devices with static reservations for APs and switches. 

4.3. Security Protocols 

• – Access Control: Implement WPA3 encryption for SSID security. 

• – Firewall Rules: Configure firewall rules to isolate guest traffic from internal resources. 

• – Network Monitoring: Use SNMP and network monitoring tools to track performance and uptime. 

• – Firmware Updates: Regularly update firmware for routers, switches, and APs. 

4.4. Internet Provisioning 

• – Starlink: Position the dish with a clear view of the sky. 

• – APN: Connect the modem to the secondary WAN port. 

• – Failover Configuration: Configure automatic failover between Starlink and APN. 

4.5. Labeling and Documentation 

• – Label all cables and ports (e.g., CORE-SW01-01). 

• – Maintain a detailed port mapping document. 

4.6. Testing and Validation 

• – Verify connectivity at all endpoints. 

• – Measure throughput at each AP using tools like iPerf. 

• – Confirm seamless device handover between APs. 

 

 

 

5. Responsibilities 

Role	Responsibilities
Network Engineer	Leads setup and configuration.
IT Support Team	Assists with installation and testing.
Project Manager	Ensures adherence to timelines and scope.

 

6. References 

– IEEE 802.11ax Standard (Wi-Fi 6) 

– IEEE 802.3at/bt PoE Standards 

– Manufacturer Manuals for Routers, Switches, and APs 

 

7. Revision History 

Version	Date	Description	Author
1.0	21st November 2024	Initial Draft	Allan Makunku  Akamunwa Musole
1.1	4th November 2024	Revised	Allan Makunku  Akamunwa Musole

 

 

Post-Installation Verification Checklist for Wi-Fi Network Deployment 

This checklist is based on the ‘Wi-Fi Network Setup SOP for Installers.’ The checklist ensures a systematic verification of all installation and configuration steps. 

Document Information 

Title	Network installation checklist
Version	1.0
Date	21st November 2023
Owner	Tuso Business Dynamics
Audience	Network Engineers, IT Support Teams, and Installation Technicians

 

1. Equipment Verification 

Item	Status	Comments
Access Points (Wi-Fi 6 compliant) installed securely	✅ / ❌
Network cabinet (6U) installed and organized	✅ / ❌
Proper labeling of ports, cables, and hardware	✅ / ❌
Router (e.g., Teltonika RUTX11) securely mounted and operational	✅ / ❌
Cable installation avoids interference sources (e.g., EMI)	✅ / ❌
Shielded Cat 6a cables used for specified runs	✅ / ❌
PoE functionality confirmed for all APs and cameras	✅ / ❌

2. Software and Configuration 

Item	Status	Comments
VLANs configured for traffic segmentation	✅ / ❌
SSIDs configured with WPA3 encryption	✅ / ❌
Seamless roaming enabled (802.11r, 802.11k)	✅ / ❌
DHCP configured with static reservations for critical devices	✅ / ❌
Firewall rules implemented for guest network isolation	✅ / ❌
Firmware updated for all devices (routers, switches, APs)	✅ / ❌

 

 

3. Network Testing 

Test	Status	Results
Connectivity to the internet from all endpoints	✅ / ❌
Throughput measured at each AP using tools like iPerf	✅ / ❌
Device handover tested between APs	✅ / ❌
SNMP monitoring enabled and visible in Zabbix	✅ / ❌

4. Internet Provisioning 

Item	Status	Comments
Starlink dish installed with clear sky view	✅ / ❌
APN modem/router connectivity verified	✅ / ❌
Failover configuration between Starlink and APN tested	✅ / ❌

5. User Feedback 

Aspect	Feedback	Comments
System usability and reliability	Satisfactory / Needs Improvement
Performance during peak usage	Satisfactory / Needs Improvement
Training provided to IT personnel on system usage	Satisfactory / Needs Improvement

6. Documentation 

Item	Status	Comments
Port mapping document updated	✅ / ❌
Labeling records completed	✅ / ❌
Training and reference materials provided to on-site teams	✅ / ❌