1. Plan

A successful WiFi deployment starts with a detailed plan phase.

This phase begins with gathering initial specifications such as WiFi coverage, number of clients, types of devices and defining critical business applications.

Services available in the "Plan Phase" are WiFi consultancy, network and WiFi surveys.

Find out more

2. Design

Combining the initial customer specification and information gathered during planning we can start the consultative detailed design phase.

Coverage, capacity, applications, security are just some of the key elements taken into consideration for our designs while capturing the future aspirations of the network.

Find out more

3. Integrate

Experience is the key element to success when installing and integrating wireless networks and with nearly 15 years’ experience there isn't a lesson we haven’t learnt.

Our engineers are extensively trained in physical installations, working at height, health and safety and they have active involvement in continually improving our processes. We have performed installations across Europe in the most complex of environments from manufacturing plants, warehousing, corporate offices, high streets and shopping malls.

Find out more

4. Optimise

Validate the installed WiFi network against specifications and refine configurations for optimum performance.

Optimising ensures what was detailed in the planning and design phases have been delivered on. Taking the results from a validation survey and fine tuning adjustment as required.

Find out more

5. Maintain

Upon successful project completion it is time to maintain.

Maintenance ensures the ongoing performance and support required by networks. Maintenance services are tailored to each specific network and customer need.

Find out more

Demystifying Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) Index Values

So what are MCS values and how do you use the MCS value list?

The MCS index value list gives every combination of "number of spatial streams + modulation type + coding rate" that is possible. In practice the achievable MCS value will depend on a large number of variables, and it may be prudent to run your hardware at a lower MCS value on purpose in order to allow for adequate fade margin in your link. The MCS value will only tell you the 'over the air' data rate of a link and not tell you what the actual usable throughput will be. You will need to refer to the documentation of your hardware for this information.

MCS INDEX VALUE

This is the unique reference given to the combination of "number of spatial streams + modulation type + coding rate".

SPATIAL STREAMS

Using MiMo technology it is possible currently to run up to 4 spatial streams. Effectively it allows you to use the same area of frequency space to transmit and receive multiple streams of data. Eventually with later revisions of 802.11ac, this will be increased to 8 spatial streams.

MODULATION TYPE

Modulation is the method by which data is communicated through the air. The more complex the modulation, the higher the data rate. More complex modulations require better conditions such as less interference and a good line of sight.

CODING RATE

This is an indication of how much of the data stream is actually being used to transmit usable data. This is expressed as a fraction with the most efficient rate being 5/6 or 83.3% of the data stream being used.

GUARD INTERVAL

The Guard Interval (GI) is effectively a very short pause between packet transmission to allow for any false information to be ignored. Longer Guard Intervals make for more reliable wireless.

CHANNEL WIDTH

This is how much of the channel is being used, the maximum being 40MHz. The table only shows values for 20MHz and 40MHz, but other values may also be used, and the throughput can be calculated by using the shown values as a baseline. For example, a 10MHz channel will provide half the Data Rate of a 20MHz.

Topic

Educational

Make an Enquiry

WiFi Project Lifecycle

1. Plan

2. Design

3. Integrate

4. Optimise

5. Maintain

Demystifying Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) Index Values

So what are MCS values and how do you use the MCS value list?

MCS INDEX VALUE

SPATIAL STREAMS

MODULATION TYPE

CODING RATE

GUARD INTERVAL

CHANNEL WIDTH

15+

14k+

100K+

20k+

Head Office