Wireless Capacity Planning: A Repeatable Methodology

Abstract. A step-by-step method for sizing wireless networks from application demand rather than floor area, including realistic per-AP throughput figures, airtime budgeting, and worked examples for open-plan offices, lecture theatres and warehouses.

Why coverage based design fails A coverage design answers "can the client hear the access point?". Every modern complaint is a capacity answer to a coverage question. Step 1 — Concurrent device count Environment Devices per person Concurrency Corporate office 2.5–3.0 60–70% Education (secondary) 1.5–2.0 80–90% Higher education lecture 2.0–2.5 90%+ Healthcare (clinical) 2.0–3.0 70% Warehouse 1.0–1.5 95% Conference / event 2.0–3.0 85% Step 2 — Application bandwidth budget Application Sustained per device Web, email, chat 1–2 Mbps Standard video conference 2–4 Mbps HD video conference 4–8 Mbps 4K streaming 25 Mbps VDI / remote desktop 2–5 Mbps Barcode / telemetry under 0.5 Mbps Step 3 —…