TSB-162-B: Telecommunications Cabling Guidelines for Wireless Access Points

by

TSB-162-B “Telecommunications Cabling Guidelines for Wireless Access Points” was developed by the TIA TR‑42.1 Premises Telecommunications Infrastructure Subcommittee and published in February, 2021.

Scope: This TSB provides guidelines on the topology, design, installation, and testing of cabling systems intended to support wireless local area networks (WLANs), including the pathways and spaces to support the cabling and wireless access points (WAPs).

Significant changes from the previous edition include:

  • References updated to conform with the 2019 edition of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Standards Style Guide for Engineering Committees
  • Recommended configuration for link aggregation added to figures
  • Guidance for reduction of cable lengths due to elevated temperatures added

TSB-162-B Content:

  • Equipment Outlet Locations
  • Remote Antennas
  • Power Options
  • Cabling to Wireless Access Point
  • Pathways and Spaces
  • Administration and Labeling
  • Mounting and Installation
  • Performance and Testing Guidelines
  • Annex addressing Wireless Access Point Physical Security Options

TSB-162-B Equipment Outlet (EO) Placement:

It is recommended that a grid of square cells be used when designing coverage areas.  One or more equipment outlets (EOs) are placed at the center of each cell and equipment cords connnect the EOs to a wireless access point located anywhere within the same cell. The final placement of the WAP should be chosen to provide optimal coverage. The maximum length of the equipment cords is the distance from the EO to the corner of the cell.  It may be beneficial to offset the cells in the horizontal plane on alternating floors to afford better coverage.

TSB-162-B Typical Uniform Grid Size:

In many cases, a grid of square cells will be distributed uniformly throughout the building. Based on the typical coverage area of currently available wireless access points and common commercial building layouts, a pre-cabled grid with 18.3 m (60 ft) square cells is recommended. This results in a cell radius (R) of 13 m (42 ft).

.

Typical Uniform Grid Size:

Back to the FOTC TIA Standards Explorer