Unleashing Seamless Charging Experiences with WiFi 6 in a Well-Connected Garage

Zyxel_May

German Residential Building Complex

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“Thanks to the support of Zyxel Networks, the planning effort was significantly reduced. With a cost framework acceptable to the owners, it was possible to establish both WLAN and a charging infrastructure that fully meets all requirements. Moreover, the underground car park is equipped with WLAN telephony, providing residents with added comfort and security.”

Thorsten Bien
General Manager and System Engineer
Bien Network GmbH

Summary

To accommodate the increasing number of hybrid and electric vehicle owners, the residential building’s owner expanded the power supply line and installed charging stations for over half of the underground parking spaces. However, ensuring a seamless charging process required more than just power. It’s necessary to have a reliable internet connection to monitor and control the charging stations. Unfortunately, the garage's isolated location presented an unexpected obstacle—the lack of a mobile phone signal. Despite considering a mobile phone amplification system, budget constraints made it impractical. As a result, we devised a plan to establish an area-wide WLAN network. Deploying this network posed significant challenges. The low ceiling height limited the WLAN signal range, and the garage's angular layout required careful placement of APs to avoid damage from taller vehicles. Additionally, the signals were interfered with and blocked by the presence of parked vehicles. Striking a balance in the number of APs was crucial to avoid excessive interference. Bien Networks, responsible for this project, conducted careful planning and measurements and decided to use Zyxel’s Nebula solution along with 21 NWA55AXE WiFi 6 APs and GS1920-8EP switches for a robust WLAN network. Nebula allows the IT service company to see the AP’s status via the cloud, providing simplified network management. The switches were strategically positioned for efficient signal distribution and power supply, overcoming the 100-meter range limit. Compact switch housings on the ceiling maintained an unobtrusive appearance compared to traditional cable routes. The successful deployment now provides residents with effortless charging experiences and the convenience of a well-connected garage.

Challenges

• Ensure reliable WiFi connectivity in the concrete building
• Overcome structural limitation and vehicle interference to optimize signal strength
• Strike a balance in the number of access points to avoid excessive interference

Benefits

• Seamless and interference-free connectivity, enhancing charging experiences
• Sleek and unobtrusive installation minimizes visual impact
• Simplified network management and user connections for enhanced convenience

Products used

NWA55AXE WiFi 6 Outdoor Access Point

GS1915-8EP Smart Managed PoE Switch

More Information

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