Even the simplest wireless network implementation can hit snags if you don't do some planning beforehand. For example, you might place the wireless access point in your corner office, too far away to get a great signal out on the patio and thereby dashing any plans you might have to work outdoors on beautiful spring days.
Although there are many techniques available for planning a wireless network, a good simple technique involves asking some common sense questions, such as the following:

• Who and what: Who'll be using the network and what they'll be doing on it? This isn't just a list of people, but a general idea of the kinds of applications they'll be using on the network.
  If you're working from home on a big project that requires Internet access, you might get bogged down if Johnny's playing a graphics-intensive networked game with three of his best friends. This may require more than one access point.
  The addition of a router may also be worth considering.
• Where: Where do you want to access the network? For most homes, one access point is enough to provide coverage in any room -- and even limited outdoor areas. However, very thick walls, maze-like hallways and staircases, and any metal obstructions, such as metal shelving and steel pillars, can obstruct broadcasts. If you have a separate building on your property in which you want to access the network, you may find yourself outside broadcast range while in that building, or at the very least with a weak signal.
  This may require more than one access point
• When: As in when users will be on the network. Even a small group of users performing bandwidth-intensive tasks all at the same time can bog a wireless network down.
  This may require more than one access point
• How: How packets are transmitted -- in the clear or encrypted? Encryption and other security measures add overhead to network connections, which can slow you down. Security is covered in Lesson 3.
• Print Servers and File Servers. These are very useful in making workload more manageable.
• Decide When to Expand
  Knowing when to expand your network is just as important as knowing how. A standard 11 Mbps wireless connection can usually handle the following kinds of network load:
  • 40-50 users that normally stay idle and don't do much beyond occasional e-mail
  • 20-25 who are moderately active, especially in uploading and downloading moderately sized files
  • Up to 10 power users who are constantly active on the network, using several applications, and/or transmitting large files across the network, such as large pictures, audio, video, or documents
  Although you may never bump up against any of these networking constraints in a typical home environment, you may need to add more access points if you run a home-based business.