D--TAC 652 Veterans Guest Internet Access

The purpose of this amendment is to provide answers to questions posed by interested parties. 1) Do most facilities use all three WiFi channels in 2.4GHz: 1, 6 and 11? Both Cisco and Aruba do automatic and dynamic channel selection based on load distribution and interference mitigation. The guest WiFi would have great impact to that, although it's very doubtful that they use more than a fraction of the available total capacity in the 2.4GHz channels. ANSWER: Yes, it is standard practice to assign all three US non-overlapping 2.4 GHz channels (1, 6, and 11) for Dynamic Channel Assignment. 2) Do any/most facilities also use 5.8GHz (11a/n)? If so, is most WiFi traffic in this band? ANSWER: The Design does include the 5.8 GHz band as well (802.11a), this is currently set aside for our Voice and Video applications. Given new technologies with RRM and interference avoidance, it is probable that all sites will begin to make use of dual band systems 3) Are there any required RF signal field strength limitations imposed by VA for 2.4 or 5.8GHz? This would be microvolts per cubic meter, much as in the FCC regulations for health and safety, but also applied to medical device impacts, e.g., in the CCU ward for wireless telemetry devices (which do not operate in WiFi/ISM bands). ANSWER: The Government is not aware of any but is checking with the Biomedical community. 4) Likewise, are there any required RF signal transmission duty cycle limitations imposed by VA for 2.4 or 5.8GHz? This would be in percent, or be mandated use of frequency hopping as is the case for 900MHz (n/a here). ANSWER: The Government is not aware of any but is checking with the Biomedical community. 5) Are there fire code regulations for devices below/outside the plenum space, e.g., ceiling mounted access points? In-plenum devices have common code requirements. ANSWER: The National Wireless Project makes standard practice of installing below plenum spaces (i.e. below ceiling installations). However, there are specific guidelines for Elevator, Stairwell, and Mental Health areas which take into account Life Safety, Fire Code, Patient Safety, and JCAHO requirements.