Software Planning Tools

Two new software tools for WLAN projects, announced by Belden for its Hirschmann product range, BAT-Planner and BT-Planner pro aid planning of industry-grade networks and help configure the necessary components. Downloadable free of charge, they are compatible with all Windows operating systems. The BAT-Planner is intended for end users who lack WLAN knowledge but would nevertheless like to create a list of the Hirschmann components required for their particular solution. Building on BAT-Planner, and intended for WLAN specialists, BAT-Planner pro provides additional features. The BAT-Planner aids in the outline planning of WLAN networks. The specific site conditions can be imported in the form of maps. This is followed by the creation of plans for infrastructure networks and wireless distribution systems (WDS). The result of this process is a materials list containing all the active and passive components from Hirschmann's BAT range (such as access points, clients, antennas and cables) that are required to implement the network. The tool enables end customers to familiarize themselves with the planning of WLAN networks while also obtaining information about the costs of the required material. BAT-Planner pro was developed for the second phase of professional project planning. It permits system integrators, distributors and IT service providers, as well as Belden's WLAN sales partners, to take the customer's outline planning as input and gradually refine it until the final design for the WLAN network is complete. Features include the creation of 3D views and site surveys. In addition to material lists, comprehensive installation instructions and configuration data for active BAT components is also available. The results of the planning process are documented in the form of a detailed network report.