Welch Allyn Acuity LT Mobile - Installation Guide - Manual (Page 40)

36 Chapter 4 Install the system Welch Allyn Wireless Acuity LT Central Monitoring System
Received signal strength indication (RSSI) check
This procedure checks the effectiveness of network coverage for the wireless Acuity LT
System as it is currently installed in your facility.
Network radio signal strength for a patient monitor is measured with a parameter called
received signal strength indication (RSSI). A monitor’s RSSI is displayed in its Network
Status service screen.
An RSSI value depends on these two things:
• The distance between the monitor and the AP to which it is connected
• Any obstructions between the monitor and the AP
In general, as a monitor is moved away from the AP to which it is connected, the RSSI
value increases (indicating less signal strength).
For effective network communications with minimal dropout and disruption, the RSSI for
any wireless monitor should be 50 or less. An RSSI varies slightly between wireless
monitors, depending on the characteristics of the antenna and radio circuitry in the
monitors.
In a properly working system, a patient monitor maintains connection with the wireless
Acuity LT System as the monitor moves throughout the facility. Monitors should transition
from a more distant AP to a closer AP without any detectable change in the patient data
display on the Acuity LT Central Station display.
To read a patient monitor’s RSSI value
1. Make sure that the wireless Acuity LT System is operating properly, as defined by the
final system check through Step 17 on
page 35 .
2. Make sure that all APs are properly positioned in their desired locations.
For best overall signal reception, verify that the SD antenna is oriented horizontally at
the ceiling, and the whip antenna is oriented vertically on the AP.
3. Make sure a single wireless monitor is powered on and connected to the Acuity LT
System.