UK warehouses and distribution centres depend on handheld barcode/RFID scanners, WMS apps and VoIP/DECT for operations. This guide covers Wi-Fi site surveys, heatmaps, correct AP placement, roaming optimisation, 2.4/5/6 GHz planning, interference control, VLANs and QoS — so scans post first time, every time.
Key takeaways
- Professional survey & heatmaps to place APs for aisles, mezzanines and loading bays.
- Roaming tuned for scanners (min-RSSI, sticky client mitigation, fast roaming).
- Channel & power planning to avoid co-channel/adjacent interference and reflections.
- VLANs & QoS for WMS/VoIP traffic; guest devices isolated with bandwidth caps.
- Rugged APs and antenna options for high racking and long aisles.
Survey, heatmaps & AP placement
We walk the site to map racking heights, aisle widths, reflective surfaces and RF obstacles. Heatmaps model signal and roaming. APs are mounted for down-aisle coverage; directional antennas reduce spill and improve cell edges.
Roaming that scanners can trust
- Set minimum RSSI thresholds to prevent sticky clients.
- Enable 802.11k/v/r where supported for faster transitions.
- Consistent SSID & security across APs; avoid per-area SSIDs.
2.4/5/6 GHz planning & interference control
- Use 5 GHz for most scanners; reserve 2.4 only where device support requires it.
- Fixed channels & power (no auto-everything) to avoid flapping cells.
- Account for machinery EMI, freezers and metal racking reflections.
Segmentation, security & QoS
- VLANs/SSIDs separate scanners/WMS, staff, guests and IoT.
- WPA3 where supported; strong authentication for staff SSIDs; client isolation for guests.
- QoS prioritises WMS/VoIP over bulk data and updates.
Related guides
Recently asked questions
Why do scanners drop off at the end of aisles?
Usually cell edge issues and reflections. Directional antennas and proper Tx power balance keep RSSI above roaming thresholds.
Do we need 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E) for warehouses?
Not required, but helpful in RF-dense sites. Most scanners still rely on 5 GHz; we design for device capability first.
Can guest/staff phones slow scanners?
Not if we segment VLANs and apply QoS. Guest SSIDs get caps and client isolation so WMS traffic stays priority.
How do we prove coverage before we buy?
We provide predictive heatmaps and (optionally) an on-site AP pilot so you can test roaming with your scanners.