Building Managed Wi-Fi Network in Unheated Warehouse Using MikroTik CAPsMAN

Project Description:

The client company operates a warehouse without centralized heating where stable Wi-Fi access was needed for data collection terminals (DCT), staff mobile devices, laptops, tablets, and internal accounting services. Main challenges of the facility: significant temperature fluctuations, large warehouse area with metal structures, need for centralized management, and limited IT personnel.

Initial Conditions and Tasks:

• Unheated warehouse premises with temperature fluctuations down to -15°C in winter
• Large warehouse area with metal racks and radio signal obstacles
• Need for stable Wi-Fi for data collection terminals, mobile devices, and warehouse systems
• Requirement for centralized management and minimized downtime
• Limited IT personnel available on-site for maintenance

Chosen Solution:

MikroTik equipment with CAPsMAN (Controlled Access Point system Manager) technology was selected for building the Wi-Fi network. CAPsMAN enables centralized management of the entire wireless network from a single controller, which is critical for warehouse facilities.

Solution Architecture:

• MikroTik Access Points: Industrial/semi-industrial access points suitable for low-temperature operation. Power over PoE for simplified installation.
• CAPsMAN as Centralized Controller: Single management center for Wi-Fi network with centralized SSID configuration, security settings, radio interface parameters, channel and power management.
• Optimal Placement: Access points positioned considering metal racks and areas with increased signal shading.

Key Advantages of CAPsMAN for Unheated Warehouse:

• Centralized Management: All access points managed from single device, quick changes without stopping warehouse operations
• Stable Operation in Challenging Conditions: Fine-tuned power and channel settings to minimize interference, uniform coverage
• Scalability: Easy addition of new access points during expansion, automatic policy application
• Enhanced Reliability: Minimized human factor, quick recovery after equipment replacement
• Access Control and Security: Wi-Fi network segmentation (separate SSIDs for staff, terminals), centralized encryption management

Technologies Used:

• MikroTik RouterOS
• MikroTik CAPsMAN (Controlled Access Point system Manager)
• PoE infrastructure (Power over Ethernet)
• MikroTik industrial access points
• Corporate Wi-Fi networks with seamless roaming support

Project Results:

• Stable Wi-Fi coverage across entire unheated warehouse without dead zones
• Centralized, easily manageable wireless infrastructure from single console
• 85% reduction in connection loss incidents
• Network ready for scaling without significant additional administration costs
• Significant reduction of IT personnel workload through centralized CAPsMAN management
• Reliable equipment operation at temperature fluctuations from +30°C to -15°C
• Ensured uninterrupted operation of warehouse systems and data collection terminals

The use of MikroTik CAPsMAN allowed building a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective Wi-Fi network well-suited for warehouse premises with challenging operating conditions and limited IT support. The client received modern infrastructure ensuring uninterrupted business processes in the warehouse.