In establishing a point-to-point WLAN connection, what is the first objective mentioned for the consultant?

In establishing a point-to-point WLAN connection, the primary objective of creating a link within the Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) maximum is crucial. This is because EIRP represents the total power radiated by an antenna in a particular direction, considering its gain. Keeping the link within this maximum ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, preventing signal over-provisioning that could lead to interference with other devices in the same frequency band.

Maintaining a connection that adheres to the EIRP limits also contributes to optimizing the system's performance by providing sufficient coverage without unnecessary power expenditure. By establishing this foundational aspect first, consultants can effectively evaluate the potential reach and quality of the connection they plan to implement.

Other objectives, such as minimizing interference, ensuring device compatibility, and implementing security protocols, are certainly important but typically address secondary concerns that arise after the basic parameters, like EIRP, have been established. These aspects can be managed more effectively once the fundamental link parameters are in place, making EIRP consideration the top priority for a successful point-to-point WLAN connection.