When configuring for less interference, what is an important practice to implement in a dense WLAN environment?

In a dense WLAN environment, minimizing output power is crucial to reduce interference between access points (APs). When APs operate at higher output power, they cover a larger area, which can lead to overlapping coverage zones where multiple APs are competing for the same channels. This can cause co-channel interference, which degrades the overall performance of the network.

By minimizing the output power of each AP, you effectively reduce the coverage area, allowing for a more controlled distribution of wireless signals. This not only minimizes the risk of interference from neighboring APs but also helps in maintaining a higher signal quality for clients that are connected to each AP. This practice fosters better utilization of available channels, as each AP can operate efficiently without stepping on the toes of others nearby.

Furthermore, managing output power aids in optimizing capacity. In environments with many users and devices, it prevents APs from overwhelming the neighboring areas and improves the overall user experience by ensuring that devices connect to the closest AP with the best signal quality.

Thus, focusing on minimizing output power is a foundational strategy for maintaining network performance and reducing interference in dense WLAN environments.