It is not easy to design a fool-proof network, whether wired or non-wired. The network must provide apt wireless coverage and strong signal strength, whether used for connecting computers and printers, warehouse inventory systems, or automated factory machinery. A wireless site survey is a process to assess the suitability of a location for installing a wireless network.
The method involves analysis of the physical layout of your site, the type of construction materials involved, and whether or not there are other wireless devices present in the area.
The goal is to determine the optimal placement of wireless access points and other equipment to ensure reliable wireless coverage throughout the site.
Conducting A Wireless Site Survey
There are 5 steps, in general, involved in conducting a wireless site survey:
- Planning: start with determining the scope of your survey. Look at the size and layout of your site, the coverage area required, and finally, the type of wireless network.
- Site assessment: You should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the site to know any potential obstacles and sources of interference that will hinder performance, such as walls, floors, ceilings, and electronic equipment.
- Radiofrequency (RF) measurement: Use special RF measurement equipment to assess the strength and quality of the wireless signal at various locations throughout your site.
- Data analysis: Analyze the data collected during the RF measurement phase to determine the optimal placement of wireless access points and other equipment.
- Report generation: Generate a report detailing the survey findings and providing recommendations for improving wireless coverage and performance.
Trained professionals usually do wireless site surveys with relevant experience in wireless networking and RF measurement. They are often used in the planning and deployment of wireless networks in commercial, industrial, and institutional environments.
3 Types of Wireless Site Surveys
Surveys depend on the specific needs and requirements of the user. 3 common types of surveys include:
Predictive site survey: This survey uses computer modeling and simulation software to predict how your wireless network will perform. The software analyzes the building’s layout, materials, and surrounding environment, then maps how signals will move through the space. It also factors in where access points (APs) are placed and how they interact with each other.
Predictive surveys are commonly used when designing a new wireless network or planning upgrades to an existing one.
Passive site survey: Passive surveys focus on observing your wireless network without making any changes. The technician records signal coverage, noise levels, and overall performance exactly as they are. This type of survey gives a clear snapshot of the network’s current state and helps uncover weak spots, interference, or other hidden issues.
Active site survey: Active testing measures how well your wireless network performs in the real world. A technician walks the site with a laptop or another device to capture data on signal strength, connection rates, and overall stability. This hands-on scan shows how your WiFi behaves from room to room and under different conditions.
Teams often run an active wireless survey to confirm the results of a predictive design. It’s also used to pinpoint problems in an existing network, uncover interference, or verify that recent upgrades are doing their job.
Importance Of This Survey
Conducting a wireless site survey is important to ensure your wireless network performs to its maximum potential and provides optimal coverage.
It helps to identify potential interference issues and areas with poor signal coverage and determine the optimal placement of wireless access points.
What Would a Site Survey Show?
A wireless site survey provides a blueprint showing the placement of walls, desks, and other equipment. The survey also gives several types of results, like a heat map and a color-coded map showing signal strength throughout the area according to AP placement. Your map can detect and signify that the strength is too low in some areas where the teams can move APs or add units.
Final Words
Skipping a site survey can be a recipe for disaster. It may save you some bucks initially, but it will cost you a lot more in the long run. Connect with professionals from RangerWi-Fi to learn more.