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A complete guide to Wireless Site Surveys

What is Wireless Site Survey and why your business needs it

A wireless site survey is a comprehensive analysis of a wireless network environment that is performed to identify potential sources of interference, optimize network performance, and plan for the deployment of wireless network infrastructure. A wireless site survey is an important tool for any business because it helps to ensure that the wireless network is designed, deployed, and optimized to meet the specific needs of the organization. A well-designed and optimized wireless network can provide users with consistent and reliable access to the network, improving productivity and reducing downtime. A wireless site survey can also help organizations to identify potential sources of interference, optimize network performance, and plan for the deployment of wireless network infrastructure in the most effective and efficient manner. Additionally, many industries and organizations have specific requirements for wireless network performance and coverage, and a wireless site survey can help organizations to ensure that their wireless network meets these requirements and ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations. Overall, a wireless site survey is an essential tool for businesses looking to maximize the benefits of their wireless network.

Type of Wireless Site Surveys

There are several types of wireless site surveys useful for different purposes, such as planning the deployment of wireless infrastructure, optimizing network performance, and validating network performance after deployment.

  • Predictive Site Survey:

A predictive site survey is a type of wireless site survey that uses software tools to model the wireless network environment based on building plans and other information. The purpose of a predictive site survey is to predict the coverage, signal strength, and data rates that can be expected in different areas of a building before the deployment of wireless network infrastructure.

The predictive site survey process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Collection of Information: The first step in a predictive site survey is to gather information about the building, such as floor plans, elevations, and information about potential sources of interference, such as metal structures, concrete walls, and other wireless networks.
  2. Modeling the Environment: The next step is to use software tools to model the wireless network environment based on the collected information. The software takes into account factors such as the height of access points, the frequency band being used, and the location of potential sources of interference.
  3. Predictive Analysis: The software then predicts the coverage, signal strength, and data rates that can be expected in different areas of the building. This information can be used to identify areas of potential weak coverage, areas where additional access points may be required, and potential sources of interference.
  4. Recommendations: Based on the results of the predictive analysis, the software provides recommendations for the deployment of wireless network infrastructure, such as the placement of access points, the use of directional antennas, and the use of wireless network management tools.

 

  • Passive Site Survey:

A passive site survey is a type of wireless site survey that involves monitoring the existing wireless network environment to gather information about signal strength, coverage, and data rates. The purpose of a passive site survey is to identify sources of interference, optimize network performance, and plan for the deployment of wireless network infrastructure.

The passive site survey process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Collection of Information: The first step in a passive site survey is to gather information about the existing wireless network environment, such as the type of access points, the frequency band being used, and the location of potential sources of interference, such as metal structures, concrete walls, and other wireless networks.
  2. Monitoring the Environment: The next step is to perform a walk-through of the building while monitoring the wireless network environment. This is typically done using a wireless network analyzer or other wireless network monitoring tools. The goal is to gather information about the signal strength, coverage, and data rates in different areas of the building.
  3. Analysis: The collected data is analyzed to identify areas of weak coverage, areas where additional access points may be required, and potential sources of interference.
  4. Recommendations: Based on the results of the analysis, recommendations are provided for the deployment of wireless network infrastructure, such as the placement of access points, the use of directional antennas, and the use of wireless network management tools.

 

  • Active Site Survey

An active site survey is a type of wireless site survey that involves actively testing the wireless network environment by transmitting data over the network and measuring the signal strength, coverage, and data rates. The purpose of an active site survey is to identify potential sources of interference, optimize network performance, and validate the results of a predictive or passive site survey.

The active site survey process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Collection of Information: The first step in an active site survey is to gather information about the existing wireless network environment, such as the type of access points, the frequency band being used, and the location of potential sources of interference, such as metal structures, concrete walls, and other wireless networks.
  2. Active Testing: The next step is to actively test the wireless network environment by transmitting data over the network and measuring the signal strength, coverage, and data rates. This is typically done using a wireless network analyzer or other wireless network monitoring tools. The goal is to gather information about the signal strength, coverage, and data rates in different areas of the building.
  3. Analysis: The collected data is analyzed to identify areas of weak coverage, areas where additional access points may be required, and potential sources of interference.
  4. Recommendations: Based on the results of the analysis, recommendations are provided for the deployment of wireless network infrastructure, such as the placement of access points, the use of directional antennas, and the use of wireless network management tools.

 

  • Post-Deployment Site Survey

A post-deployment site survey is a type of wireless site survey that is conducted after the deployment of a wireless network. The purpose of a post-deployment site survey is to validate the performance of the network, identify any issues or areas for improvement, and make recommendations for optimization.

The post-deployment site survey process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Validation: The first step in a post-deployment site survey is to validate the performance of the wireless network. This typically involves measuring the signal strength, coverage, and data rates in different areas of the building and comparing the results to the desired performance and coverage requirements.
  2. Identification of Issues: The next step is to identify any issues or areas for improvement in the wireless network. This may involve identifying areas of weak coverage, areas where additional access points may be required, or potential sources of interference.
  3. Recommendations: Based on the results of the analysis, recommendations are provided for the optimization of the wireless network, such as the placement of additional access points, the use of directional antennas, and the use of wireless network management tools.
  4. Implementation: The final step is to implement the recommendations from the post-deployment site survey to optimize the wireless network and improve its performance.