With a Wi-Fi system, it is quite challenging to guess the propagation of radio waves and identify the existence of interfering signals. Even if you implement Omni-directional antennas, you can’t do the accurate monitoring as radio waves do not travel the same distance.
Therefore, you must conduct a wireless site survey to understand the behaviour of radio waves before installing access points. Below, we have put together a few tips that will help you perform a wireless site survey.
Understand the Wireless Requirements:
To find out the ideal locations for access points, you must have a sound knowledge of specific requirements for the network. For instance, the maximum range between the access point and a client device determines the data rates and performance.
Also, know more about the technologies your preferred network will use. There are numerous Wi-Fi Site Survey Software that can help you with the same.
Get a facility Diagram
Before you proceed with the site survey, get a blueprint of building or city maps. If this is not available, create a drawing that showcases the position of walkways, walls, and more. Site survey software helps you import diagrams in different formats. Although mapping software is a good source for city surveys, if they fail, consider taking a digital photograph.
Evaluate The Existing Network Infrastructure
Assess the capability of current wired networks available for interfacing mesh nodes and access points. Nowadays, most buildings use ethernet internet in some cases you may notice optical fiber networks as well. Get to know how much of the current network infrastructure can be used to support the wireless network.
Determine Coverage Areas
On the facility diagram, mark all the areas where you need the coverage. For example, offices, utility rooms, break rooms, parking garages, elevators, stairwells, etc. Also, identify the places where there is no wireless coverage. It will help you avoid wasting time surveying unnecessary areas. Remember, when you choose fewer access points, it lowers the equipment and overall costs. So avoid unnecessary access points.
Determine Preliminary Access Point Locations
Consider the location of people using wireless internet and range estimations of the wireless LAN. It will help you know whether or not you will get adequate coverage.
Find out the ideal locations for installing the access point and PoE cable. Also consider the placement of antennas, and data cable when choosing access points. For example, an access point fitted on an outside wall is a good location, if you use a patch antenna.
Verify Access Point Locations
With most wireless LAN vendors, you get Wi-Fi Site Survey Software that helps you find out associated access point, signal strength, signal quality, and data rate. You can use this software on a laptop and check the coverage of each preliminary access point location.
Install access points at various preliminary locations and analyze the reading of your survey software by walking different distances away from access points. To make your access point easy to move, you can place it on a pole associated with a cart with a DC/AC converter and battery.
Final Words
The goal of a Wi-Fi survey is to check out the number and placement of access points that offer adequate signal coverage all across the city area or facility. It is advisable that look for a high-quality wireless site survey software so that you can get the exact and accurate information on the internet signal strength and access points.
Therefore, you must conduct a wireless site survey to understand the behaviour of radio waves before installing access points. Below, we have put together a few tips that will help you perform a wireless site survey.
Understand the Wireless Requirements:
To find out the ideal locations for access points, you must have a sound knowledge of specific requirements for the network. For instance, the maximum range between the access point and a client device determines the data rates and performance.
Also, know more about the technologies your preferred network will use. There are numerous Wi-Fi Site Survey Software that can help you with the same.
Get a facility Diagram
Before you proceed with the site survey, get a blueprint of building or city maps. If this is not available, create a drawing that showcases the position of walkways, walls, and more. Site survey software helps you import diagrams in different formats. Although mapping software is a good source for city surveys, if they fail, consider taking a digital photograph.
Evaluate The Existing Network Infrastructure
Assess the capability of current wired networks available for interfacing mesh nodes and access points. Nowadays, most buildings use ethernet internet in some cases you may notice optical fiber networks as well. Get to know how much of the current network infrastructure can be used to support the wireless network.
Determine Coverage Areas
On the facility diagram, mark all the areas where you need the coverage. For example, offices, utility rooms, break rooms, parking garages, elevators, stairwells, etc. Also, identify the places where there is no wireless coverage. It will help you avoid wasting time surveying unnecessary areas. Remember, when you choose fewer access points, it lowers the equipment and overall costs. So avoid unnecessary access points.
Determine Preliminary Access Point Locations
Consider the location of people using wireless internet and range estimations of the wireless LAN. It will help you know whether or not you will get adequate coverage.
Find out the ideal locations for installing the access point and PoE cable. Also consider the placement of antennas, and data cable when choosing access points. For example, an access point fitted on an outside wall is a good location, if you use a patch antenna.
Verify Access Point Locations
With most wireless LAN vendors, you get Wi-Fi Site Survey Software that helps you find out associated access point, signal strength, signal quality, and data rate. You can use this software on a laptop and check the coverage of each preliminary access point location.
Install access points at various preliminary locations and analyze the reading of your survey software by walking different distances away from access points. To make your access point easy to move, you can place it on a pole associated with a cart with a DC/AC converter and battery.
Final Words
The goal of a Wi-Fi survey is to check out the number and placement of access points that offer adequate signal coverage all across the city area or facility. It is advisable that look for a high-quality wireless site survey software so that you can get the exact and accurate information on the internet signal strength and access points.
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