WiFi Site Survey

 

Many network managers will simply install extra WiFi APs as a quick fix to increase the wireless coverage capability. However, that often does little .

There are three different types of site surveys widely used in the industry: passive site survey, active site survey, and predictive site survey.

A passive site survey tool listens to existing access points and, outside your managed infrastructure, for signal strength, interference, and AP coverage. Passive site surveys, in which surveyed WiFi adapters don't need to associate to the AP or SSID, give a good overall picture of the RF characteristics of existing wireless networks.

During an active site survey, the survey WiFi adapter is associated to the AP(s) and exchanges packets. This allows gathering of very detailed information. Actual network traffic, throughput packet loss, and physical (PHY) rates can be captured. Active surveys are commonly used for new WLAN deployments.

A predictive site survey is performed without any type of field measurements. It uses RF planning software tools that can predict wireless coverage of the APs. To perform this site survey, a floor-plan drawing (AutoCAD, JPEG, PDF) is a must-have. Predictive site surveys are used when the site or building is not yet built and are helpful for budgeting purposes.

The goal of all of these wireless site surveys is to provide detailed information that addresses the site’s radio frequency coverage. Before implementing or attempting to optimize a WLAN, you’ll want to understand all the possible areas of interference, AP placements, power considerations, and wiring requirements that are needed. A wireless site survey can provide all of this information and more, so you have the tools you need to design, implement, and optimize your wireless network.