How To Do A Wireless Site Survey

How To Do A Wireless Site Survey With wireless systems, it is challenging to predict the propagation of radio waves and detect the presence of spurious signals without using test equipment. Even if the system uses omnidirectional antennas, radio waves do not travel the same distance in all directions. In contrast, walls, doors, elevator shafts, people and other obstacles provide varying degrees of attenuation, making the pattern of RF (radiofrequency) radiation irregular and unpredictable. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a WiFi Site Survey Tool website survey (also called an RF website survey) to fully understand the behavior of radio waves in the operating environment before installing data points. Access.

Website Search Concepts

The ultimate goal of a Wireless Survey is to determine the number and location of access points (or mesh nodes) that provide adequate signal coverage throughout the installation or area. The city. In most implementations, "adequate coverage" means admitting a minimum speed or data transfer speed. To perform a successful search, you must associate the required performance with a value measured by research tools, such as SNR. A Wireless Survey Software also detects the presence of RF intesurveyrference from other sources that can affect wireless LAN performance.

The need and complexity of a wireless site survey vary depending on the installation. For example, a small three-bedroom office may not require on-site research. This scenario can probably be resolved with a single Wi-Fi access point (or router) located anywhere in the office while maintaining adequate coverage. If the access point encounters RF interference from another nearby wireless LAN, you can choose a different channel and eliminate the problem.

A larger facility, such as an office complex, an airport, a hospital or warehouse, or an outdoor space such as a city, usually requires a full search of the wireless website. Without research, users may have inadequate coverage and underperform in some regions.

When Performing a Search on a Wireless Site, Consider the Following:

1. Understand wireless connectivity requirements. To identify the ideal locations for access points or structure nodes, you must understand the specific network requirements that affect signal coverage. For example, the maximum interval between a client device and the access point decreases as the data transfer rate and the resulting performance increase. Therefore, you must know the target data rates (and performance) to interpret the search results correctly. Besides, client devices may have relatively low transmission power, which should be taken into account when using most of the website's analysis tools. Identify the technologies that the network will implement, such as 802.11g or 802.11n, and investigate taking these technologies into account.

2. Obtain an installation diagram. Before going too far with research on the site, look for a set of construction plans or city plans. If not, prepare a drawing that shows the location of the walls, corridors, etc. Site search tools import diagrams in different image formats. Mapping software is a good source for research in outdoor cities. If all else fails in the construction investigation, consider taking a digital photo of the fire evacuation diagram, which is usually present on the corridor walls.

3. Visually inspect the installation. Install before running the tests to verify the accuracy of the 

installation diagram. Now is an excellent time to observe the possible attenuation barriers that can affect the spread of RF signals. For example, a visual inspection will reveal obstacles to signs, such as brackets and metal partitions, elements that planes do not usually show. Also consider possible locations for mounting access points, such as ceiling plates or pillars. For external urban environments, it is necessary to carefully assess the situation and availability of lighting poles and water towers to assemble mesh nodes and connection equipment. These actions will make subsequent tests more fluid.

4. Assess the existing network infrastructure. Determine the capacity of any existing cable network that can interconnect access points or fabric nodes. Most buildings have Ethernet networks and, in some cases, fiber optic networks. Check how many of your existing systems may be available to support your wireless network. This will help designers later in the implementation when defining the architecture and vocabulary of the wireless network.

5. Identify the coverage areas. In the installation diagram or on the city map, indicate all the areas where coverage is required, such as offices, corridors, stairs, pantries, bathrooms, toilets, patios, parking lots, and elevators. Besides, it is essential to identify locations where users will not have wireless coverage to avoid wasting time inspecting unnecessary areas. Remember that you can survive with fewer access points and reduced equipment costs if you can limit your roaming areas.

6. Determine the central locations of the access points. When considering the location of wireless users and the range estimates for the wireless LAN products you use, calculate the positions of the access points that will provide adequate coverage in all areas of the user. Allow for some propagation overlap (typically 25%) between adjacent access points, but remember that the channel assignments for the access points must be sufficiently separated to avoid interference between the access points.

Take into account the mounting locations, which can be vertical posts or metal supports on the tiles. Identify the appropriate areas to install the access point, antenna, and data / PoE cable. Also, consider the different antennas when deciding where to place the access points. An access point mounted near an exterior wall, for example, can be the right place if you are using a remote antenna with a relatively high gain oriented in the installation.

7. Check the location of the access point. This is when the site search test begins. Most wireless LAN providers offer Wifi Survey Software that identifies the associated access point, data speed, signal strength, and signal quality. You can load this software onto a laptop and test the coverage for each preliminary access point location. Alternatively, you can use a third party website On-Site Survey tool available from several different companies, such as AirMagnet, Berkeley Varitronics Systems, and Ekahau.

Install an access point at each preliminary location and monitor the Walking Site Finder readings at different distances from the access point. There is no need to connect or access the distribution system, as the search tests only ping the access point or read with the strength of the beacon signal. Very important: I indeed consider the limit of the SNR range and the power of the uplink signal and interpret the results. To make it easier to move the access point to the installation, you can mount it on a pole connected to a car with battery and DC / AC converter. Otherwise, you should wear an extension cord and always look for where to connect the power (not recommended).