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).
