Conducting a Wi-Fi site survey is now quicker and faster than ever before. This advancement makes it possible for businesses to validate networks and survey more frequently. These actions help ensure that their networks will continue to operate perfectly for business-critical applications.
The evolution of the Wi-Fi survey has moved away from Wi-Fi adapter-laden computer configurations with backup battery systems that need the surveyor to drive around a cart only to gather data. We now live in a wireless-first society. We can perform Wi-Fi site surveys using the phone in our pockets.
What is a Wi-Fi Site Survey?
A Wi-Fi site survey is a visit to a location to collect Wi-Fi signal and spectrum data and evaluate access point mounting and cabling accessibility. Wi-Fi site surveys may gauge predictive wireless designs before deploying a network. This factor ensures that upgrades or additions are properly installed and guarantees that the network remains fast and dependable for its users and applications.
Below is a simple guide to executing an onsite validation survey:
How to Conduct a Wi-Fi Site Survey
1. Scale Your Floor Plan
Without the tape, it wouldn’t be an authentic “measure twice, cut once” situation. Accurately scaling the floor plan is crucial for any kind of Wi-Fi survey to ensure precision in your designs and validations. Don’t scale your floor layout using a minor measurement. If you would scale a door at 1 meter and are off by 0.2 meters, your 100-meter structure might be 20 meters off!
2. Utilize the Ekahau Sidekick
The Ekahau Sidekick is the most modern, all-encompassing Wi-Fi diagnostic and measuring gadget on the market. It possesses top-notch precision for professional results. The Sidekick provides uniform and precise findings every time, allowing you to survey more quickly!
3. Scan the Right Channels
Be sure that you are scanning what is important to you. Are you in a location where there are no 2.4 GHz APs or radios? You will no longer need to scan the 2.4 GHz channels. You can scan fewer channels and have a faster scan time if you limit the Sidekick to only the channels you need.
4. Capture Accurately
Get to know your surroundings and double check whether you are clicking and recording data properly. Remember this: garbage in, garbage out. If your track shows you getting out a window or becoming caught in a wall, you must re-establish your location or the data will be incorrect.
5. Walk on Both Sides
To calculate the attenuation values, measure the signal intensity on both sides of the attenuating material of interest. The absorption of a signal by walls or racks is represented by the attenuation value. Never presume that measuring only one side will yield all of the information.
6. Use the Correct Survey Method for Your Environment
Stop & Go: Best employed in difficult or risky situations when you must be mindful of your surroundings. This survey approach yields the least quantity of information.
Continuous: This classic way of collecting survey data demands meticulous attention to detail – you must click when you begin, turn, change speed, and stop!
Autopilot: This is the best and quickest approach! You save a lot of time by not needing to click on the map while walking. The first calibration is critical for obtaining correct findings.
GPS: This survey approach is best used when you are outside. This method is also recommended when the map you are using lacks reference points. You will need a GPS-enabled mobile device with a SIM card.
Get the Tools You Need for Wi-Fi Site Surveys
Ekahau Connect is a comprehensive set of must-have tools for Wi-Fi professionals and network administrators alike. It offers everything you need to design, validate, optimize, and troubleshoot your network. You can find all of these in a simple, mobile-friendly package.
