Wireless site surveys are a central feature of designing and implementing effective wireless networks. Because they support many of the technologies and applications that contemporary businesses depend on, effective wireless networks are essential for companies today. Especially in a post-pandemic world where remote working is a regular occurrence, businesses require dependable wireless networks to link their employees, devices, and systems. Employees may collaborate remotely with team members, access vital business apps and data from any location, and have real-time conversations with clients and business partners thanks to efficient wireless networks.
Importance of Wireless Site Surveys
An area’s wireless coverage and signal strength can be ascertained through conducting site surveys, which helps improve user experience and optimize network performance. Using specialized tools and methods built for this purpose, one can gather information about a location’s wireless environment and then analyze that information to produce a heat map of the signal strength and coverage. Wireless site surveys come in various forms, each with a unique approach and goal.
If this is a field that you work in, or if this is a subject that remotely interests you and you want to know about the different kinds of wireless site surveys and the ways to conduct them, read this blog. It will cover comprehensive instructions on how to carry out each type of survey. This information will include the supplies and instruments required for each survey, as well as the data analysis methods used to generate reports like heat maps and other helpful information.
Active Site Survey
An active site survey sends data over a wireless network to assess the network’s functionality and dependability. This kind of survey helps determine a wireless network’s throughput and capacity. A wireless access point, a laptop or mobile device with a wireless network adapter, and a network throughput testing tool are required to conduct an active site survey. To efficiently work the study, you will have to go through the following steps:
- Place the wifi access point where you want to conduct your survey.
- Connect your device (mobile or laptop) to the access point’s wireless network.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the network and keep track of the data transfer rate, use the network throughput testing tool.
- Repeat the process throughout the area you want to survey.
- Using the gathered data, create a heat map that displays the network performance and capacity.
Passive Site Survey
The second type of site survey we will discuss is the passive site survey. Without actively sending any data, a passive site survey entails gathering data about the wireless environment. This kind of survey is especially helpful in figuring out whether there are wireless signals in a place. Not only this, but it also informs of the strength of these signals. A wireless access point (AP) and a laptop or mobile device with a wireless network adapter are required to perform an efficient passive site assessment. The steps of a passive site survey are similar to those of an active site survey. The following is what you have to do:
- Place the wifi access point where you want to conduct your survey.
- Connect your device (mobile or laptop) to the access point’s wireless network.
- Search for neighboring wireless signals using a wireless network analyzer tool, and note their intensity and frequency.
- Repeat the process throughout the area you want to survey.
- Using the gathered data, create a heat map that displays the network performance and capacity.
Active and Passive Site Survey
Another way of conducting a wireless site survey is the active-passive site survey method. As the name suggests, this site survey method combines active and passive approaches. This survey helps determine whether wireless signals are present, strong, and functioning in a specific location. An active-passive site study requires a wireless access point, a laptop or mobile device with a wireless network adapter and a network throughput measurement tool. The steps for this are the same as for the active and passive site surveys. The created heat map can then locate any parts of the wireless network that might require enhancement or optimization. By doing an active-passive site survey, you can ensure your wireless network is optimized to offer the best coverage and performance for your unique location and needs.
Predictive Site Survey
A predictive site survey simulates a network’s wireless performance and coverage before it is deployed using software tools. This kind of survey assessment is beneficial for developing a wireless network that will satisfy the particular needs of an area. A floor plan of the area you wish to scan and a wireless network design tool is required to conduct a predictive site survey. If you plan on carrying out a predictive site survey, you have to carry out the following steps:
- Enter the floor plan of the area you want to survey into the wireless network design tool.
- Utilize the tool to develop a wireless network that satisfies the location’s unique needs, taking into account the quantity, distribution, and transmit power of access points.
- Use the tool to model the network design’s wireless performance and coverage.
- To satisfy the location’s unique needs, adjust the network design as necessary.
- Create a report that details the network’s performance and anticipated wireless coverage.
To sum Up
In conclusion, wireless site inspections are crucial for companies whose operations depend on wireless networks. These assessments allow companies to pinpoint potential interference sources, enhance network capacity and coverage, and ensure their wireless networks operate at peak efficiency. They also help businesses provide the best IT infrastructure services. The need for effective wireless networks has grown along with the popularity of mobile devices and remote work. Thus, businesses must spend money on thorough site assessments and network optimization. Moreover, it is crucial to remember that the different methods of conducting site surveys have their own advantages. You have to analyze your company’s needs to see which suits you best.
Conducting wireless site surveys is a continuous process rather than a one-time event. Businesses’ wireless network needs may vary as they grow and expand, and new sources of interference might appear. Companies should conduct routine site surveys to ensure that their wireless networks are optimized and match their changing needs. This will ensure your operations are not impacted in case of any disturbance. Which is essential if you want to survive in a competitive business environment.
It is important to note that wireless site surveys need specialized knowledge and expertise, and organizations may profit from hiring qualified experts to carry out these surveys. By collaborating with professionals, businesses can guarantee that their site inspections are accurate. That their wireless networks are optimized to deliver the best possible coverage and performance.