Some companies conduct a “professional” WiFi survey by walking around your office with a phone or tablet using an application like WiFi Explorer to assess the signal strength in various areas of your facility. While this method is suitable for quick troubleshooting and tuning, it is not ideal for an in-depth survey for design or troubleshooting purposes.
The survey outlined below is considered the most comprehensive approach. While some sections can be modified or eliminated, the overall outcome may vary. The client’s desired level of accuracy is determined, and we will ensure you are informed of the potential differences to make an informed decision.
Our surveys are conducted using industry-standard methods and enterprise-grade tools. We commence the survey with a clean copy of your floor plans, ideally accurate. If not, we can make minor adjustments as necessary. These floor plans are loaded into our survey software, specifically Ekahau Pro.
If you have an existing WiFi network or neighboring facilities with WiFi, we conduct a walkthrough to gather data on these environments.
Ideally, we aim to access every corner of your facility. Our test laptop reads and records all WiFi networks broadcasting on 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. It records signal strength, noise levels, calculates ping times, and tests bandwidth. Additionally, we conduct a tri-band spectrum scan to identify potential interference sources that may impact your deployment. We utilize the Ekahau Sidekick with dual NIC cards and dual spectrum analyzer antennas to gather this data.
For more demanding environments, we employ a highly sensitive RF Explorer to scan the spectrum from 50MHz to 6GHz. This device also enables us to pinpoint the location of interference or rogue access points.
Following the completion of the walk-through scan, we select specific locations for testing WiFi coverage and signal loss. These tests validate our readings and assist in the proper setup of the predictive design. To assess the loss rate of various obstructions, we position an access point on a portable mount on one side of the obstruction. We conduct multiple test readings on both sides of the obstruction at the same distance from the access point. By calculating the difference between the readings, we determine the impact of the obstacle on signals.
Upon gathering the measurements, we construct your floor plan. Ekahau enables us to trace your walls and set the loss rate for each one. Subsequently, we utilize Ekahau to locate the optimal access points to provide the desired coverage. We place the same access points you intend to use. Ekahau boasts a library of over 5,000 access points and antenna combinations, allowing us to adjust their placement as necessary to achieve the optimal layout.
Once we have finalized the design plan, we conduct AP on a Stick tests to verify its accuracy against reality. We position our test AP at selected mounting locations. Our standard rig can accommodate most standard ceiling heights and can also be adapted to mimic wall mounts. After placing the AP, we use our test laptop to traverse the area we predict will be covered, extending slightly beyond. We compare the results against the original predictive design. If they align, we conclude the process. Otherwise, we make necessary adjustments.
Following the completion of the survey work, we compile a comprehensive report that includes test readings, recommendations, and potentially power setting and channel recommendations, contingent upon your requirements. The report may also encompass a network assessment and material recommendations, should you request them.
We strongly recommend conducting a post-installation survey to ensure the correctness of your final installation. These post-installation surveys can also serve as a means to make channel and power setting modifications.
