Building a wireless network for a new site build requires careful planning to ensure that you get optimal coverage and capacity after deploying the network. An essential step in this process is conducting a wireless site survey, which is an in-depth analysis of a location’s radio frequency environment to identify potential issues that may adversely affect network performance.
By conducting a thorough site survey, you can design and deploy your wireless networks in a way that maximizes coverage, capacity, and overall performance. A wireless site survey is essential for new site builds as it will help you identify the most appropriate locations for wireless access points and other network equipment. A wireless site survey will also help you plan for future expansion and scalability.
I. Planning the Survey
A. Identifying The Scope and Objectives Of The Survey
A wireless site survey is a process you should follow to plan and design a wireless network. The first step in a wireless site survey is identifying the scope and objectives of a wireless site survey, which is vital for successfully planning and implementing a wireless network.
The scope of a wireless site survey includes identifying the optimal coverage area, determining the ideal number and placement of access points, and assessing the wireless network’s capacity and performance. On the other hand, the objectives of a wireless site survey include ensuring proper coverage, identifying potential interference sources, and determining the network’s capacity and scalability.
B. Determining The Type Of Survey
- Active site surveys: Here, you associate the survey WiFi adapter to the access points and the exchange packets. Doing so allows you to gather detailed information. You can capture throughput packet loss, actual network traffic, and physical rates. Active site surveys are commonly used for new site builds.
- Passive site surveys: You can use a passive site survey to listen to existing access points and also outside your managed infrastructure for interference, signal strength, and access point coverage. A passive site survey will give you an excellent overall picture of the radio frequency characteristics of an existing wireless network.
- Predictive site surveys: You can perform a predictive site survey without the help of actual field measurements. A predictive site survey uses radio frequency planning software tools to predict the wireless coverage of your access points. You will need a floor plan drawing (JPEG, PDF, or AutoCAD Format) to conduct such a site survey. Organizations use predictive site surveys before building the site. Such site surveys are invaluable for budgeting purposes.
C. Gathering the Necessary Information and Equipment
Before conducting an actual wireless site survey, you should gather the following information and equipment:
- A floor plan or map of the area you will be surveying. It should include the location of walls, doors, and any other potential obstacles.
- The locations of any existing wireless access points and their current configurations.
- The signal strength and coverage area requirements for the survey.
- A laptop or tablet to run wireless site survey software.
- A wireless survey tool, such as a wireless adapter or a specialized survey device, to measure channel utilization, signal strength, and other wireless parameters.
- A compass to determine the direction of the wireless signal.
- A measuring tape or a laser device to measure distances. You’ll need this to take precise measurements of the site.
II. Conducting the Survey
The typical steps you should follow while conducting an actual wireless site survey are:
- Perform a pre-survey: Take a walk through the site to familiarize yourself with the layout and identify any potential issues. Mark the locations of any existing wireless access points and any other wireless devices that may interfere with the survey.
- Set up the wireless survey tool: Configure the wireless survey tool according to the specifications of the wireless network. Set up the tool to scan for wireless networks and measure signal strength, channel utilization, and other wireless parameters.
- Conduct the survey: Begin by taking measurements at the corners of the coverage area and then taking additional measurements throughout the area, ensuring to take measurements in all areas where coverage is required.
Measuring signal strength and coverage You can use one of the following ways to measure coverage and signal strength during a wireless site survey:
a) Use a wireless adapter or a specialized survey device. Such tools can scan for wireless networks and measure the signal strength of each network in decibels (dBm). The higher the dBm value, the stronger the signal.
b) You can also use site survey software to measure signal strength. These programs can be run on a laptop or tablet and typically display the signal strength in dBm. Such software can also visually represent the coverage area, highlighting poor coverage areas.
c) Conduct a walk test to measure signal strength and coverage. Here you use a wireless device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to measure the signal strength while walking through the coverage area. Doing so will help you identify areas of poor coverage or areas where the signal strength is weaker than expected.
d) NetSpot or Ekahau Site Survey, specialized software tools that can measure signal strength and coverage. You can run these tools from a laptop or a tablet to get a visual representation of the coverage area. They also show the signal strength in dBm and provide a heatmap of the area.
e) Use a spectrum analyzer, a specialized test instrument, to measure the radio frequency energy in a given area and detect any interference on the wireless channel.
Whichever method you use, you should repeat the survey multiple times to get an average of the signal strength and coverage.
III. Analyzing the Results
Just diligently conducting a wireless site survey is not enough. It is imperative for you to analyze the results and take appropriate measures afterward. The steps to follow are:
Interpreting The Data and Identifying Areas of Concern
You need to interpret the data you’ve collected during the site survey and the identify areas of concern. You should create a heat map of the collected data, visually representing the signal strength in different areas. Areas with weak or fluctuating signals can be identified as areas of concern. Additionally, analyzing the data for specific wireless access points can help you identify which devices may be causing interference or need to be repositioned. You should also check for any physical obstructions in the area, like walls or large metal objects, that may be blocking or weakening the wireless signal.
Create A Network Design To Address Any Identified Issues
The next phase is to create a network design that addresses any issues identified in a wireless site survey. The steps to follow in this phase are:
- Analyze the survey data: Review the data collected during the wireless site survey to help you identify areas with poor coverage, high interference, and any other issues.
- Identify the requirements: Determine the specific requirements for the wireless for the new site, such as the number of users, types of devices, and applications that will be used.
- Design the network: Based on the survey data and requirements, design the wireless network, considering factors such as access point placement, channel assignment, and power settings.
- Perform a predictive survey: Use a predictive survey tool to simulate the wireless network and identify any issues that may arise before deployment.
IV. Deployment
The next phase is deploying and maintaining the new site’s wireless network. The steps to follow are:
- Deploy the access points: After configuring and testing the access points according to the final network design, you should deploy them in the recommended locations.
- Configure network devices: Configure the various network devices, like switches, routers, and servers, to support the wireless network.
- Validate the network: Carry out a validation of the network to ensure that it is working correctly. This step includes monitoring for any rogue access points, checking for physical damage, and verifying network security.
- Provide training and support: You should provide training and support for the end users. This step will include issuing instructions on connecting to the wireless network, using it securely, and troubleshooting common issues.
V. Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance
After deploying the wireless network for the new site, it is vital to monitor and maintain it properly to ensure that it continues to meet your organization’s needs. The steps that you should follow to monitor and maintain the wireless network include the following:
- Monitor Network Performance: Regularly monitor the network to ensure that it is functioning as expected. This may include monitoring for coverage, throughput, and interference. If necessary, you should make appropriate adjustments to address any issues that may arise.
- Monitor network security: Regularly check for security threats, such as rogue access points, unauthorized devices, and other security breaches.
- Monitor network usage: Keep track of the number of users and devices connected to the network and the types of applications and services they use.
- Update firmware and software: Regularly update the firmware and software on all wireless devices to ensure they have the latest security patches and features.
- Check for physical damage: Regularly check the wireless devices and infrastructure for physical damage, such as broken antennas or frayed cables.
- Conduct regular site surveys: Conduct site surveys periodically to ensure that the network meets the organization’s needs and that you can identify and address any required changes or troubleshoot any problems.
- Plan for scalability: As your organization grows, the wireless network should also grow. Keep an eye on the number of users and devices and plan for scalability to ensure the network can handle any increased load.
VI. Troubleshooting and Resolving Issues As They Arise
After implementing a new wireless network based on the recommendations of a wireless site survey, you may still face issues. To troubleshoot and resolve these issues, these are some steps that you can follow:
- Physically check the access points: Check the access points physically to ensure that they are powered on, correctly configured, and connected to the network.
- Check for any physical obstructions: Check for physical obstructions such as walls, furniture, or other objects that may be blocking or weakening the wireless signal.
- Check for interference: Check for other wireless devices that may be causing interference, such as cordless phones, microwaves, and other electronic devices.
- Verify the network security: Check for unauthorized devices, any rogue access points, and other security breaches.
- Check for outdated firmware: Check for outdated firmware on wireless devices, and update it if necessary.
- Check for network congestion: Check for network congestion, by monitoring the number of users and devices connected to the network, as well as the types of applications and services they are using.
- Check the network devices: Check the network devices, such as switches, routers, and servers, to ensure they are properly configured and working correctly.
- Check with the manufacturer: If the issue persists, check with the manufacturer for troubleshooting guides, FAQs, or support.
- Document the issue: Document any issues you may find and the steps you took to resolve them, so you can refer to them in the future if similar problems occur again.
In Summary
Wireless site surveys are essential in planning and deploying wireless networks, especially for new site builds. You can use the data you collect during a wireless site survey to design, optimize, and deploy the wireless network, ensuring that it meets your organization’s needs of the organization.
