What Is a Site Survey and Why Is It Important

It is no exaggeration to say that we have become entirely dependent on our smartphones. We take them wherever we go, and the momentary wave of panic to potentially leave you somewhere or lose you is universal. Cell phones are our best technology, but that friendship is as strong as our Wireless Site Survey network. The quality of the cellular network depends entirely on where you are at all times. The signal strength is so geographically varied that the service may differ from one room to another in the same building.

As an installer, a survey on the website is an essential tool to help you and your customers save time and resources. In addition to providing clear site design, a Site Survey can identify areas where the signal is weak. This will allow you to inform your customers where and why your service is absent and provide additional information that will support your plans to solve these problems by implementing the cellular signal reminder solution.

                                                                        

Let's take a look at site surveys, why they are essential, and how to be successful.

What is a site survey?

Field research is the assessment that must be made before installing a cellular signal booster. During the investigation, the evaluators identify the most reliable mobile signal, which allows suppliers to determine where to install the amplifier. During the research, you can measure the amount of cable you will need and the dividers, filters or other accessories you will need.

A site survey can demonstrate existing signal coverage to your customers and draw attention to problem areas. This can help stimulate conversation about product options and installation solutions, as well as provide sales conversion opportunities.

Meters And Signal Strength

Some may argue that a site search is not necessary, given the ability to use the phone in test mode to check the cellular signal strength. However, this testing method is much less than a site search, as the results will not be as accurate for a more significant site as they would be with a search.

To get the most accurate reading possible, do your research on the site using a signal counter, which detects and displays frequency, bandwidth, and signal strength, updating in real-time to avoid inaccuracies. The signal counters are independent of the operator and can, therefore, detect the frequency and compatibility of the signal with any operator. This is particularly important in a commercial environment, where users subscribe to a variety of networks.

Conduct An On-Site Study: Top View

Blueprints of the floor. Before arriving at the site, take some time to review the plan. This will allow you to map the signal when you are there. Pay attention to the size of the space: the size will determine which antennas to use and where to place them during installation.

The floor plan can help you decide which amplifiers are necessary, confirm the length of the cable and the number of appropriate dividers, and determine any other possible need for accessories you may find. If access to the building floor plan is not possible, this can help you outline a rough description of the space digitally or on paper for your reference.

External signal evaluation. The investigation begins on the roof of the structure. Using your multimeter, trace the perimeter of the building and record the signal reading on each side. Be sure to record readings of all channels and frequencies at once. Being consistent will help you avoid complications later.

Signal Identification After comparing the readings from all sides, identify the hyper location of the best signal. Slowly rotate 360 ​​degrees in place, using the light meter to find the signal source. Once this is identified, record the direction from which the signal comes. This information will help you locate the nearest cell tower and determine how the auxiliary antenna should look.

Cable access During the investigation, it is essential to take into account any ventilation or nearby duct that can be used as an entry point for the internal cable. If there is no natural entry point, you must create an artificial opening for cable access.

Assembly Ideally, you can mount the donor antenna on an existing vent tube or post. Otherwise, you must create a mounting point with a mounting kit. Depending on the design of the ceiling and the direction of the signal, you may have to be creative and install your antenna support.