Site Survey Definition Wireless research involves
the development of planning capabilities for a wireless network. For a specific
property search, this involves examining the architectural plans and the
physical structures required while assessing the potential of elements such as
coverage, capacity and overall service quality.
A wireless
search is also called a wireless site search or RF site search.
Part of a
wireless survey involves establishing the scope of the project, where some
professionals may refer to something like "effective range limit."
Engineers also observe any intrusion or signal problems in different parts of
the defined area. Different types of tests involve different methodologies to
evaluate the signal and the reception potential.
Some
professionals divide wireless surveys into three categories: passive, active
and predictive. A passive search tends to depend on local network traffic to
see how the signals move and where the access points are. A dynamic survey may
involve a more accurate recording of data transmission rates and deadlines, as
well as observing packet transmission success rates. The third category,
predictive research, is based on simulation or model of the environment and is
more theoretical in terms of finding plans and other resources.
Conduct a Wireless Site Survey –
With Wireless Survey systems, it is challenging to predict the propagation of radio waves
and detect the presence of spurious signals without using test equipment. Even
if the system uses omnidirectional antennas, the radio waves do not travel the
same distance in all directions. On the other hand, walls, doors, elevator
shafts, people, and other obstacles provide varying degrees of attenuation,
making the RF radiation pattern uneven and unpredictable. Therefore, a wireless
Site Survey (also called an RF site survey) is necessary to fully
understand the behavior of radio waves in the operating environment before
installing access points.
Website Search Concepts
The
ultimate goal of a Wireless Site Survey is to determine the number and
location of access points (or mesh nodes) that provide adequate signal coverage
throughout the facility or the city. In most implementations, "adequate
coverage" means supporting minimal data throughput or performance. To
perform a successful search, you must associate the required performance with a
value measured by research tools such as SNR. A wireless site survey also
detects the presence of RF interference from other sources that can degrade
wireless LAN performance.
The need
and complexity of a Wifi Site Surveys vary depending on the
installation. For example, a small three-bedroom office may not require on-site
research. This scenario can probably be resolved with a single Wi-Fi access
point (or router) located anywhere in the office while maintaining adequate
coverage. If your access point encounters RF interference from another nearby
wireless LAN, you can choose a different channel and eliminate the problem.
A larger
installation, such as an office complex, an airport, a hospital or warehouse,
or an outdoor space such as a city, usually requires a thorough Wifi Surveys
site search. Without a survey, users risk
having inadequate coverage and poor performance in certain regions.
When Conducting A Wireless Site
Survey –
Understand The Wireless Connection
Requirements. To
identify optimal locations for access points or mesh nodes, you must understand
the specific network requirements that affect signal coverage. For example, the
maximum interval between a client device and the access point decreases as the
data throughput and the resulting throughput increases. Therefore, you must
know the target data rates (and performance) to correctly interpret the search
results. In addition, customer devices may have relatively low transmission
power, which should be taken into account when using most site analysis tools.
Identify the technologies that your Surveys Network will implement, such
as 802.11g or 802.11n, and investigate with these technologies in mind.
Obtain An Installation Diagram. Before going too far with
research on the site, look for a set of construction plans or city plans. If
not, prepare a drawing that shows the location of walls, hallways, etc. Website
search tools import diagrams in different image formats. Of course, mapping
software is a good source for outdoor city research. If all else fails in the
construction of surveys, consider taking a digital photo of the fire escape
diagram, which is often found on the walls of the corridor.
Visually Inspect The Installation. Perform the installation
before performing any test to verify the accuracy of the installation diagram.
Now is a good time to observe the possible attenuation barriers that could
affect the spread of RF signals. For example, a visual inspection will reveal
obstacles to signs, such as metal supports and partitions, elements that the
planes generally do not show. Also consider possible locations for mounting
access points, such as ceiling plates or pillars. For urban outdoor
environments, you should carefully evaluate the location and availability of
light poles and water towers to assemble mesh nodes and connection equipment.
These actions will make subsequent tests more fluid.
Assess The Existing Network
Infrastructure. Determine the capacity of any existing cable network that can
interconnect access points or fabric nodes. Most buildings have Ethernet
networks and, in some cases, fiber optic networks. Check how many of your
existing networks may be available to support your wireless network. This will
help designers later in their deployment when defining the architecture and
nomenclature of the wireless network.
Identify The Coverage Areas. In the installation
diagram or city map, indicate all the areas where coverage is required, such as
offices, hallways, stairs, laundries, toilets, toilets, courtyards, parking
lots and elevators . In addition, it is important to identify where users will
not have wireless coverage to avoid wasting time inspecting unnecessary areas.
Remember that you could survive with fewer access points and lower equipment
costs if you can limit roaming areas.
Determine The Preliminary Locations
For The Access Points. When considering the location of wireless users and the range estimates
for the wireless LAN products you use, calculate the locations of access points
that will provide adequate coverage in all areas of the user. Anticipate some
propagation overlap (usually 25%) between adjacent access points, but keep in
mind that channel assignments for access points must be sufficiently separated
to avoid interference between access points .
Consider
the mounting locations, which can be vertical posts or metal supports on the
tiles. Identify the appropriate locations to install the access point, antenna,
and data / PoE cable. Also consider the different antennas when deciding where
to place the access points. An access point mounted near an exterior wall, for
example, can be a good place if you are using a remote antenna with a
relatively high gain oriented inside the installation.
