In the past, however, these tasks required manual data recording and processing.
After a survey, data analysis is performed and survey results are documented in site survey reports generated by the application.Īll these data collection, analysis, and visualization tasks are highly automated in modern software. The surveyor either marks the current position on the floor plan manually, by clicking on the floor plan, or uses a GPS receiver that automatically marks the current position if the survey is conducted outdoors.
During a survey, a surveyor walks the facility with a portable computer that continuously records the data. Before a survey, a floor plan or site map is imported into a site survey application and calibrated to set scale. Wireless site surveys are typically conducted using computer software that collects and analyses WLAN metrics and/or RF spectrum characteristics. Wireless site survey can also mean the walk-testing, auditing, analysis or diagnosis of an existing wireless network, particularly one which is not providing the level of service required. This involves determining the minimum signal to noise ratio (SNR) needed to support performance requirements. Interviews with IT management and the end users of the wireless network are also important to determine the design parameters for the wireless network.Īs part of the wireless site survey, the effective range boundary is set, which defines the area over which signal levels needed support the intended application. This requires analysis of building floor plans, inspection of the facility, and use of site survey tools. The survey usually involves a site visit to test for RF interference, and to identify optimum installation locations for access points. Planning and designing a wireless networkĪ wireless site survey, sometimes called an RF (Radio Frequency) site survey or wireless survey, is the process of planning and designing a wireless network, to provide a wireless solution that will deliver the required wireless coverage, data rates, network capacity, roaming capability and quality of service (QoS).