With wireless systems, it is very difficult to predict the propagation of radio waves and detect the presence of interfering signals without the use of test equipment. Walls, doors, lift shafts, people, and other obstacles offer varying degrees of attenuation, which cause the Radio Frequency (RF) radiation pattern to be irregular and unpredictable.
As a result, it is normal to perform a RF site survey to fully understand the behaviour of radio waves within a facility, before installing wireless network access points.
The ultimate goal of a RF site survey is to supply enough information to determine the number and placement of access points, so that there is adequate coverage throughout the facility.
In most implementations, "adequate coverage" means support of a minimum data rate to the required areas. An RF site survey can also detect and identify the presence of interference coming from other sources, which could degrade the performance of the wireless LAN.
The requirement for and complexity of a RF site survey, will vary depending on the facility. For example, a small three room office may not require a site survey.
In this scenario a single access point located anywhere within the office and still maintain adequate coverage. If this access point encounters RF interference from another nearby wireless LAN, it is possible to choose a different channel and eliminate the problem.
A larger facility, such as an office complex, apartment building, hospital, or warehouse, will generally require an extensive RF site survey. Without a survey, users will probably end up with inadequate coverage and suffer from low performance in some areas.
Through our Engineering Team we use the latest professional wireless site survey software packages, such as AirMagnet, to sample the RF propagation under normal operational conditions. From this, we can determine the optinum position and settings of every wireless access point to suit your specific requirements.
Sampled parameters include signal strength, signal quality, bandwidth and signal to noise ratio.
A comprehensive, written Wireless Site Survey report offers:
For more information on 802.11 site surveys click here or for WLAN surveys click here.
For more information about our Wireless Site Surveys please contact us.
Business process review
Wireless site surveys
Hardware surveys
Pre-configuration
Staging Service
Hardware and software installation
Project management
Training
Help desk
Wireless LAN site survey health check
Service programmes
Upgrade service
