The wireless site survey known as an RF site survey, is the method of laying out and planning a wireless network to deliver data from various sources, to deliver the desired wireless service, optimum coverage, lowest cost, best data rates and quality of service. The survey also determines how to optimize the wireless infrastructure for optimal performance. The surveyor presents findings to the client for an interpretation and recommendation. This report discusses the objectives of a wireless site survey.
Planning includes defining the purpose of the wireless site survey to decide which areas will receive a wireless network service. The target area is the entire floor plan of the building, if one. It may include the basement, attic, or any other place with access to a wireless router or points. To determine the best coverage area, multiple measurements are taken at different times, usually at different elevations.
Once the site survey data is complete, it must be interpreted and recommendation is made regarding the best way to consolidate the access points to get optimal coverage. The surveyor first calculates the average signal strength at each access point. Then the maximum signal strength at each point is calculated. The signal strengths are typically measured in decibels.
There is another factor to consider when determining optimum coverage. Sometimes, buildings need to be moved to receive signals for certain devices. That's why a wireless site survey is used to find out where the access points should be placed. A wireless router can receive a beam of a wireless signal from a single access point to multiple access points within a building.
Wireless site surveys are typically done with radio-based survey tools. These tools require access points to be tagged with specific reference networks. This helps the survey team know which access points should be tagged with which reference networks in the building. With this information, it is easy to configure the wireless network and create an integrated building network.
There are many other wireless site surveys available.
When conducting wireless site surveys, you will want to make sure your survey company has access to all the proper authorization data and that they use the best methodology for their clients. If you don't have a good provider with which to conduct your survey, you'll end up with an incomplete survey which won't be representative of what the true costs might actually be. Some providers will charge a lot more than others. If you use a provider with poor methodology or with people who do not have a good understanding of wireless signals, you might get inaccurate results. For this reason, you should choose your survey company wisely. Check out this blog to get enlightened on this topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_site_survey.