IP Global has established its footprints in the Wi-Fi Diagnostics Solution for its valued customers.
Wireless Survey Methodology:
A predictive survey should be performed before any equipment or furniture moved into a new space. It relies on a software package designed to predict how wireless signals propagate through empty space. The input is a detailed set of blueprints and information on the type of wireless equipment proposed, such as which Wi-Fi standard will be used in the area.
The goal of a predictive site survey is to determine where to place access points (APs) for the best performance in allocated area. Virtual APs are placed on the blueprint, and the software determines signal strength based on information about how signals propagate through walls and around cabinets and desks. The types of applications that will be used in the area should also be a factor — e.g., heavy video use requires high throughput, while VoIP calls don’t require high throughput, but do require tight limits on latency. Skipping the predictive survey will result in guessing about the number of APs needed and where to place them. Despite general rules that dictate the number of APs needed for each increment of floor space, they don’t account for application performance requirements.
Check List for Predictive surveys
– Ekahau Pro
– Laptop
– Site Details – Floor Plan with Legends
– Can be performed Remotely
2. Passive surveys collect information about all the signals in the environment after the site is built.
Passive surveys should be performed periodically after the site is built, equipment is installed, and the network is in active use. The goal of a passive survey is to report on all signals at each location, including the installed network and signals from neighbouring sites or other devices that generate noise at wireless frequencies. These surveys report information on APs and their characteristics, signal strength, signal-to-noise ratios, and interference and may reveal a marginal performance change before users notice it.
Check List for Passive surveys/AP on Stick
– Ekahau Pro
– Ekahau Sidekick
– Laptop
– Tripod for AP
– Engineer on Site
– Autonomous mode Access Point
– Site Details – Floor Plan with Legends.
– Site readiness check – Utility power availability, Access to all areas, Free of metallic material.
– Can be performed only on Site
3. Active surveys focus on a specific signal or set of signals while the network is in full operation. Active surveys focus on a specific signal or set of specific signals and produce an extensive list of measurements for each AP that generates a studied signal. These measurements include signal strength, throughput, round-trip time, packet loss and retransmission rate throughout the area where the signal is used. Active site surveys also measure upstream and downstream data rates and may result in moving an AP or adding or removing an unneeded AP. Active surveys should be performed when investigating performance problems.
Check List for Active surveys
– Ekahau Pro
– Ekahau Sidekick
– Laptop
– Tripod for AP
– Engineer on Site
– Access Point- Full operation Network.
– Site readiness check – Utility power availability, Access to all areas, Free of metallic material.
– Can be performed only on Site
