Wireless Site Survey

ICE's wireless practice uses a unique site survey methodology to determine the optimal location for installation of wireless access points. In addition, the survey reviews the existing ‘wired' network infrastructure to determine its adequacy in connecting to and supporting the proposed wireless Local Area Network. The methodology also provides for thorough spectrum analysis to ensure enough wireless packets are obtained for comprehensive testing.

The wireless site survey assessment and consulting tasks will:

Determine usage, security and range requirements of the wireless network.
Conduct a physical wireless site survey on areas needing wireless to determine frequency interference, security considerations, range constraints and coverage area.
Document findings including detailed component recommendations and associated costs.
Document access point placement on a facility floor plan.

Survey Report

The following describes key elements of the wireless site survey report:

Client Requirements and Network Environment discusses facility requirements and the network environment, clarifying such elements as user density, roaming, remote sites, facility aesthetic requirements, existing networks and building codes.
Testing Methodology discusses the types of testing methods used to perform the survey. Best industry practices dictate that two types of tests are conducted to discover potential sources of wireless interference: passive survey and active survey. A passive survey, at a minimum, checks for the existence of other wireless devices that communicate using the widely implemented 802.11b/g (2.4 GHz) radio frequencies (RF). However, since there are other non-network devices (such as microwave ovens) that generate RF signals in frequencies similar to 802.11b/g, a more thorough approach is to use an RF spectrum analyzer for the passive survey. An active survey uses a PC to conduct connectivity tests while attached to an access point and roaming throughout the client facility.
Discovery/Results provide passive and active wireless survey results, mitigation/action recommendations and information related to other RF interference.
Hardware Recommendations provides recommendations for wireless access points, antennas and switches, as well as information related to the wired network infrastructure, because performance of the proposed wireless network is partially dependent upon pre-existing cabling and network switches.
Wireless Facts discusses inherent limitations of wireless technology, connection speeds, interfering radio frequencies, and physical environment, among other topics.
Wireless Environment Reports provides information obtained from the wireless site survey such as signal strength test results, speed test results, and surveyor notes.

To learn more about ICE Technologies’ wireless site survey services, contact us.