you need a different level of coverage in some areas, you may need to move,
replace, or supplement access points and antennas.
●
You are physically changing the site:
Remodeling may introduce new sources of
interference, such as motors and metal structures within the coverage area of the
access point, even if it does not directly effect the sites where the access points
are located.
Elements of an Effective Site Survey
An effective site survey requires four elements. Failure to commit the appropriate time,
money, and energy to accomplish a proper site survey in advance may result in greater
expenditures of money and time later, when problems arise that require repeated
adjustments to the wireless configuration. The three elements of an effective site survey
are:
1.
Examine the network usage problems solved by the wireless LAN.
How many clients need a wireless LAN connection? What areas of the site require
wireless LAN connectivity? How many hours each day is wireless LAN connectivity
required? Which locations are likely to generate the largest amount of data traffic?
Where is future network expansion most likely?
2.
Study blueprints of the proposed wireless LAN site.
A site blueprint provides a map of the site as well as the location of objects, such
as walls, partitions, and anything else that could affect the performance of a
wireless LAN. Examining the site blueprint prior to conducting the physical walk-
through helps you identify areas in which wireless equipment is likely to perform
well and areas where it is not. Many obstructions are not readily visible and, in
some cases, a room originally built for a specific purpose, such as a radiology lab,
might have been converted into something completely different, such as a
conference room. The blueprint may also show areas proposed for future building
expansion. To prepare for the next step of the site survey, mark possible wireless
device locations on the blueprint and refer to the marked blueprint during the
physical walk-through and inventory.
3.
Conduct a physical walk-through and inventory.
The primary purpose of the physical walk-through is to document any items or
materials near a proposed device location that may interfere with reception or
transmission and affect network performance. Document stock and inventory
levels, current environmental conditions and any materials that may interfere with
the wireless LAN.
