packets with the broadcast SSID. If this feature is enabled on the access point, any
wireless user can associate with the access point by using a blank (null) SSID.
Surveying the Site of Your Wireless LAN
Conducting a
for your wireless LAN is the most crucial step in the process of
setting up a wireless network. It greatly reduces the amount of troubleshooting you will
have to do once you have the wireless LAN set up and ready for connection testing. To
conduct a site survey, you will need the following tools:
●
An access point (or laptop computer) that is set up to be the transmitter. It should
be mounted near and at the same height as the designated location of your
wireless LAN.
●
A laptop that will act as the mobile receiver. It must contain your site survey
software.
●
An area or building map, which will be used to plot the strength of your signals.
Once you have the tools you need, you are ready to survey the inside of the building.
Launch the site survey software on the mobile receiver laptop and carry it around in the
intended wireless LAN area to test the signal strength. Be sure to also check the signal
strength of each intended access point location. If you encounter problems while
surveying the site, make sure your transmitter laptop is not located on a wall containing
metal, such as an air-conditioning duct, which will interfere with the range of your signal.
Simply move the transmitter and test the signal strength again. For users to have
seamless coverage when moving from access point to access point, the signal levels at
each point must overlap. There is software available that will seamlessly hand off
changing signal levels from one access point to another.
Your building's infrastructure can sometimes interfere with the microwave signal, but
finding the location and cause of the interference will allow you to figure out the best
place to mount your access points for optimal area coverage. Microwave signals travel in
all directions, which means there is one access point for a multi-floor building. However,
the range is highly dependent on the material used to construct the flooring, especially
metal materials. Once your signal strength is strong inside the building, you are ready to
check the strength outside the building. To do so, simply carry the mobile receiver laptop
as far down the street or around the building as you can go without losing significant
signal strength. If possible, you should be aware of the types of networks being used by
the companies on the floors above and below you, so that you can work together in
harmony. With wireless networks, security is very important and if you communicate with
those around you, you are better prepared to select the right channels, as well as the
