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A05-0473-010

a mesh network and generate a list of RF links associated with the 

network. 
Be sure to note or mark up any changes to position of devices, or 

the introduction of new devices, created during the survey.

NOTE: Do not run more than one RF interface (dongle) at a 

time in an area during a site survey .
What to take to a Site Survey

The following equipment is the minimum that will be required to 

carry out an RF site survey.

● 

PC/Tablet running the AgileIQ™ RF PC Tools software application

● 

USB RF interface (Dongle)

● 

Two Agile™ radio sensors in RF bases

● 

Set of Duracell 123 batteries

System Sensor can supply a range of additional equipment to 

assist with the site survey.
Available options are:

●  POLE HWKIT - 1.5m – 5.2m Telescopic pole
●  CUP HWKIT – Cup to hold Agile™ radio device and base in 

position on pole

●  SOLOADAPT HWKIT – Adaptor that allows the CUP HWKIT to 

be connected to a SOLO* access pole

●  BAG  RF  HWKIT  –  Survey  bag  to  store  and  carry  poles  and 

cups etc.

* Available from Detection Testers/No Climb.
Note: The USB interface may need a mini-USB adaptor to be used 

with a Notebook/Tablet.
The picture shows a device holder (CUP HWKIT) mounted on an 

extension pole (POLE HWKIT). 

 

Summary of Basic RF Site Survey Principles
1)  Site diagram:

 Obtain or create a facility diagram or floor plan 

drawing that depicts the location of walls, walkways, etc.

2)  Visual  inspection:

  Walk through the facility to verify the 

accuracy of the facility diagram. Add any potential barriers that 

may affect the propagation of RF signals such as metal racks 

and partitions, items that are not shown on the floor plan. 

3)  Device  positions:

 Determine the preliminary location of 

devices; be certain to consider mounting options. Make 

sure all doors and windows etc are closed when the survey 

measurements are taken.

4)  Verify RF link quality:

 Take note of signal readings at the 

different device locations, moving through the site. (In a multi-

level  facility,  perform  signal  checks  on  the  floors  above  and 

below.) Based on the results of the testing, it may be necessary 

to relocate some devices and redo any affected tests. Where 

appropriate, introduce an additional device or a repeater to 

form a bridge between two locations with a weak link.

5)  Document  the  findings:

  Once  satisfied  that  the  planned 

location of devices will have adequate link quality, identify them 

clearly on the facility diagrams and add all relevant notes to the 

project; the installers will need this information. Also, provide 

a log of signal readings for reference and as support for any 

future network additions or redesign.

The use of the Agile IQ™ software application will provide a high 

level of assistance in accomplishing these tasks quickly and 

efficiently.

Summary of Contents for AGILE

Page 1: ... Series RF devices can transmit and receive they are transceivers When two devices communicate directly with one another they have set up a link the devices at each end of a link are known as nodes A set of devices or nodes communicating together is called a network There can be a wide range of network topologies as shown in the examples following VLF LF MF HF VHF UHF SHF EHF IR Visible light 10kH...

Page 2: ...bout 100m Some common building materials are listed in Table 1 together with typical energy loss figures which can be expected A normal double brick wall for example can reduce a signal s strength by up to a third or more All these factors will contribute to the occurrence in a building of areas of varying signal strengths and reception characteristics Figure 1 Relationship Between Distance and RF...

Page 3: ... and hence each RF link has bi directional communication As every RF device is a transceiver the network can be organized to minimize the use of repeaters This is achieved by allowing each device to receive and re transmit information from its neighbours on to the master device the gateway The Concept of Mesh Hierarchy When there is a direct path between nodes say from device 1 to device 2 the two...

Page 4: ...scans and RF link quality checks The RF energy scan identifies any channel frequencies that are unsuitable and the link quality check ensures that RF communications between nodes is acceptable Why is it Necessary A site RF survey is a critical element in the process of designing and installing a wireless communications network in an office or building The survey will determine the best placement o...

Page 5: ...e a facility diagram or floor plan drawing that depicts the location of walls walkways etc 2 Visual inspection Walk through the facility to verify the accuracy of the facility diagram Add any potential barriers that may affect the propagation of RF signals such as metal racks and partitions items that are not shown on the floor plan 3 Device positions Determine the preliminary location of devices ...

Page 6: ...structions Therefore a system design should take into account obstructions and the level of signal attenuation caused by Wall type and thickness Structural supporting beams Tall metal cabinets such as those that are from floor to ceiling and IT equipment in tall metal enclosures A system design should also consider the site operating conditions like Strong local interferences such as from certain ...

Page 7: ...e system Some possible changes that may help to find a suitable network include Move the gateway to provide wider connectivity with the Agile RF devices Re arrange the Agile RF devices to minimise link lengths Allow longer links or repeaters to be used Add a repeater or another Agile RF device to a marginal or poor link Consider if the wall attenuation is set too high and can be reduced How to Res...

Page 8: ...ic obstructions exist such as near lifts and escalators Do ensure that gateways are accessible for maintenance Do ensure where possible the RF devices are positioned in a line of sight A simple way to check is just to look from a device and see if the other devices are in view Figure 8 Example of Using the Line of Sight Technique In this arrangement the sounder strobe could have been located on th...

Page 9: ...e simulated with a test magnet on an Agile detector see device installation instructions for details and a fault can be created in a system by removing a device from its base Tamper Fault Don ts Don t locate RF devices behind obstructions that can weaken RF signal and cause poor link quality Don t locate Agile RF devices back to back where there is little or no attenuation as 1m separation is requ...

Page 10: ...10 A05 0473 010 SYSTEM SENSOR EUROPE Pittway Tecnologica S r l Via Caboto 19 3 34147 TRIESTE Italy www systemsensoreurope com ...

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