3 Types of wireless site surveys and how to conduct them

A wireless site survey plays a key role in designing and maintaining a wireless network that meets performance requirements. It involves assessing factors like signal strength, interference, and coverage areas to inform network setup and provide reliable connectivity.

Different types of wireless site surveys are suited for different scenarios, whether you're setting up a new network, expanding an existing one, or resolving performance issues. In this guide, we will explore the three main types of wireless site surveys and provide practical steps on how to conduct each one to achieve optimal network performance.

What you’ll discover:

• What is a wireless site survey, and why does it matter?
• Passive wireless site surveys
• Active wireless site surveys
• Predictive wireless site surveys
• Hybrid wireless site surveys
• Spectrum analysis
• How to optimize your network with Meter

What is a wireless site survey, and why does it matter?

A wireless site survey is a thorough evaluation of a location to determine the optimal placement and configuration of wireless network components, like access points. Think of it as laying the groundwork for a network by assessing the landscape—identifying where coverage will be strongest and where potential pitfalls lie.

The primary aim is to fine-tune Wi-Fi performance by locating coverage gaps, pinpointing potential interference sources, and addressing weak signal areas. Such assessments are vital at various stages: Before network installation, during any network expansion, or when troubleshooting existing network issues.

Why conduct a Wi-Fi site survey? The benefits are multifold:

• Performance optimization: The survey helps determine the best spots for access points, ensuring consistent signal strength throughout the location. By understanding the physical and RF (radio frequency) environment, engineers can reduce dead zones and manage interference more effectively, contributing to a more reliable network.
• Interference management: Identifying interference sources is a key outcome of a site survey. Obstacles such as thick walls, electronic devices, or overlapping networks can degrade signal quality. Recognizing these factors allows for strategic placement of access points and careful channel planning, thus minimizing potential disruptions.
• Scalability and future-proofing: Insights from a site survey enable better planning for future network expansions or modifications. It assists in designing a network layout that can accommodate additional devices or increased traffic without a significant drop in performance.

When is a site survey done for a wireless network? Timing for conducting a wireless site survey is equally important. The three circumstances when you conduct a site survey are:

• Before installation: Conducting a survey before installing any network hardware is the most proactive approach. It provides a blueprint for where each component should be placed to maximize network efficiency and avoid future issues. Laying this groundwork is akin to setting a solid foundation for a building—it dictates the long-term stability and reliability of the network.
• After expansion: As networks grow or as the physical environment changes, reassessment becomes necessary. After any network expansion, a site survey confirms that newly integrated components function correctly and that the overall network performance remains consistent. It's a check-up that helps maintain the quality and reach of the network as it evolves.
• During troubleshooting: When facing network problems—such as poor connectivity or unexpected interference—a site survey acts as a diagnostic tool. It allows engineers to systematically identify and address the root causes of these issues, whether they stem from physical barriers, signal interference, or configuration problems.

Understand that a wireless site survey is not just a one-time activity but rather a strategic practice that supports the ongoing health and performance of a network. It should be performed periodically, especially after significant changes in the network or physical environment, to maintain optimal performance.

A site survey provides the foundational knowledge needed to build, expand, and maintain a network that is both reliable and capable of meeting future demands.

1. Passive wireless site surveys: How do they help map network coverage?

Passive wireless site surveys involve monitoring the existing Wi-Fi environment to gather data on signal strength, noise levels, and interference without generating additional network traffic. They are ideal for understanding the current state of network coverage, identifying dead zones, and detecting interference from nearby networks or devices.

Think of it like a birdwatcher observing without disturbing; the survey listens in on all Wi-Fi traffic, giving a clear picture of how signals are distributed across a given area and where they face obstacles.

To conduct a passive wireless site survey, some tools are needed. The core tools include a laptop or mobile device equipped with Wi-Fi network monitoring software. Meter can provide a full walkthrough of your business site and determine the best spots for placements.

Additionally, a spectrum analyzer can be used to detect interference sources that aren't part of the Wi-Fi network, such as Bluetooth devices or microwaves, providing a more comprehensive view of the wireless environment.

Preparation

Begin by preparing your device with the necessary software. The software acts like a set of ears, tuned to pick up the various signals and noise levels within the wireless spectrum. Calibration is important to make sure the data collected is accurate and reliable.

Site walk-through

This step involves moving systematically through the site while the software passively gathers data on signal strength and noise levels. Imagine you are walking through the area with a finely tuned scanner, capturing all the subtleties of the wireless environment.

It’s important to move methodically, covering all corners and high-traffic areas to capture a full representation of the network performance. Missing sections could lead to incomplete data, which might cause problems later on when trying to optimize network coverage.

Data analysis

After collecting the data, use the software to create heat maps that visualize signal strengths and areas of interference. The analysis will show where signals are strong, where they drop off, and where interference might be causing problems.

For example, a sudden drop in signal strength in a specific area might indicate that a structural feature, like a thick wall, is blocking the Wi-Fi signal more than anticipated. High levels of noise could suggest that non-Wi-Fi devices are operating on similar frequencies, leading to performance issues.

A passive wireless site survey offers valuable insights into the existing wireless environment, which can be used for planning and optimization. It lays the groundwork for more targeted interventions, allowing network engineers to make informed decisions about enhancing or expanding wireless coverage.

2. Active wireless site surveys: Measuring real-world performance

Active wireless site surveys are a practical method for measuring a network's real-world performance. Unlike passive surveys, which only observe the network, active surveys involve sending and receiving data packets to evaluate performance metrics such as throughput, latency, and packet loss.

Active surveys are particularly useful for verifying network performance post-deployment and during routine maintenance checks.

After deploying a network or making adjustments to an existing setup, an active survey can confirm that everything is functioning as intended. It helps identify any bottlenecks or performance issues that may not be apparent under normal conditions.

Regular active surveys are also beneficial for ongoing network health checks, allowing network engineers to detect and address potential issues early, avoiding unexpected downtime or degraded performance.

To perform an active wireless site survey, follow a structured approach:

Setup

Start by preparing a laptop or mobile device with specialized software for active surveying. Popular tools like iPerf and AirMagnet are commonly used for their robust data analysis capabilities.

However, for a more integrated solution, consider using Meter’s own survey tools, which are designed to provide comprehensive network diagnostics alongside advanced network management features.

Testing

Once the setup is complete, connect to the network and initiate tests. The software will actively send and receive data packets across the network, measuring throughput and latency.

These tests mimic real-world conditions, giving insight into how the network handles typical data loads. It's important to cover all critical areas of the network during testing to get a complete performance profile.

Analysis

After testing, analyze the collected data to identify any areas where performance is lacking. Look for patterns such as high latency or packet loss that could indicate network issues. Visual tools like heat maps and graphs can help interpret the data more intuitively.

Based on these findings, adjustments can be made, such as relocating access points, changing network configurations, or upgrading hardware to enhance performance.

Best practices for effective active surveys include:

• Vary testing times: Conduct tests at different times throughout the day to capture performance variations due to fluctuating network loads. This approach helps identify potential stress points that may only appear during peak usage periods.
• Use diverse devices: Test with a range of devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets) to understand how different devices experience network performance. This comprehensive testing approach helps fine-tune network settings for a variety of user scenarios.
• Maintain detailed records: Document all survey parameters, locations, and findings thoroughly. These records are invaluable for tracking performance changes over time and understanding the impact of different network configurations.

Active wireless site surveys are a valuable tool for network engineers aiming to optimize network performance. By actively testing and analyzing network conditions, engineers can proactively address issues and maintain a reliable network that meets user demands.

3. Predictive wireless site surveys: Planning before deployment

Predictive wireless site surveys use software to model Wi-Fi coverage based on building layouts, materials, and environmental factors, providing a virtual prediction of network performance without physical testing.

The process begins with gathering detailed information about the environment. Factors such as floor plans, wall materials, ceiling heights, and potential interference sources are crucial inputs.

Each material has unique properties that affect signal behavior—concrete might block signals, while glass may allow them to pass with minimal loss. Once all relevant data is collected, it's entered into the simulation software to create a virtual model of the building.

Meter’s tool, for instance, excels at this by using advanced algorithms to predict not just where signals will go but also how they will interact with different materials and structures. It can simulate various environmental factors, providing a clearer picture of potential signal strength and interference zones.

After the model is set up, the software runs simulations to predict coverage, capacity, and interference patterns. It's about where the signals go and how they interact with the environment.

Metal beams can cause reflections leading to dead zones, while dense walls might attenuate the signal strength. The goal is to identify the optimal placement of access points to provide adequate coverage without unnecessary overlap or interference.

Misplaced access points can lead to co-channel interference, while insufficient spacing might leave areas with weak or no signal.

The steps involved in conducting a predictive wireless site survey include:

• Data collection: Gather all relevant details about the building's structure and materials, expected user density, and potential interference sources.
• Model creation: Input this data into the simulation software to create a virtual model of the building. The software uses this model to forecast how Wi-Fi signals will propagate, taking into account obstacles and materials that could impact signal strength and quality.
• Simulation and analysis: Run multiple simulations to explore different scenarios, adjusting variables like access point placement and power levels to see how they affect coverage. The software helps pinpoint the best locations for access points and identifies any potential coverage issues or interference.

Predictive surveys offer significant time and cost savings by allowing network engineers to make adjustments during the planning phase rather than during a physical site survey. They are particularly valuable in environments where conducting a physical survey is challenging, such as in secure or remote locations.

Additionally, predictive models can be easily updated to accommodate changes in building layouts or new network requirements, making them a flexible and effective tool for planning reliable Wi-Fi networks.

Hybrid wireless site surveys: Combining multiple approaches

Hybrid wireless site surveys combine passive, active, and predictive methods to deliver a comprehensive evaluation of a network environment.

The hybrid approach is particularly useful in complex settings, such as sprawling corporate campuses or multi-story buildings, where different areas may require distinct survey techniques to gain a full understanding of network dynamics.

The method integrates multiple survey types to offer a more nuanced perspective on network coverage and performance. Each survey type contributes unique insights:

• Passive surveys: These surveys monitor existing Wi-Fi conditions without transmitting data, providing a snapshot of the current signal strength, noise levels, and interference. Passive surveys are especially helpful in identifying coverage gaps and understanding how the environment, including walls and other obstructions, affects wireless signals.
• Active surveys: By actively sending and receiving data, active surveys measure real-world performance metrics such as throughput, latency, and packet loss.
• Predictive surveys: Using simulation software, predictive surveys model the wireless environment before any physical installation or modification takes place. They are invaluable for new network deployments or expansions, allowing engineers to plan and optimize network layouts based on building materials, floor plans, and expected user density.

Leveraging the strengths of each survey type provides a more detailed and accurate assessment of the network. It’s particularly valuable in environments with complex layouts or varying usage patterns, where a single survey type may not capture all the necessary information.

Conducting a hybrid survey involves several key steps to build on the data collected from the previous phase:

1. Initial predictive planning: Start by using predictive modeling tools to create an initial network layout. Input factors such as floor plans, construction materials, and anticipated user density into the software.
2. Passive data collection: Following the predictive analysis, conduct a passive survey to collect real-world data on signal strength, noise, and interference. The process involves walking through the site with wireless monitoring tools, which allows for the validation of the predictive model and highlights any discrepancies between the simulated and actual conditions.
3. Active performance testing: Once passive data has been gathered, perform an active survey to test the network's performance under typical load conditions. Active surveys involve transmitting data across the network to assess throughput, latency, and packet loss in various locations.
4. Integrated analysis: With data from predictive, passive, and active surveys in hand, perform a comprehensive analysis to create a holistic view of the network’s performance. Software tools can help overlay the data, providing insights into where improvements are needed.
5. Optimization and re-evaluation: Use the insights from the integrated analysis to make necessary adjustments to the network design and configuration. Implement changes and conduct follow-up surveys, if necessary, to verify that the network performance has improved. Regularly repeating this process helps maintain optimal network conditions, especially in dynamic environments where network demands and physical conditions may change.

Spectrum analysis: Identifying and mitigating interference

Spectrum analysis is a focused process for identifying interference in the radio frequency (RF) environment, which complements a wireless site survey by pinpointing non-Wi-Fi interference sources such as microwaves or Bluetooth devices.

In environments with many electronic devices, such as offices, hospitals, or factories, interference is common.

These devices emit signals within the RF spectrum, potentially causing:

• Slow speeds
• Dropped connections
• Total signal loss

Conducting a spectrum analysis helps identify these sources of interference and allows for adjustments to optimize network performance.

The goal of spectrum analysis is to scan the RF spectrum to identify interference sources. Using this data, network engineers can adjust network configurations to minimize the impact of interference.

Tools like spectrum analyzers—either dedicated hardware or software applications—are essential. They scan and measure RF interference across frequencies and channels, providing a visual representation of the RF environment.

These tools help pinpoint where interference is strongest, revealing the most congested frequencies and identifying specific interference types, such as narrowband or broadband emissions.

Steps to conduct a proper spectrum analysis include:

1. Prepare tools: Set up a spectrum analyzer or software capable of detailed RF scans. Ensure the device is configured to capture the necessary data accurately.
2. Conduct scans: Perform a thorough sweep of the wireless spectrum to detect interference sources. Focus on common disruptors like nearby Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and non-traditional sources like wireless security cameras or microwave ovens.
3. Analyze data: Review the scan results to identify interference patterns. Look for correlations with network issues, such as frequent disconnections or slow speeds at certain times, which might coincide with overlapping frequencies from other devices.
4. Adjust network settings: Make necessary changes to the network configuration to reduce interference. This could involve switching Wi-Fi channels, adjusting access point placement, or using advanced RF management techniques like dynamic channel assignment or band steering to improve performance.

Regular Wi-Fi site surveys are essential for maintaining optimal network performance. They help in:

• Improving network performance: Enhancing coverage, reducing interference, and optimizing throughput, allows site surveys to guarantee all users have reliable and fast Internet access.
• Scalability: Surveys help future-proof networks by identifying potential issues early, making it easier to scale the network as the business grows.
• Cost efficiency: Identifying and resolving issues early reduces downtime and minimizes the need for costly network overhauls.

Next steps: Meter's NaaS optimizes your enterprise connections

Choosing the right type of wireless site survey is a key step in maintaining a reliable network that fits your business needs. But the process doesn't end there. Meter’s Network as a Service (NaaS) offers a complete solution that covers every aspect of network management—from initial design and installation to continuous monitoring and optimization.

Meter’s approach integrates advanced hardware, intuitive software, and comprehensive operational support to create a network setup that’s ready for today and adaptable for tomorrow. Partnering with Meter means gaining a dedicated ally in optimizing your network's performance and freeing up your engineering team’s time for other, more impactful activities.

Why partner with Meter? Here’s what we bring to the table:

• Custom network design and deployment: We tailor the network design to your specific requirements, ensuring optimal performance from the start, no matter the environment.
• All-inclusive management: From sourcing Internet service providers to handling cabling and installation, we manage all aspects of your network, eliminating the need to coordinate with multiple vendors.
• Proactive issue resolution: Our systems are designed to continuously monitor network performance and automatically address issues before they escalate, minimizing disruptions to your operations.
• Tailored hardware solutions: Our proprietary security appliance, switches, and access points are specifically designed to work seamlessly with our software, providing reliable and consistent connectivity.
• Scalable solutions: As your business expands, our network solutions are ready to grow with you, reducing the need for frequent upgrades and keeping costs manageable.

Find out for yourself how Meter can elevate your network by scheduling a demo.