Wireless networking is a critical feature of the modern workplace, with nearly half of all business Internet traffic now being carried on Wi-Fi networks. However, achieving and maintaining optimal performance is usually an ongoing challenge. As much as a third of the world’s Wi-Fi networks experience regular performance issues, according to one recent study.
Wireless network assessments help ensure consistent performance by identifying issues that can cause outages and business interruptions. It’s not a one-off process, however. Many factors can impact Wi-Fi performance, so regular assessments are necessary. Because it is a broadcast technology, something as simple as rearranging furniture, moving file cabinets, adding new users or even installing a microwave oven can result in unexpected signal interference.
Site surveys are key components of any wireless assessment. They typically involve having analysts walk around the site measuring signal strength with specialized tools and equipment. The results will indicate whether you need to add access points, relocate routers, reconfigure devices or make any other changes.
Site Survey Options
There are three main types of wireless site surveys:
- Predictive surveys simulate wireless performance before moving into a new space.
- Passive surveys gather data about Wi-Fi signal strength without joining the wireless network.
- Active surveys use specialized tools that gather real-time information about network behavior under actual load, interference and environmental conditions.
Verteks often conducts active surveys for customers experiencing issues with existing networks. The advantage of an active survey is that it will mimic actual user behavior, creating a far more accurate view of network performance in real-world usage scenarios.
Our Certified Wireless Network Administrators (CWNAs) use specialized testing devices that mimic the behavior of devices connecting to the network. We use the Ekahau Sidekick, a purpose-built Wi-Fi survey device that is lab-calibrated to deliver highly accurate and standardized Wi-Fi measurements. The device features two built-in Wi-Fi radios and seven internal antennas capable of surveying the latest 802.11 Wi-Fi standards, including 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).
Once the signals are generated, our CWNAs use an ultra-high speed, high-resolution spectrum analyzer built into the Ekahau device to evaluate various aspects of the wireless environment. Metrics include signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), throughput, latency and packet loss. The Ekahau analyzer operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands simultaneously and provides automatic detection and classification of known interference sources. The Sidekick analyzer is up to 10 times faster than other Wi-Fi spectrum analyzers, resulting in quicker problem resolution, faster site survey walk-throughs and more accurate location of interference.
Analysis and Design
After measurements have been recorded throughout the survey area, our engineers analyze the data to identify potential bottlenecks or areas needing optimization. The analysis will also cover environmental factors such as building design, wireless interference and electrical interference that can affect Wi-Fi coverage.
That analysis provides valuable insights into the network’s performance, coverage patterns and areas for improvement. Those insights can help network administrators make informed decisions about adjusting access point placement, channel allocation and other configuration characteristics. If your work environment has changed dramatically or if you are running an older version of the Wi-Fi standard, you may even choose to redesign the network.
In such cases, the Verteks team can use predictive modeling tools to simulate multiple deployment scenarios based on your facility blueprints. We can provide visual representations that illustrate anticipated signal strengths, noise levels, SNR and coverage density. The designs will include options for both 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands.
If you are considering a Wi-Fi upgrade or just need to sort out nagging performance issues, contact us to set up a free assessment.
