Wireless

White Paper

Wireless Site Survey Best Practices
As wireless technology continues to mature, new wireless applications and appliances continue to emerge. There is increasing demand for transmitting voice and video, as well as the need for accurate positioning of users and assets accessing the WLAN. Site surveys are invaluable for designing and optimizing WLAN networks to support theseapplications. This paper provides insight into best practices for executing wireless site surveys.

Table of contents
Using the right tools for the job . . . . . . . 2 Importance of site surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Survey considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Locating foreign hotspots . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Requirements specificationand network planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Simulation tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Designing and deploying WLANs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Comparing survey methods . . . . . . . . . . 11 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 13

White Paper
WLAN networks
Wireless local area networks (WLANs) using 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a technology (Wi-Fi) have been springing up practically everywhere, providing high-speed wireless data communications to millions of people around the world. Adoption of wireless technology is fueled by its low cost and by consumers’ desire for the convenience of being connected tothe internet while on the go. The question is no longer: “Why wireless?” It has become: “Why not wireless?” So, considering the maturity of WLAN technology, planning and deploying a wireless LAN network in the office must be easy, right? Guess again!

Using the right tools for the job
End users only see the results of the hard work of the WLAN operators, systems integrators, value-addedresellers, engineers, and IT departments that implement these networks. If you are in one of these categories, you probably already know that planning and deploying a WLAN is not as simple as it sounds. You know you need the right tools to help you navigate the wireless lifecycle as you plan, install, maintain, and optimize the WLAN network. Wi-Fi installers need to: • • • • • • • • • Achieve the bestpossible WLAN performance. Optimize network performance for a variety of applications (data and voice). Minimize co-channel interference. Determine the quantity and best locations for access points. Locate unauthorized “rogue” access points and neighboring networks. Document installation characteristics. Ensure redundant coverage to support seamless roaming. Verify post-installation that theWLAN performs as designed. Fully document the entire network for reference and future verification purposes.

The importance of site surveys
WLAN network design and site survey are part of the initial phase of the wireless lifecycle. Any company that considers deploying WLANs is destined to go through all phases. These phases include pre-deployment, including network design and site survey, postinstallation verification, troubleshooting, management and optimization. Automating the site survey process simplifies pre-deployment design and post deployment verification.

Fluke Networks



www.flukenetworks.com

White Paper
Despite the emergence of WLAN systems that advertise the ability to manage themselves, eliminating the need to perform a site survey, most WLAN systemsmanufacturers will readily acknowledge that site surveys remain an important part of designing a WLAN network. A site survey enables more accurate prediction of infrastructure needs prior to purchasing a WLAN infrastructure, resulting in more accurate time and cost estimates for the network deployment. It is also a process to help verify the WLAN is performing as designed after installation. Using a...