Validation Survey
A validation Wi-Fi survey is a post-installation survey conducted to verify and validate the performance and coverage of a Wi-Fi network after it has been deployed. The primary objective of a validation survey is to ensure that the network meets the design requirements and provides the expected level of service to end-users.
The validation Wi-Fi survey is a critical step in ensuring the Wi-Fi network’s success and reliability. It helps identify and address any issues that may have arisen during the deployment process, ensuring that the network delivers optimal performance and meets the requirements of the users and applications it serves.
The process typically involves the following steps:
1. Data Collection: The surveyor gathers the initial design and configuration details, including access point locations, transmit power settings, channel assignments, and other network parameters.
2. Signal Measurement: Using specialized Wi-Fi survey tools, the surveyor collects real-world data by measuring the signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and other relevant metrics at various locations throughout the coverage area.
3. Coverage Analysis: The collected data is analysed to assess the Wi-Fi network’s coverage and identify any areas with weak signals or coverage gaps that may not meet the design requirements.
4. Performance Assessment: The surveyor evaluates the network’s performance by measuring data transfer rates, latency, and packet loss at different locations. This helps identify any performance bottlenecks or areas where the network may be underperforming.
5. Interference Identification: The surveyor looks for potential sources of interference that may be affecting the Wi-Fi network’s performance. This could include other Wi-Fi networks, non-Wi-Fi devices, or physical obstacles.
6. Comparison to Design: The survey results are compared to the initial design and expected performance metrics. Any discrepancies between the design and the actual performance are noted for further investigation and optimisation.
7. Recommendations and Remediation: Based on the survey findings, the surveyor provides recommendations for improving the network’s performance and coverage. This may involve adjusting access point configurations, optimising channel assignments, or adding additional access points in areas with weak coverage.
8. Validation Report: A detailed validation report is generated, summarising the survey findings, performance metrics, and recommended actions. This report serves as a reference for network administrators to make necessary adjustments and improvements.
The difference between an active and passive survey...
An active Wi-Fi survey involves actively generating network traffic by sending data packets to measure the network’s performance and responsiveness. It simulates real device behaviour and helps assess the Wi-Fi network’s capacity, throughput, and latency under actual usage conditions.
On the other hand, a passive Wi-Fi survey listens to existing Wi-Fi signals without actively sending data packets. It measures signal strength, interference, and noise levels to assess the existing Wi-Fi environment and identify potential sources of signal degradation.
Both passive and active Wi-Fi surveys have their specific uses and are often used in combination to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Wi-Fi network’s health and performance. Passive surveys focus on analysing the existing environment, while active surveys simulate real user behaviour and assess network performance under load.
Passive
Active
Method:
– Listens to existing Wi-Fi signals without generating additional traffic.
– Measures signal strength, interference, and noise levels.
Data Collection:
– Collects data passively without actively transmitting data packets.
Network Load:
– Does not add any extra network traffic.
Purpose:
– Assesses the existing Wi-Fi environment and identifies sources of signal degradation.
– Provides insights into coverage and potential sources of interference.
Benefits:
– Non-intrusive and can be performed during normal network operations.
– Useful for assessing the overall Wi-Fi environment and planning improvements.
Method:
– Actively generates network traffic by sending data packets to simulate real device behaviour.
Data Collection:
– Involves sending test data packets to measure network performance, throughput, and latency.
Network Load:
– Intentionally adds network traffic during the survey.
Purpose:
– Evaluates the network’s capacity, performance, and responsiveness under simulated usage conditions.
– Identifies areas with underperforming Wi-Fi and potential dead zones.
Benefits:
– Provides real-world performance metrics to assess the network’s readiness for user traffic.
– Useful for capacity planning, troubleshooting, and optimising network performance.