Wi-Fi Surveys

Predictive

AP on a Stick

Validation

Predictive/Electronic

A predictive or electronic Wi-Fi survey is a survey method used to plan and design a Wi-Fi network without physically visiting the location. Instead of conducting an on-site survey, predictive surveys use specialized software to model the wireless environment based on floor plans, building materials, and other relevant information.

Predictive or electronic Wi-Fi surveys are valuable in the early planning stages of a Wi-Fi network deployment, as they help estimate the number of access points needed, optimal access point locations, and potential challenges that may arise during the installation.

AP on a Stick (APoS)

An “AP on a stick” Wi-Fi survey is an on-site survey method used to assess and optimise the coverage and performance of a Wi-Fi network. In this survey approach, a temporary access point (AP) is placed on a pole, stand, or other elevated position at specific locations within the area of interest.

The “AP on a stick” survey is particularly useful in complex environments, where the Wi-Fi signal behaviour is affected by factors such as building materials, obstructions, and other RF interference sources. By simulating the actual Wi-Fi network conditions using a temporary AP, the surveyor can gather accurate and reliable data to fine-tune the network design for optimal performance.

This type of survey is typically conducted during the deployment phase of a Wi-Fi network to ensure that the access points are strategically placed, and the network is configured to deliver reliable and consistent wireless connectivity to users. The data collected from the AP on a stick survey can be compared to predictive or initial on-site survey data to validate the network’s performance and ensure that it aligns with the design goals.

Validation (Active & Passive)

A validation Wi-Fi survey is a 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. By validating the network’s performance after installation, network administrators can fine-tune the network to ensure a smooth and robust wireless experience for end-users.

You may require or wish to have both a simulated predictive survey as well as an AP on a Stick survey. We call this a Hybrid Wi-Fi Survey which guarantees near-perfect results! This means we can design your Wi-Fi network electronically and follow this up with an on-site survey (or vice versa) to check for any interference etc! We can also check your existing Wi-Fi network and then design your new one!

There are many reasons why you may choose to have a Hybrid Survey.

Why you may opt for this?

– For new buildings we can start the process electronically as soon as you have a floorplan available. Then when the building is complete we can check for any potential interference or deadzones!.

– If you have a building (or a roleout of buildings) that requires a Wi-Fi survey, we can perform an onsite survey of an area of the building to gain an understating of the signal strength and interference etc… this then can be repeated electronically for all similar areas which is a brilliant cost effective solution.

– You get the benefits of both Predictive and AP on a Stick Surveys!

For large roleouts or large buildings…

What we can do?

We use AP on a stick survey to capture coverage patterns in parts of the building

Following rigorous analysis, we conduct a predictive site survey to determine mounting positions for the remainder of the site.