Wireless site survey

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A wireless site survey, or wireless survey, is the process of planning and designing a wireless network, in particular an 802.11 Wi-Fi wireless network, to provide a wireless solution that will deliver the required wireless coverage, data rates, network capacity, roaming capability and Quality of Service (QoS).

The survey usually involves a site visit, visual inspection and analysis of building floor plans. Interviews with IT management and the end users of the wireless network are important, to determine the design parameters for the wireless network.

Independent studies have shown that most of the Wi-Fi wireless networks installed today are not optimally designed or installed, and many do not provide the service that they were intended to. Because of this, stringent wireless site surveys, planning and design exercises are becoming essential, especially to support the new breed of wireless services such as Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) and real-time location services.

Wireless site survey can also mean the walk-testing, auditing, analysis or diagnosis of an existing wireless network, particularly one which is not providing the level of service required.