A reliable wireless network is essential for businesses to thrive. However, achieving optimal wireless performance is not always as straightforward as it seems. Factors such as wireless interference, coverage gaps, and throughput limitations can limit your network's efficiency and lead to frustrating experiences for both your employees and customers. Fortunately, wireless site surveys are a solution that can pave the way to a seamless wireless experience for your organization. In this article, we'll explore what wireless site surveys are, the reasons organizations might need one, their benefits, and the outcomes that organizations can expect.
What Are Wireless Site Surveys?
Wireless site surveys are comprehensive assessments that analyze Wi-Fi connectivity in a given area – such as an office space, warehouse, or home – with the intent of optimizing wireless network performance. These surveys are conducted by experienced IT professionals, and involve a systematic evaluation of an organization's premises, taking into account both physical and environmental factors that impact wireless connectivity. The primary goal of a wireless site survey is to gather data to ensure that wireless access points (APs) are optimally placed and configured to deliver the best possible coverage and performance.
Reasons for Conducting a Wireless Site Survey
1. Identifying Wireless Interference
Interference from various sources can significantly impact wireless signal strength and overall network performance. A wireless site survey helps identify and mitigate potential interference points, such as neighboring wireless networks, wireless printers, or other electronic devices.
2. Assisting with New Wireless Access Point Placement
When expanding or upgrading your wireless infrastructure, it's crucial to determine the optimal locations for new APs. Site surveys provide insights into the most strategic placement of APs to ensure comprehensive coverage and optimal signal strength.
3. Determining Coverage Gap Locations
Dead spots or coverage gaps in your wireless network can lead to frustrating user experiences and hinder productivity. A site survey helps pinpoint these coverage gaps, enabling you to take targeted measures to eliminate them.
4. Locating Areas with Limited Up/Down Throughput
Wireless throughput is the amount of information that is delivered from one place to another in a certain period of time. Site surveys reveal areas with limited throughput, helping you understand where network performance may not meet your organization's requirements. This information allows for informed decision-making when it comes to network optimization.
Benefits of Conducting a Wireless Site Survey
1. Enhanced Network Performance
By identifying and addressing potential issues, a site survey ensures that your wireless network operates at its peak performance, offering better reliability and increased data transfer speeds.
2. Improved User Experience
A well-optimized wireless network provides seamless connectivity, reducing downtime, and enhancing user satisfaction, both for your employees and customers.
3. Cost Savings
Investing in a wireless site survey can save your organization money in the long run. By accurately determining the number and placement of APs required, you can avoid unnecessary purchases and ensure a cost-effective network setup. Additionally, improving your organization’s wireless stability will result in more efficient operations, creating indirect savings as well.
4. Future-Proofing Your Network
A site survey takes into account your organization's growth plans, enabling you to create a scalable wireless infrastructure that can accommodate future expansion without compromising performance.
What Deliverables Can Organizations Expect?
1. Wireless Configuration Recommendations
The survey results provide expert recommendations on configuring your wireless network for optimal performance, including channel assignment, transmit power levels, and security settings.
2. Access Point Location
The survey report includes initial design and current placement revisions of your APs, ensuring that they are positioned optimally to deliver the desired coverage and performance.
3. Comprehensive Survey Report
The final deliverable is a detailed report summarizing the survey findings, analyses, and recommendations. This report serves as a valuable reference for future network planning and optimization.
Ready to Optimize Your Network & Improve Productivity?
A wireless site survey is a fundamental step in unlocking the full potential of your organization's wireless network. By addressing wireless interference and coverage gaps, a site survey can enhance network performance and improve organizational productivity. If you’re interested in learning more about wireless site surveys, read our case study.
Our IT experts conduct comprehensive surveys that deliver tailored recommendations, ensuring that your wireless network is optimized with your organization’s goals in mind. Contact us to learn about our site survey services and to receive your free quote!
