Wireless Site Surveys - The Key To A Reliable Wi-Fi Infrastructure

To MEASURE is to KNOW, but we KNOW what to MEASURE!

The importance of a Wireless Site Survey

In our increasingly connected world, the demand for reliable and high-performance wireless networks has reached an all-time high. Whether in businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, or even our homes, Wi-Fi has become an essential part of daily life. However, ensuring a seamless wireless experience for users is no simple feat. This is where the often-overlooked hero of wireless networking comes into play: the Wireless Site Survey.

A wireless site survey helps analyze, plan, and optimize Wi-Fi networks by considering environmental factors, potential sources of interference, and network capacity. This ensures a fast, secure, and reliable wireless network that meets user and business requirements.

Understanding the unpredictability of radio waves

Wireless communication relies on radio waves, which can be both a blessing and a challenge. These waves are notorious for their unpredictability. They can bounce off surfaces, get absorbed by obstacles, and even interfere with each other. As a result, it's exceedingly difficult to anticipate precisely how radio waves will propagate in a given space. This inherent uncertainty is why relying solely on theoretical models or guesswork is a risky approach when designing a Wi-Fi network.

Factors affecting a wireless network

Several factors influence the quality and stability of a Wi-Fi network:

Environmental variables: Walls, floors, glass partitions, metal structures, and even people can weaken or block signals. A thick concrete wall, for example, can lead to Wi-Fi dead zones.
Interference: Nearby Wi-Fi networks, electronic devices, and other wireless signals such as Bluetooth devices or microwaves can cause disruptions and slow down your network.
Capacity and usage: A higher number of devices and users can negatively impact performance, leading to slow connections and high latency.

When is a site survey done for a wireless network ?

Before installation (Pre-deployment survey): To determine the optimal number and placement of access points (APs) for maximum coverage.
After installation (Post-deployment survey): To validate network performance and detect potential issues.
Regular check-ups (Ongoing survey): To ensure continuous monitoring and optimization as network usage increases.
In case of connectivity issues (Troubleshooting): To identify and resolve interference, signal loss, and connectivity problems.

Types of wireless site surveys

We offer various types of wireless site surveys tailored to your network’s needs:

1. Pre-deployment Survey (predictive site survey)

Using AP on a Stick (APoS) and advanced simulation software, we determine the optimal location and configuration of access points, ensuring full coverage and high performance. Key factors assessed include:

Co-Channel Interference (CCI)
Channel overlap
Signal strength and coverage
Data throughput and packet loss

Our software also takes capacity requirements into account by configuring the number and type of APs expected on the wireless network. This process, called a Predictive Survey, ensures a future-proof network design.

2. Post-deployment survey

Once the Wi-Fi network is installed, we conduct a survey to verify whether it meets performance expectations. This involves:

Testing signal strength and network speed
Identifying and resolving dead zones
Optimizing AP placement and settings for stability

Regular post-deployment checkups help maintain long-term efficiency and prevent performance degradation over time.

3. Ongoing surveys

To continuously ensure optimal performance, we carry out regular check-up surveys. As the number of users and devices grows, RF characteristics within the network change, making routine assessments necessary to maintain peak performance.

Over time, new Wi-Fi-enabled devices, office layouts, and software updates can impact signal quality and network efficiency. Regular surveys allow us to:

Identify and mitigate network congestion caused by an increasing number of devices.
Detect new sources of interference, such as electronic equipment, construction changes, or external networks.
Ensure compliance with the latest security standards to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Optimize access point placement and configurations as business needs evolve.

By implementing ongoing surveys, businesses and institutions can avoid network slowdowns, connectivity issues, and performance bottlenecks, ensuring a seamless Wi-Fi experience for employees, guests, and critical applications.

4. Spectrum analysis

We use a Spectrum analyzer to detect and eliminate RF interference, identifying Wi-Fi obstructions and optimizing channel selection. Common interference sources include:

Security cameras and video transmitters
Microwaves and cordless phones
Bluetooth devices and other RF signals

The Spectrum Analyzer consists of hardware and software. The hardware listens to Layer 1 of the OSI model, while the software provides detailed visualizations to pinpoint and eliminate noise sources effectively.

The ROI of a wireless site survey

Many businesses underestimate the cost of poor Wi-Fi—slow speeds, dropped connections, and downtime impact productivity and user experience. Investing in a wireless site survey ensures:
✔ Faster Wi-Fi speeds for employees and customers
✔ Reduced IT costs by preventing network failures
✔ Optimized performance for mission-critical applications
✔ Higher security by identifying weak points in the network

Troubleshooting services

In addition to the wireless site survey, we also offer comprehensive troubleshooting services to address a wide variety of Wi-Fi issues. Our team of experts can diagnose and resolve everything from connectivity issues to performance bottlenecks. Explore our troubleshooting services to learn more about how we can optimize your network for peak performance.

Why choose World Wide WiFi Experts® for Wireless Site Surveys?

World Wide WiFi Experts® specializes in wireless site surveys and Wi-Fi infrastructure. We combine deep RF technology expertise with state-of-the-art tools and years of industry experience. Our unique approach sets us apart through:

Custom solutions: No generic fixes—our Wi-Fi networks are tailored to your specific needs.
Advanced measurement equipment: We utilize cutting-edge technology for accurate assessments and troubleshooting.
Comprehensive support: From analysis and implementation to continuous optimization and troubleshooting.
Proven results: We have helped businesses, schools, and healthcare institutions achieve fast, secure, and stable Wi-Fi networks.

Request a wireless site survey today!

Don’t let poor Wi-Fi slow you down! Contact us, get a professional wireless site survey today and experience the benefits of a fast, stable, and interference-free network.