Network Communications News (NCN) April 2016 | Page 27

wireless networks

Predictive survey
This is performed using software tools
such as those from Ekahau, in which
detailed plans of the deployment site
are constructed and then different
WLAN configurations simulated to
predict the optimal number and
location of APs of your chosen brand
and model. Although not as accurate
as some of the paid solutions, free
software can assist with getting a basic
understanding of layout and coverage.
Pre-deployment survey
This is a physical survey performed
on site using one or more test APs,
together with hardware or PC based
software tools, allowing you to test
various AP placements and then, by
walking through the building with the
laptop or tablet, record and map the
resulting signal strength at surrounding
points. The resulting map correlating
signal strength with a detailed plan of the
site is often referred to as a ‘heat map’.
Another useful tool at this stage is
a spectrum analyser, which can help to
identify potential sources of interference,
such as thick walls or other electrical
devices, and measure their likely
impact on the network. These typically
consist of a small USB dev X