What is a wifi survey and why is it important

A WiFi survey is a process of analyzing and assessing the wireless network coverage, signal strength, and overall performance in a particular area or building. The survey involves using specialized software and hardware tools to evaluate the radio frequency (RF) environment and identify areas of low signal strength or interference.

The main objective of a WiFi survey is to identify any potential issues that could affect the wireless network’s performance, such as dead zones, signal interference, or network congestion. The survey can help network administrators determine the optimal placement of access points (APs), fine-tune the network’s configuration, and improve overall network performance.

A WiFi survey is particularly important in large buildings, such as hospitals, hotels, and office complexes, where the wireless network needs to support a high volume of users and devices. By conducting a survey, network administrators can identify areas of poor coverage and take steps to improve the network’s performance and reliability.

In summary, a WiFi survey is an essential tool for ensuring a reliable and high-performance wireless network, especially in large buildings or areas with many users and devices.

There are two main types of WiFi surveys: passive and active.

Passive WiFi Survey: A passive WiFi survey involves monitoring the wireless network signals without transmitting any signals. The surveyor uses specialized software to collect data on the signal strength, coverage, and interference levels of the existing WiFi network. A passive survey is useful in situations where the network is already deployed, and the surveyor needs to evaluate the network’s performance without introducing additional traffic.

Active WiFi Survey: An active WiFi survey involves generating and transmitting RF signals to simulate network traffic, and then measuring the response of the wireless network. This survey is useful during the network design phase, where the surveyor can simulate the network’s performance under different scenarios, such as peak usage times, high-density areas, or areas with a high level of interference.

Both passive and active surveys are essential tools for network administrators to evaluate and optimize the wireless network’s performance. The type of survey used depends on the network’s phase, objective, and environment. Passive surveys are generally used for post-deployment analysis and troubleshooting, while active surveys are used for network planning and design.