What Type of Wi-Fi Survey Do I Need?

Learn about the types of wireless surveys to help you decide which one you need, depending on your scenario or stage in the wireless life cycle. But first, let’s go over what a Wireless Site Survey is.

The process involves walking through the desired areas where wireless is neede while carrying a specialized tool capable of measuring Wi-Fi performance and analyzing the RF spectrum. These tools use highly sensitive radios to detect RF signals and measure various aspects of the wireless environment, gathering valuable information such as sources of interference, dead zones, nearby wireless networks, and more. The results of the survey are typically presented as a heatmap—a visual representation of RF signal strength and coverage—often compared against industry benchmarks known to support reliable and high-performing Wi-Fi networks. Wireless Experts then use the information gathered to make better decisions when designing, troubleshooting and/or optimizing wireless networks.

Pacolo Networks currently utilizes a well-recognized and specialized suite of tools from Ekahau. The primary measurement device, the Ekahau Sidekick, contains a spectrum analyzer and multiple high-precision Wi-Fi radios (typically two or three). Used in conjunction with a customer-provided floor map and an iPad/iPhone, this setup allows our engineers to accurately track their location on the floor plan while collecting comprehensive wireless data during site the walk through.

If you ask yourself: What Type of Wi-Fi Survey Do I Need?

Here are the 4 types of Surveys explained...

Passive Survey

In this type of survey, the wireless engineer performs a walk through of the facilities but does not associate (connect) the survey tool to any wireless network. Its mere goal is to measure all Wi-Fi in the survey area. The information gathered is a collection of data points including Noise, Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). Why not connect to a wireless network? Sometimes there is simply none around or the customer is planning for a wireless network in a newly constructed warehouse with no close neighbors. A passive survey is also less intrusive as it passively monitors existing signals, and none are received or transmitted.

Active Survey

This survey can be conducted with software measuring tools and/or a physical test Access Point (AP). The software version consists of walking the site gathering data points just like with the passive survey but in this case the wireless engineer associates to the wireless network to measure latency, packet loss and throughput in the network. The hybrid version is called an AP on a Stick (APoS) and consist of placing an AP, preferably the proposed make and model, in a tripod at the proposed installation height and measure its signal propagation, allowing for a more realistic and true measurement compared to the modeling software. Once the data is documented, the APoS is then moved to the next strategic location depending on the desired density for any specific requirements. Once the surveyed area is covered the results are used to determine AP placement location and configuration settings.

Predictive Survey

Also called Predictive Design, the predictive survey is performed by doing a best effort modeling of the customer's environment and predict how the RF will behave with the proposed type and number of APs. In most cases this type of survey is done without visiting the facilities. The process consists of loading a floor map into the survey software, calibrating it for accurate dimensions and adding walls, doors, windows and any other attenuation material (sometimes people). The next step is to add the APs to the design tool, which will model the signal propagation and account for all the attenuation and any capacity requirements entered in the software. The result is a best-effort wireless design that can be used as a great starting point for building a Bill of Materials and setting a budget for equipment. It can also be used to provide to provide guidance and recommendations for fine tuning and optimizing an existing wireless network.

Validation Survey

Alternatively referred to as a post-deployment survey, the validation survey involves performing a site walk through using a measurement tool while connected to the wireless network. The purpose is to review and validate the implemented wireless design to ensure it meets performance and coverage expectations. This process confirms that the network functions as intended based on the original design specifications. In some cases, the validation survey is conducted by a third party rather than the engineer who designed and deployed the network but either way is an invaluable step in the wireless life cycle.

Understanding the different types of wireless surveys—passive, active predictive and validation—is essential for delivering a high-performing and reliable network. Each survey plays a specific role in the lifecycle of a wireless deployment, from planning and design to implementation and optimization. By investing time in proper survey techniques, Pacolo Networks can ensure robust coverage, minimize interference, and provide a seamless wireless experience for users.

We hope this article helped you understanding the different type of Wi-Fi site surveys and which one is best for you