A
site survey is required for proper implementation of a wireless
network. No one can tell exactly how wireless equipment will
operate in every circumstance without a survey. This includes
both in-building wireless LANs and bridges between buildings.
This is especially true within a building where there are
hidden obstacles in the walls or other existing wireless
applications, and is equally true for outdoor wireless links
where obstacles such as trees and power lines are involved.
Wireless surveys analyze the conditions required to provide
an optimal radio link. The complexity of the survey depends
on the nature and details of the proposed network. These
details include the physical area of the network, factors
within the building, and for outdoor bridges the number
of sites involved, the terrain and the distance between
sites.
Does the Site Qualify?
Cierra Business Solutions
starts the process by discussing whether the site qualifies.
Our engineers will determine whether a wireless network
is feasible, and how complex the survey needs to be. We
will discuss issues of security, outside interference, building
structure, and in the case of long-distance outdoor wireless
bridges, whether there is true line of sight.
The Site Survey
The complexity of the site survey required depends on which
wireless solution is proposed. A simple solution in a building
is a predominantly open space with few structural walls,
or an outdoor point-to-point wireless bridge under six miles
where there is true line-of-sight between the two locations.
These require a basic site survey.
A multiple-site indoor wireless LAN, or an indoor wireless
LAN with multiple rooms/floors and/or solid walls and unusual
construction will both require a more complex site survey.
Similarly with a point-to-point wireless bridge in excess
of six miles or without true line-of-sight.
Who should perform the Site Survey?
A team of engineers with expertise in LANs, Radio Frequency
analysis and Antenna Placement should perform the site survey.
While many organizations have LAN expertise, RF expertise
is not so widely available. Cierra
Business Solutions has a team of certified
RF engineers and installers who are qualified to perform
complex site surveys. To assure a successful design and
implementation, it is critical that certified engineers
with RF expertise participate in the wireless site survey.