A wireless site survey – also known as a WiFi survey, or WLAN site survey – is a systematic process used to evaluate and optimize a wireless network’s performance within a physical space. The primary objective is to understand how WiFi signals behave in the environment, identify coverage gaps, and detect sources of interference that may degrade network quality.
Wireless signals don’t travel in straight lines like wired connections. Instead, they reflect, refract, and weaken as they pass through walls, furniture, machinery, and even people. Without a detailed wireless site survey, businesses risk deploying WiFi networks that leave users with frustrating dead spots, inconsistent speeds, and unreliable connections.
By conducting a thorough WiFi site survey, you design networks that deliver strong, consistent coverage, support high device densities, and minimize disruptions. This process is crucial for any facility that relies on wireless connectivity for its daily operations, from offices and schools to warehouses and manufacturing plants.
This Wisconsin manufacturer needed to modernize its IT infrastructure to support rapid business growth.
The value of a thorough wireless site survey
A detailed wireless site survey is more than just technical exercises – it’s an essential investments in your network’s reliability and your organization’s success. It helps you:
- Avoid costly guesswork and repeated trial-and-error deployments
- Reduce downtime caused by poor or inconsistent WiFi signals
- Enhance user experience for employees, customers, and devices
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and security policies
- Optimize your spending on wireless infrastructure by targeting investments where they matter most
Different types of wireless site surveys
Wireless site surveys come in various forms, each serving a specific purpose depending on the stage of deployment and the challenges faced.
- Passive survey: This method involves scanning the wireless environment without connecting to any network. It captures data on signal strength, channel usage, and interference sources, helping to map existing WiFi coverage and identify overlapping networks.
- Active survey: In this scenario, the survey device connects to the network to measure actual performance metrics, including throughput, latency, and packet loss. This approach provides insight into the user experience and network responsiveness.
- Predictive survey: Using building blueprints and simulation software, a predictive survey models WiFi coverage before any hardware is installed. This technique is valuable for planning new network deployments or renovations without physical site access.
- Spectrum analysis: This advanced survey focuses on detecting non-WiFi interference, like microwave ovens, cordless phones, or industrial machinery, which can disrupt wireless signals.
Conducting a WiFi heatmap study
A WiFi heatmap study is a graphical representation of wireless signal strength and quality across a physical space. Heatmaps use colour gradients – commonly green for strong signals, yellow for moderate, and red for weak or no coverage – to provide an intuitive overview of network performance.
These maps reveal not only where your WiFi network performs well but also areas that suffer from poor connectivity or interference. A heatmap might show that a thick concrete wall or a cluster of metal machinery is blocking signals, or that overlapping channels from neighbouring networks are causing congestion.
By analyzing heatmaps, an experienced network designer can make informed decisions about where to place access points and how to configure them for optimal coverage and capacity.
In the example below, an initial study for a customer highlighted areas that needed better coverage. With the addition of only one more access point and better positioning, we eliminated dead spots that were affecting users. With an additional access point we could have covered the stairwell in the bottom left, but that wouldn’t have added any real benefit and wasn’t an effective use of the customers IT budget.
Use Case
Uncovering plant WiFi dead zones with heatmap insights
Imagine a plastics manufacturer located in Mequon, Wisconsin, operating a large production facility with multiple floors, heavy machinery, and storage areas. The company struggles with WiFi dead spots across the plant floor, causing intermittent connectivity issues for staff using connected machinery, wireless handheld devices, IoT sensors, and computers in various offices.
In particular, it faces persistent WiFi dead spots, especially near metal equipment and in densely packed storage aisles.
A professional wireless survey is commissioned. Using advanced tools, the survey team conducts a thorough WiFi heatmap study across the entire plant. The heatmap reveals:
- Significant coverage gaps behind large metal machines and in remote corners
- Interference from industrial equipment and neighbouring wireless networks
- Overlapping WiFi channels leading to congestion in high-traffic areas
Armed with this data, the team recommends repositioning existing access points, adding new ones in strategic locations, adjusting channel assignments, and fine-tuning power levels to balance coverage and minimize interference.
After implementing these changes, a follow-up survey confirms comprehensive, strong WiFi coverage throughout the plant. The result is seamless wireless connectivity, improved operational efficiency, and increased worker satisfaction.
Wireless survey tools
When conducting a wireless site survey, choosing the right tool is crucial for accurate data collection and effective network planning. Here’s a quick overview of three popular wireless survey tools: Air Magnet, Ekahau, and Hamina.
Air Magnet
Air Magnet Survey, developed by NetAlly, is a well-established tool known for its detailed analysis and comprehensive reporting. It supports a wide range of Wi-Fi standards, including the latest 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), and offers features like real-time spectrum analysis and performance validation. Air Magnet is praised for its powerful visualisations and flexible data presentation.
Pros:
- Robust and detailed reporting capabilities
- Supports a broad range of Wi-Fi standards and devices
- Real-time spectrum and interference analysis
- User-friendly interface with flexible graphic displays
Cons:
- Can be complex for beginners, requiring some training
- Higher cost compared to some competitors
- Occasional complaints about the user interface being less modern
Ekahau
Ekahau Site Survey is widely regarded as the industry standard for Wi-Fi site surveys. It offers an intuitive user interface and advanced visualisations, including heatmaps for signal strength, noise, and interference. Ekahau also integrates AI-powered tools for enhanced network design and troubleshooting, making it a favourite among Wi-Fi professionals.
Pros:
- Intuitive and easy to use with a clean interface
- Advanced AI tools for network optimisation
- Comprehensive heatmaps and visualisations
- Excellent for both design and troubleshooting
Cons:
- Requires some training to fully leverage advanced features
- Hardware dependency for best performance (Ekahau Sidekick)
Hamina
Hamina Wireless is a newer player offering AI-powered wireless design and monitoring tools. It supports Wi-Fi, Private 5G, and IoT networks, providing a streamlined workflow from planning to deployment. Hamina is appreciated for its modern interface, affordability, and real-time network monitoring capabilities.
Pros:
- AI-driven design and live network analysis
- Supports multiple wireless technologies beyond Wi-Fi
- Competitive pricing with a modern, responsive interface
- Effective for ongoing network monitoring and optimisation
Cons:
- Less established compared to Air Magnet and Ekahau
- May lack some advanced features found in more mature tools
- Smaller user community and fewer third-party integrations
A step-by-step guide to conducting a wireless site survey
Executing a successful wireless survey requires careful planning and the right tools. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of the process:
- Set clear objectives
Begin by defining what you want to achieve with your wireless network. Consider factors like coverage area, number of users, types of devices, and specific applications such as voice over IP, video streaming, or IoT sensor connectivity. - Collect site information
Gather up-to-date floor plans or create detailed maps of the area to be surveyed. Note the construction materials used in walls and ceilings, as well as the location of large objects like metal racks or machinery that can affect signal propagation. - Select appropriate tools
Professional wireless survey tools are essential for accurate data collection. These typically include WiFi scanners, spectrum analyzers, and specialized software capable of generating heatmaps that visually represent signal strength and quality. - Conduct a passive survey
Walk through the site with your survey equipment during normal operating hours. This step helps you identify existing wireless networks, signal strength variations, and interference sources. - Perform an active survey
Connect to your WiFi network and measure real-time performance metrics in key locations. This provides a practical view of how the network behaves under actual usage conditions. - Interpret the data
Use your survey software to create heatmaps and reports. These visual tools highlight strong coverage areas, weak spots, and interference zones, guiding your optimization efforts. - Develop recommendations
Based on your findings, plan adjustments such as repositioning or adding access points, changing channel assignments, and tweaking power settings to improve coverage and reduce interference. - Implement changes and validate
After making the recommended changes, perform a follow-up survey to ensure issues have been resolved and the network meets performance goals.
Why hire a networking specialist instead of doing it yourself?
While it’s tempting to perform a wireless survey on your own using consumer-grade apps or basic tools, there are compelling reasons to enlist a professional:
- Expertise and experience: Networking specialists understand the complexities of radio frequency behaviour, interference types, and wireless standards far beyond what DIY tools reveal.
- Advanced equipment: Professionals utilize calibrated, industry-grade survey tools that provide precise and reliable data, generating comprehensive reports.
- Time efficiency: Experienced surveyors complete the job quickly and accurately, minimizing disruption to your business.
- Tailored solutions: Specialists interpret data within the context of your unique environment and business needs, offering custom recommendations rather than generic advice.
- Future-proofing: Professionals consider not only current requirements but also scalability, security, and emerging technologies to ensure your network remains robust over time.
That said, smaller offices with simple needs may find basic DIY surveys helpful as a starting point; however, for complex or critical environments, professional surveys are invaluable.
Final thoughts
In today’s connected world, a dependable wireless network is the backbone of efficient business operations. Conducting a comprehensive wireless site survey – preferably with the help of seasoned networking professionals – ensures your WiFi network delivers the coverage, speed, and reliability you need.
Whether you’re addressing frustrating dead spots in a manufacturing plant or planning a new office rollout, a data-driven approach guided by accurate WiFi heatmap studies is the key to wireless success.
