Wireless Surveys in India

They involve a detailed analysis of the radio frequency environment to ensure optimal performance from the outset. These assessments are indispensable for businesses leveraging wireless technology, to evaluate the network’s efficiency, coverage, and performance in a specified area.

As we delve into the state of Wireless Surveys in India, we will explore the existing wireless infrastructure, key market players, and upcoming trends in wireless technology. Our aim is to provide insights into how these surveys underpin the successful deployment of wireless networks across the nation.

Understanding Wireless Surveys involves delving into the technical aspects of how Wi-Fi networks are deployed and optimised. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

1. Types of Wireless Site Surveys:
   • Predictive: Utilises software to forecast Wi-Fi signal propagation.
   • Passive: Observes and logs existing signals post-installation.
   • Active: Measures network performance with specific signals during full operation.
2. Objectives and Tools:
   • Goals: Identify RF coverage areas, interference, and optimal Access Point (AP) placement.
   • Tools: Ekahau, AirMagnet, iBwave, etc., for generating heatmaps of wireless coverage.
3. Survey Essentials:
   • Coverage Assessment: Evaluates wireless coverage, data rates, network capacity, roaming capability, and quality of service.
   • Cost Implications: Predictive surveys range from free to $500+, while active/passive surveys can cost between $1,500 to $10,000+, influenced by factors like building size and specific client needs.
   • Benefits: Ensures proper Wi-Fi coverage, reduces downtime, enhances security, improves user experience, and supports future network expansions.

Performing a Wireless Survey is crucial for establishing an efficient Wi-Fi network from the start, avoiding unnecessary expenses on equipment, and ensuring optimal AP placement for superior coverage and security.

In exploring the state of Wireless Surveys in India, it’s crucial to recognise the vast landscape of the telecom industry, which stands as the second largest globally, boasting a subscriber base of 1.079 billion as of December 2023. This remarkable figure is supported by an overall tele-density of 85.23%, with a notable split between rural (58.56%) and urban (133.76%) markets. As we delve deeper, the internet subscriber count reaches 881.25 million, with rural areas contributing 40.62% to this tally. Such statistics underscore the widespread reach and potential for growth in India’s wireless sector.

• Telecom Industry Growth Drivers:
  • Affordable tariffs
  • Wider availability
  • Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
  • Expanding 3G and 4G coverage
  • Evolving consumption patterns
  • Government initiatives
  • Conducive regulatory environment

The government’s proactive stance, demonstrated by the successful auction of IMT/5G spectrum grossing $18.77 billion by July 2022, paves the way for 5G services deployment. This move, coupled with the allowance of 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the telecom sector, signifies a robust framework for advancement. Furthermore, the sector’s contribution to employment, with 2.2 million direct and 1.8 million indirect jobs, alongside substantial FDI inflows, highlights its economic significance.

• Data Centre Expansion & Digital Infrastructure:
  • Scheduled development of 45 new data centres by end of 2025
  • Data center market forecasted to achieve revenues of approximately US$7.44 billion in 2023
  • Government’s data center policy to attract investments

The trajectory of India’s wireless infrastructure is on an upward curve, driven by a thriving digital economy, widespread internet access, and the transition to 5G networks. The government’s vision of Digital India, aiming to provide high-speed broadband as basic infrastructure, further amplifies the potential for transformative growth in the wireless sector.

As we look towards the future, the landscape of wireless technology is brimming with innovations poised to redefine our digital world. Here’s a snapshot of what’s on the horizon:

• 5G and Beyond
  • 5G: Ultra-reliable, low-latency communication supporting 1 million devices per sq km.
  • 6G Vision: Intelligent, Deep, Holographic, and Ubiquitous Connectivity; 1000x more wireless connections than 5G.
  • Key Features: mMTC, URLLC, IoT, tactile internet, AI-based communication, eMBB.
• Emerging Technologies
  • Wi-Fi Evolution: Wi-Fi 6/6E to Wi-Fi 7, offering 7.2x faster data rates, extended coverage, and ultra-low latency.
  • Quantum and Edge Computing: Revolutionizing data security and processing speeds.
  • IoT and AR/VR: Transforming home entertainment, education, and remote collaboration.
• Infrastructure and Market Growth
  • Market Size: Expected to reach USD 375.25 Billion by 2030.
  • Innovators: Ericsson, Nokia, Cisco leading the charge.
  • Global Impact: North America and Asia-Pacific as significant players.

These advancements promise not only to enhance our connectivity but also to launch us into a new era of digital interaction, where the physical and virtual worlds converge seamlessly.

As we navigate through the complexities of wireless technology and its pivotal role in India’s digital landscape, it becomes evident that the thoroughness of wireless surveys is fundamental to the success and efficiency of wireless network deployment. By synthesising the details on types of wireless surveys, objectives, essentials, and the role key players carve out in this domain, we underscore the significance of strategic planning and execution in harnessing wireless technology’s potential. The insights provided highlight not just the current state but also the vast possibilities that lie ahead with innovations leading toward a more connected and technologically advanced future.

In a country poised on the brink of a digital revolution, the importance of staying ahead in the wireless technology curve cannot be overstated. From the expansion of infrastructure to embracing next-generation technologies like 5G and beyond, the roadmap is clear for stakeholders to follow. For businesses and entities looking to leverage this technological pivot, the initial step towards achieving optimal wireless network performance begins with a professional assessment. Interested parties are encouraged to book a Wireless Survey to ensure that their digital backbone is both robust and ready for the future, harnessing the full spectrum of opportunities that wireless technology presents.

What is the goal of conducting a wireless survey? The primary objective of a wireless survey is to evaluate the radio frequency environment in a specific area where a Wi-Fi network will be set up. Network teams conduct these surveys to strategise the placement of access points (APs) for a new network installation.

Can you explain the different approaches to wireless site surveys? Wireless site surveys can be categorized into three principal approaches: passive, active, and predictive. A passive survey involves a site survey tool that listens to WLAN traffic without transmitting data to gauge the presence of access points, signal strength, and noise levels.

What wireless communication standards are used in India? In India, the GSM mobile system is predominantly used, operating mainly in the 900 MHz frequency band. Some newer operators also function in the 1800 MHz band. The major telecom operators in India include Vi, Airtel, Jio, and BSNL/MTNL. Additionally, many of these operators have international roaming agreements with various foreign carriers.

What are the various types of wireless site surveys available? Wireless site surveys come in four distinct types, each serving different purposes: Predictive, Remediation, Validation, and Design. The type of survey chosen depends on the specific requirements of the network deployment or optimisation process.