AP on a stick Wireless Surveys

AP on a Stick (APoS) surveys stand as a cornerstone in the meticulous planning and validation process for wireless network deployment, ensuring optimal coverage and efficiency before finalising access point locations. Embarking on APoS surveys permits the assessment of preliminary network coverage and critical metrics essential for a site, thus spotlighting the significance of these surveys in averting unnecessary expenditure by pinpointing requisite adjustments in the nascent stages of deployment. By leveraging the mobility of an AP mounted on a pole, connected to a portable power source, or by simply relocating the AP to designated locations and powering it, these surveys facilitate a realistic appraisal of the final network setup, underscoring the essence of aligning the survey configuration closely with the intended final arrangements.

At Fortitude Nicsa Global, we take pride in offering AP on a Stick Wireless Surveys on a global scale, exclusively utilising Ekahau for superior accuracy and insights. This article unfolds the layers of APoS surveys, delving into preparation steps, the conducting of the survey itself, data analysis, and pivotal best practices. Ultimately, our focus is on equipping you with the knowledge to deploy wireless networks that not only meet but exceed expectations by ensuring that AP location, count, and configuration are meticulously optimised.

Understanding AP on a Stick Surveys

What is an AP on a Stick Survey?

An AP on a Stick (APoS) survey is a crucial method used in the preliminary stages of wireless network deployment. This technique involves temporarily staging Access Points (APs) at the deployment height to validate predictive designs before the full site deployment. By doing so, it ensures that the network will perform as expected under real conditions, avoiding costly post-installation corrections.

Types of APoS Surveys

APoS surveys can be conducted using different approaches:

1. Passive Surveys: Focuses on listening to the wireless environment without transmitting data.
2. Active Surveys: Involves interacting with a network by sending and receiving data from the AP.
3. Hybrid Surveys: Combines elements of both passive and active surveys to provide a comprehensive overview of the network environment.

Each type of survey provides unique insights and is chosen based on specific network requirements and deployment scenarios.

Why Conduct an APoS Survey?

The primary reason for conducting an APoS survey is to prevent excessive installation costs that might exceed the actual cost of the APs themselves. This method serves as a form of insurance for business-critical Wi-Fi designs by:

• Validating the number and placement of APs.
• Ensuring the network performs as designed, thereby minimising the risk of costly changes post-installation.
• Providing essential documentation that outlines the performance and coverage of the proposed design.
  
  
  

How APoS Surveys Work

During an APoS survey, APs are mounted on tripods or other temporary setups to mimic their final installation height. This setup allows for the assessment of RF signal propagation characteristics within the environment. It is a vital step in:

• Avoiding design errors that could lead to inadequate coverage or performance issues.
• Confirming that the predictive models used in planning are accurate and reliable.
  
  
  

The Role of Ekahau in APoS Surveys

At Fortitude Nicsa Global, we exclusively use Ekahau’s WiFi survey software to conduct APoS surveys. Ekahau is renowned for its accuracy and the ability to provide detailed visual representations of WiFi performance, which are crucial for making informed decisions about AP placement and network configuration.

By integrating these methods and tools, AP on a Stick surveys not only save time and resources but also enhance the reliability and efficiency of wireless networks globally.

Preparation for an APoS Survey

Equipment Checklist

To ensure a smooth and efficient AP on a Stick survey, it’s crucial to have the right equipment on hand. Here’s a comprehensive list of the necessary tools and devices:

1. Access Points: Bring at least two AP models that will be used in the deployment to facilitate efficient surveying.
2. Antennas: If your design includes external antennas, ensure they are part of your kit.
3. Mounting Hardware: A tripod or other telescoping stand is essential for staging the AP at the correct height.
4. Power Solutions: An external battery pack is necessary to power the APs without relying on local power sources.
5. Survey Tools: Equip yourself with a Sidekick, and install both Pro and Survey apps on your device for real-time analysis.
6. Additional Tools: Consider a portable POE battery for continuous power and a WiFi Stand for a professional setup.

Setting Up for the Survey

Before you begin the physical survey, a few preparatory steps are necessary:

1. Predictive Design: Create a predictive design to identify the best locations for initial APoS measurements.
2. SSID Configuration: Set up separate SSIDs for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to clearly differentiate the data collected from each frequency band.
3. Power Settings: Adjust the Tx powerof the AP to match the settings in your predictive design, ensuring consistency in your results.
4. Visibility and Safety: Make sure the AP setup is visible to avoid tripping hazards and other safety issues in the survey area.
5. Signal Verification: Before finalising the placement, verify the signal strength and quality to ensure accurate data collection.
   
   
   

Industry-Specific Considerations

Tailoring the survey to meet the specific needs of the environment is crucial:

• Educational Institutions: Design for high capacity and multiple devices per student, especially in lecture halls and common areas.
• Healthcare Facilities: Ensure that life-critical mobile devices perform reliably and validate network performance thoroughly.
• Industrial Sites: Account for RF penetration in areas where heavy machinery or structural interferences may exist.
• Office Spaces: Consider BYOD policies, security needs, and the aesthetics of AP placement to maintain a conducive work environment.

By meticulously preparing for an APoS survey with the right equipment and settings, and considering the unique requirements of the survey environment, teams can ensure that the wireless network will perform optimally once fully deployed.

Step-by-Step Process for Conducting an AP on a Stick Survey

Step 1: Set Up and Turn On the Access Point

Begin by setting the power manually on both radios of the access point. Ensure the access point is visible in the Real Time Frequency Monitor before proceeding. This visibility is crucial as it confirms the AP is actively sending signals, which is essential for accurate survey results.

Step 2: Specify the SSID

Manually specify the SSID for the APoS AP you are surveying. This step is important to segregate the data collected during the survey, especially when differentiating between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

Step 3: Conduct Initial Survey

Perform a walkthrough survey to measure the signal strength and coverage area of the AP. This initial survey helps in understanding the effective range of the AP at the specified location.

Step 4: Analyse and Adjust Power Settings

If the initial results are not satisfactory, adjust the power settings and repeat the survey. This iterative process helps in fine-tuning the coverage to ensure optimal signal strength across the area.

Step 5: Freeze the Access Point

Once the desired signal strength and SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) are verified, freeze the access point in Ekahau’s software. This action prevents any further changes to the AP’s settings and location in the survey data, allowing for accurate repeated measurements.

Step 6: Move and Repeat

Move the access point to the next planned location and repeat the survey process. This step is repeated until all necessary AP locations have been surveyed. It’s crucial to survey as much area as possible, especially inside rooms, to ensure the APs are correctly placed for optimal coverage.

Step 7: Utilise Channel Planner

After surveying all locations, use Ekahau’s Channel Planner to determine the optimal channel plan based on the surveyed data. This tool helps in configuring the APs to operate on channels that minimise interference and maximise performance.

Step 8: Final Adjustments and Documentation

Make any necessary adjustments to the APs’ actual locations based on the survey results. Document all settings, adjustments, and final placements for future reference and maintenance.

Safety and Efficiency Tips

• Use External Battery Packs: Utilising external battery packs can save time and reduce the dependency on local power sources, making the survey process more efficient.
• Increase Visibility: Take safety seriously by ensuring the AP setup is clearly visible to avoid tripping hazards or other safety issues during the survey.
• Collaborate for Efficiency: Having a second pair of hands can significantly speed up the survey process, making it more efficient and less labour-intensive.

Industry-Specific Considerations

Always consider the specific needs of the environment where the AP on a Stick survey is being conducted. Whether it’s a high-density area like an educational institution or a critical environment like healthcare facilities, tailor the survey to meet these specific requirements for best results.

By following these steps and tips, and using Ekahau’s sophisticated tools, Fortitude Nicsa Global ensures that AP on a Stick surveys are conducted efficiently and effectively, providing reliable and optimised wireless network setups globally.

Analysing Survey Data

Step 1: Run the Channel Planner

After completing the AP on a Stick survey, it is crucial to run the Channel Planner. This tool helps in analysing the collected data to optimise the channel allocation, ensuring minimal interference and maximised network performance.

Step 2: Review AP Locations

Based on the survey data, review and adjust the actual locations of the Access Points. This step is vital to align the physical setup with the optimised design identified during the survey.

Step 3: Identify Environmental Impact

Analysing survey data provides insights into how environmental factors such as renovations, new tenants, or changes in building materials might affect RF design. This understanding is crucial for making informed adjustments to the network setup.

Table of Environmental Factors and Their Impacts

Environmental Factor	Potential Impact on RF Design
New tenants or occupancy changes	Alters device density and network load
Renovations	May obstruct or enhance signal paths
Changes in building materials	Affects signal penetration and strength

This table helps in visualising the specific environmental changes that could impact the wireless network performance, guiding necessary adjustments in the AP setup and configuration.

By following these steps and utilising tools like Ekahau, which Fortitude Nicsa Global exclusively offers for AP on a Stick surveys globally, teams can ensure that the wireless network is not only efficient but also adaptable to environmental changes.

Best Practices and Tips

Essential Tips for Effective AP on a Stick Surveys

1. Allocate Sufficient Time: Plan approximately one hour per AP locationto ensure thorough testing and adjustment. This allows for a detailed assessment of each site without rushing, which can compromise the quality of your survey results.
   
   
2. Collaborative Efforts: Engage a second pair of hands during the survey to enhance efficiency and safety. Having additional support can help manage equipment and expedite the process, especially in complex environments.
   
   
3. Power Management: Utilise external battery packs to power APs during the survey. This not only facilitates mobility but also ensures that the survey is not interrupted by power issues.
   
   
4. Safety First: Prioritise safety by making sure that the setup is secure and visible to avoid any potential hazards. This is particularly crucial in busy or complex sites where equipment could pose a tripping risk.
   
   
5. Signal Verification: Before finalising the position of the AP, verify the signal strength and SNR to ensure they meet the desired criteria. This step is critical to avoid future adjustments that may arise from inadequate initial testing.
   
   
6. Industry-Specific Adjustments: Tailor the survey to address the unique demands of different environments, such as educational institutions, healthcare facilities, or industrial areas. Each setting may require specific considerations to optimise the performance and reliability of the wireless network.
   
   
   

Best Practices for APoS Survey Execution

1. Optimal AP Placement: Carefully select the best locations for AP placement based on the predictive design. This strategic placement is essential for achieving effective coverage and network performance.
   
   
2. Consistent Power Settings: Set the transmission power of the AP to match the levels used in the predictive design. This consistency is crucial for accurate assessment of network coverage and performance.
   
   
3. SSID Segregation: Create separate SSIDs for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This separation helps in clearly distinguishing the data collected from each band, which is vital for precise analysis and troubleshooting.
   
   
4. Channel Planning: After completing the physical survey, run the Channel Planner to optimise the channel settings. This tool assists in minimising interference and enhancing overall network efficiency.
   
   
5. Final Adjustments: Once the survey is complete, move the APs to their actual intended locations based on the survey findings. This step ensures that the network operates as efficiently as possible in the live environment.
   
   
6. Documentation: Document all settings, adjustments, and placements meticulously. Keeping detailed records aids in future maintenance and troubleshooting, ensuring the network remains robust and adaptable.
   
   

By adhering to these best practices and tips, and using tools provided by Ekahau, Fortitude Nicsa Global ensures that AP on a Stick surveys are conducted with precision and care, leading to reliable and optimised wireless network setups globally.

FAQs

1. What is an “AP on a stick” survey?
   An “AP on a stick” (APoS) survey involves temporarily setting up access points (APs) on tripods or other mounting options at the intended deployment height. This method is used to validate the design of a wireless network before the full installation at a site. The process includes powering up the AP and positioning it in a planned location or at strategic points like building corners to ensure coverage effectiveness.
   
   

2. What does “AP” refer to in the context of a survey?
   In the context of a survey, “AP” refers to Access Point. AP-on-a-Stick (APoS) surveys are specialised assessments conducted to validate the effectiveness and coverage of a wireless network before the final deployment of the access points. This preliminary step helps in ensuring the network will function as intended once fully operational.
   
   
3. How is a wireless survey conducted?
   Conducting a wireless survey involves several key steps:

• Scaling the floor plan to understand the area coverage.
• Planning and mapping out the areas where coverage is needed.
• Considering the impact of older devices and identifying potential improvements.
• Testing the environment for any interference that might affect signal quality.
• Planning for future network growth and expansion.
• Testing the signal strength throughout the area.
• Recording the results of these tests and creating a detailed report for analysis and planning.
  
  

4. What is an active wireless survey?
   An active wireless survey is conducted by connecting a wireless adapter to one or more access points to measure various performance metrics such as round-trip time, throughput rates, packet loss, and retransmissions. This type of survey is essential for troubleshooting WiFi networks and verifying their performance after they have been deployed.