Both the spectrum analyser and the "move one AP around and take measurements" approaches make no provision for signals introduced into your environment by components of the new system; as such, their results can vary from misleading to almost worthless. SOME simulation software packages go to great lengths to try to accurately reflect the impact of structures of varying composition, shape and size, but typically don't model other broadcast sources that may be present. Basically, a simulation can tell you that your deployment plan is too thin, but can't really be certain that it's sufficient. So realistically, that leaves actually deploying some APs, and an ongoing process of measuring and tuning. Generally it's better to deploy a solution that does this automatically than to try and do it manually, although occasional manual verification that adequate coverage is being maintained would be prudent. (We're pretty happy with Aruba, where the "Planner" module handles both simulation to recommend AP placement, and automatic feedback and adjustment to try to sustain requested coverage. Our RFP called for both automatic feedback and adjustment, and also manual override as necessary.) David Gillett
_____ From: Christian Hroux [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2007 12:58 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] Site survey Wifi deployment software and methodology queries Hello! We are planning a campus wide Wifi deployment. I am looking for tool and advice on how to do site survey. We are looking at Cisco airspace solution with controller. The test deployment 20 AP was done with consultant and the actual site survey was to install and move around one mobile AP and check the reception with a laptop to determine the final AP spot. This process was repeated until the floor was covered. Not a very scientific approach and quite costly. >From my reading there are 2 types of site survey: -Spectrum analyser to evaluate noise in your environment. -Simulation software tool where you load your (autocad) floor plan and the software will help to define the location of your access-points. -Another survey is to install all access-points and walk the floor and take sample reading with a laptop and software and analyse the result. -Once you have your Wifi network Cisco seem to have some functionality where AP can listen to each other and adjusted their power and maybe recommend to move some AP around. (WLSE walkabout feature old aeronet solution) but at this point you need to have your network install before using this tool. I was looking at air magnet software to those 2 functions any comments? What was your experience with those softwares? Any other that I should look at? In only few lines, how do you proceed with your WIFI site survey and what tool do you use? Thanks Christian Héroux University of Quebec Montréal, Canada ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
