Site Survey Software

Our company is looking to purchase a good site survey software .
Any recommendations?
Thank you
Vic

Cisco Spectrum Expert will allow you to see signal bleed through between floors but will not paint a picture on the map of the effect of the bleed through. AIrmagnet Survey Pro will do this and much more. Also, Airmagnet was recently acquired by Fluke so you can expect some integration with their Optiview and InterpretAir product lines. Of course you better move quick. Who knows what the price is going to do.

Similar Messages

Site Survey software available?

I read on another website that Cisco has software (free) available to users that are performing a site survey. Is this true and if so, how do I get my hands on it? If not true, what is the best product available at a no charge cost? Thanks.
-Ryan

Hi Ryan,
Here is some more info to help get you started;
Performing a Site Survey
From this doc;
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps4555/products_installation_and_configuration_guide_chapter09186a0080184b69.html
Or this doc;
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps4555/products_installation_and_configuration_guide_chapter09186a0080456a16.html
Here is where to download the ACU (you need CCO Login)
http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/Software/SWSearch/SWSearch_results.cgi/SWSearch_results.cgi/SWSearch_results.cgi/SWSearch.txt?isChild=false&file_delimiter=contains&file_pattern=acu&list_format=html
Hope this helps!
Rob

Site Survey Software Question

I've inhereted a Wireless network with about 30 Aironet APs. We were looking into the Airmagnet Software, but have heard mixed reviews. Does anyone use this software or recommend something else?
I appreciate any help given!

We use the AirMagnet suite as our tools for surveying and troubleshooting. I know the others work also like Ekahau and Motorola. You just have to learn the right way to use the tools in order to get correct data. The only thing I don't like about AirMagnet is the fact that some versions seem to work better than others. depending on the laptop and build, you might get slightly different readings.

Site survey on non cisco card

We currently own several Cisco aironet cards which we do site survey's with. As a company standard our laptops were replaced with new laptops which did not include type II pcmcia slots. Is their a solution for the express 34/54 slots to work with the Cisco aironet site survey software?

I have seen PCMCIA to USB adapters but I think they need to be cutom made for each type of PCMCIA card. Does anyone know of a suitable adapter?

Site Survey Adapters - USB options?

Hello,
We are in need to perform a site survey with the Aironet 1041N Access Point.
Upon reviewing the site survey software, it seems you need to use an Aironet adapter.
However from what i can tell, all the Aironet adapters are PCMICA cards, which most modern laptops do not have, and the PCMICA cards that do exist don't have drivers for windows 7.
Are there USB adapters w/ Windows 7 drivers that can be used to perform a site survey?
Thank You.

I was going to use the Cisco Aironet site survey application.
the client doesn't have $1000+ to spend on site survey software.
this doesn't need to be overly complex but we're trying to get an estimate on AP placement and the # they'll need to get adequate coverage.
our plan was to go around with one access point to use as a baseline then determine how far away you can get before signal drops off too much, mark a building diagram with where access point should be placed, move the AP to that location to see how far away you can get before you should place another AP, etc.
thank you.

Sire Survey Software Recomended?

Hi,
Is there a Site Survey Software recomended by Cisco??
If not, wich one can you recomend me?
Thanks

We have been using Ekahau Site Survey and it works well.
However, the current version does not support the ability to detect the AP name over the air nor does it understand the multiple virtual mac per SSID/WLAN on the same physical AP. This results in a significantly higher number of APs showing up than are really there.
I do not know if AirMagnet Survey tool has resolved problems or not. At one time earlier in the year, their survey tool did not handle this correctly either.
However, I have used the newest AirMagnet diagnostic tool which DOES pull the AP name out of the RF signals and does handle multiple MAC address issues correctly.
- John

Wireless site survey doubts with cisco aironet site survey utility tool

Hi,
I have 1131 autonomous AP and we have project where we need to implement WLC 5500 with 1140 LAP.
Before that , we need to do site survey . we are going to use cisco aironet adapter and with the help of site survey utility tool we are planning to do site survey .
I have below doubt before starting the site survey :
1) do we need to configure the AP 1131 with existing LAN set-up of client to get connected ?
If yes , how can i shift this 1131 ap always from one location to another location and connect to respective vlan in switch ? It would be tedious job ....
because , We need to connect ( get associated ) our laptop always to 1131 ap and then roam around to get the RSSI , signal strength , SNR and throughput .... ...
to configure the AP to existing lan set-up of client , it would not be flexible to do site survey ?
without that , how can I just plug-in power to 1131 AP with standalone configuration .... and without connecting to switch ( any lan-port ) , do the site survey ?
Please suggest me .............
In short , without connecting to LAN set-up of client , how can i do the site survey ?
2) will it be worth to do site survey with cisco aironet card ( site survey utility ) ? or we should i have different site survey software for the same ?
Please share the knowledge ....

Site Surveys are important and should be done by a professional. A poor site survey can lead to a lot of problems. It would be hard to put all aspects of conducting a proper site survey in a single post. Lets cover a few of the basics.
1) If you plan to deploy 1140 model access points. Then you should use that AP in autonomous mode so you dont have to be plugged into your network
2) The AP gets powered by an exteral power source like this battery for exmaple:
http://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=345625&WT.mc_id=google_base&sp=true
3) As far as moving the AP around you can purchase a site survey pole like this:
http://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=392506&eventPage=1
4) As for software, I like AirMagnet Surveyor
http://www.airmagnet.com/products/survey/
But again. There is a lot to know about doing surveys...

Wireless RF Site Survey Tools: Do you have a preference?

Our customers are asking us with greater frequency to work with them on deploying high performance wireless networks that are secure, reliable and support end-to-end QOS. We recognize to do that professionally requires great site survey RF tools.
We are considering AirMagnet's "Survey Pro" with their integrated "Spectrum Analyzer." We would run them on a Lenovo 802.11abg PC.
However we have seen some discussion on here regarding Cognio's Spectrum Analyzer and we have also found the Exahau "Site Survey" software product will speak with a Fluke 802.11 radio.
We are looking at investing in a tool set for our Wireless practice and we want to ask you what are your favorite site survey and spectrum analyzer tools? Thanks for taking the time to respond!

Apart from all the features Sales folks pitch about from both these companies the intuitiveness (ease of use) and accuracy make a lot of difference.
I would suggest getting trial copies of both of these tools and using them in the field before making a final investment.
Personally I have used AirMagnet Spectrum Analyzer (a separate product) and has been impressed by it. It comes in both laptop as well as handheld formats.
For site surveys I have used Wireless Valley which is also very impressive.

Wireless Site survey tools and Software requirement

Dears,
I have Cisco wireless site survey to distributed and selected Wireless AP on big building contain 20 floor,
what are the prerequisites and is there any free tool from Cisco or third party software , that can help my to upload all building map to get accurate results,
AP model: 1602I-E-K9
Thanks in Advanced,

Is there any tools , I can used to do the site survey ?
Won't make any difference what tool to use if you don't know the basics and requirement in wireless site survey. As what George and Scott has mentioned, AirMagnet and Ekahau are the two largest and most popular wireless site survey programs in the market right now.
However, there are a number of topic that won't be covered in AirMagnet and Ekahau computer-based-training or web training. So getting the tools is half the "fun".
Get someone to do it for you. Tag along. Ask a lot of relevant questions. Observe what they do. Observe the tools they are using and what info their eyes are focusing into.
In some cases, when I do site survey, I only use a Cisco 7925G. That's all I use. So far my method, even though it is unorthodox, hasn't failed me one bit.

Config for using 1242 for site survey

Hello, i'm helping a coworker, we have a 1242 and would like to use it for a site survey, but we are not able to activate the radio using conf t it is in light weight, are we missing something? were can i find a config example to use for this purpose?

Hi Alfred,
Converting a Lightweight Access Point Back to Autonomous Mode
You can convert an access point from lightweight mode back to autonomous mode by loading a Cisco IOS Release that supports autonomous mode (Cisco IOS release 12.3(7)JA or earlier). If the access point is associated to a controller, you can use the controller to load the Cisco IOS release. If the access point is not associated to a controller, you can load the Cisco IOS release using TFTP.
Using a TFTP Server to Return to a Previous Release
Note This section does not apply to Cisco C3201WMIC and Cisco C3201LAP.
Follow these steps to revert from LWAPP mode to autonomous mode by loading a Cisco IOS release using a TFTP server:
Step 1 The static IP address of the PC on which your TFTP server software runs should be between 10.0.0.2 and 10.0.0.30.
Step 2 Make sure that the PC contains the access point image file (such as c1200-k9w7-tar.122-15.JA.tar for a 1200 series access point) in the TFTP server folder and that the TFTP server is activated.
Step 3 On the PC where the TFTP server is located, perform these steps:
a. Disable any software firewall products, such as Windows firewall, ZoneAlarm firewall, McAffee firewall, or others.
b. Ensure all Windows files are visible. From Windows Explorer, click Tools > Folder Options > View > Show hidden files and folders.
Step 4 Rename the access point image file in the TFTP server folder to c1200-k9w7-tar.default for a 1200 series access point, c1130-k9w7-tar.default for an 1130 series access point, c1240-k9w7-tar.default for a 1240 series access point, and c1250-k9w7-tar.default for a 1250 series access point.
Step 5 Connect the PC to the access point using a Category 5 (CAT5) Ethernet cable.
Step 6 Disconnect power from the access point.
Step 7 Press and hold MODE while you reconnect power to the access point.
Step 8 Hold the MODE button until the status LED turns red (approximately 20 to 30 seconds) and then release.
Step 9 Wait until the access point reboots, as indicated by all LEDs turning green followed by the Status LED blinking green.
Step 10 After the access point reboots, reconfigure it using the GUI or the CLI.
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/access_point/conversion/lwapp/upgrade/guide/lwapnote.html#wp161272
Hope this helps!
Rob

Wireless Site Survey Tool

I am looking for Software tool to conduct wireless site survey in campus
Any recommendation ?
Regards
Mohamed

one is here
http://www.flukenetworks.com/enterprise-network/wireless-network/AirMagnet-Survey

Site Survey Failed

I tried installing the software, but every time it does its "Site Survey" it fails. So I never even get to find my wireless network. How do I fix this?

If you have WinXP you should un-install the Linksys Monitor and just re-install the adapter drivers...
Un-install the adapter drivers/software from Programs menu...Leave the adapter connected to the PC and reboot your computer...After reboting the computer, when the Found New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Install the software automatically (Recommended) then click Next.
NOTE: The Hardware Installation screen may appear indicating that the Adapter has not passed Windows Logo testing. Ignore the window and click Continue Anyway to proceed with the installation since the Adapter has been tested and found to work with Windows XP.When Windows has finished installing the driver, click Finish...The adapter drivers should be installed...
Click on Start and goto the Control Panel and double click on Network Connections, right click on Wireless Network Connection and click View Available Wireless Networks, see if you can locate your wireless network...If you find your wireless network, select it and attempt to connect...If your network is secured it will give you the opportunity to put the network/wep key, make sure you enter the correct network key and confirm it...It will connect...

Outdoor site survey...

have any of you guys ever did an actual outdoor site survey for mesh. the client already purchased 20x1510's which will be used for voice. the initial site survey report we did was just based on the guidelines from Cisco. re: RAP-MAP (1.2km), MAP-MAP (300m), MAP-Client pc (150m), ap height (10m).
however, the client requires that a signal propagation report be submitted, meaning putting the ap's on temporary locations and doing the signal stregth test/site survey.
1. is there an equivalent small ap to the 1510 that can be used, instead, and just fix it on the side walls of the buildings and/or street poles?
2. or if any of you guys did the actual survey with the 1510, how did you do it or can anybody share their ideas and experience.
thanks, you all!!!

Well... first get a 20 year old pickup truck and mount a TV station news van pneumatic pole on it. (halfway kidding here but look at my rig on http://ralphfowler.com )
Seriously- make yourself some sort of portable mount that can safely hold the radio at the proper height so you can do this in a secure way.
I would not advise using any radio other than what you plan to use in the project. The outdoor mesh radios are kind of unique in their antenna placement, etc and I would want as close to a real test as possible.
I use a 2106 "baby controller" to make the radio work. I wish Cisco would release a site survey utility that runs on a laptop that would activate a radio so I could avoid having an expensive controller tied up.
Once you have the radio going, use AirMagnet Surver (if you are rich), to do an actual active survey. It has a mode that in which it connects to the node for its test in addition to a passive mode where it just listens.
The "poor man's way" would be to use Netstumbler and a GPS. It is somewhat of a combo active/passive survey (it does use probe requests so the AP at least has to hear it to respond).
Pull the data from the survey into a spreadsheet and run a couple of sorts on it to break it into strength regions.
Import the regions one at a time into something like Microsoft Streets and Trips and give each batch a colored dot for its icon.
When finished, you will hasve an attractive Poor Man's Drive Test that can rival AirMagnet's passive survey.
Bask in the glory as people wonder how you did it with almost no software investment.
I will try to find a jpg of one I did and post it as well. If I do, I will notify you here.
Ralph

Help with first time "controller based" Site Survey

We are moving from autonomous 1242AG to "2500 LAP with 2600 WLC"
I am used to bringing 1 autonomous AP to do my Site Surveys, but now that that I have a LAP, does it mean I need to bring a Wireless Controller with me so that the LAP could join it?
What do you guys do? Bring WLC, LAP and small UPS?
Any ideas would be helpful
Thanks!

Hi,
If you only have a LAP now then also you can convert to autonomous AP and do the site survey and then convert back to Lightweight.
You just need the 2 images.
One autonomous image:k9W7
http://software.cisco.com/download/release.html?mdfid=284362264&flowid=34154&softwareid=284180979&release=15.2.4-JB4&relind=AVAILABLE&rellifecycle=ED&reltype=latest
One lightweight image: k9W8
http://software.cisco.com/download/release.html?mdfid=284362264&flowid=34154&softwareid=280775090&release=15.2.4-JB4&relind=AVAILABLE&rellifecycle=ED&reltype=latest
Site survey is nothing to do with WLC(You can go ahead with Autonomous AP for site survey).
On the same place put the LAP and connect to nearest switch.
WLC push the config to LAP and also manages the RRM feature(Power, Channel....).
Regards
Dont forget to rate helpful posts

Site survey with dual radio AP

Hello
I would like some opinions on how to perform a site survey when surveying for both 2.4 and 5GHz.
Assume that the installation want good coverage on both 2.4 and 5GHz and that they use dual radio ap. Should I map one radio cell using 5GHz and then just assume that 2,4 will cover the same area and then some? Or should I do two walkabouts, one for each freq band and map them separately? I suppose the correct way would be to measure a cell twice, but time is money...
Does anyone have any experience on roaming between interfaces on the same AP? If I optimize both 2.4 and 5 coverage, then, in theory, the client could need to roam from 5GHz to 2.4 GHz.
Perhaps the best solution would be to identify power settings where signal strength on both 2.4 and 5GHz are equal.

I agree that time is money, but saving on money during the pre-installation phase may cause you more money and more headaches than you bargained for down the road.
I have used to AirMagnet product, and their Surveyor is perfect for what you are doing, but it is pricy.
Regardless, I would do seperate surveys for 5 and 2.4. They are different in their distance and interference.
I had a few times that when I did a survey before we got the AirMagnet software, I just went around with a map and marked down my location and put the signal strength and quality in an excel spreadsheet, and put together a decent looking coverage map with Visio. You can do quite a bit without spending a lot of money, but it takes up a lot of time.
For customers that didn't want to spend the money up front, we just would over engineer the equipment and lower the power settings if needed. It seems easier to justify buying extra AccessPoints than spending money on a survey to the bosses. But I think that a good pre-install survey is absolutely necessary.

Site Survey Software

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