Site survey tool

Hi forum,
Is there a free tool I can use to survey the site that we are going to install wireless network?
can "firewall" - concrete wall 1 feet thick blocking the RF signal?
thanks much,
paul

I do not know of any free site survey tools for predictive surveys. If you have a few APs to use, you can do a physical survey with some manual work. It would involve starting in one corner and placing APs. Then you see how far coverage reaches with your required RSSI. If you have a cisco card they have a site survey tool to help with this. Then you move the APs to the next possible spot and make sure you have enough overlap in your cells.
If you decide that this is a bit more than you bargained for, I highly suggest looking at prices for trained site surveyers, because it will cost more putting APs in the wrong place and re-doing it than a good site survey should cost.
If you want to look at predictive tools, I suggect looking at Ekahau and Airmagnet. They each have products to do predictive.
As for the firewall, I know cinder blocks that thick will drastically impact signal, but I have not seen them fully block it. Buildings with that as the internal construction type tend to require many more APs than stick construction.

Similar Messages

7920 Site Survey Tool

Can someone please explain to me the readout from the 7920 Site Survey tool? I'm taking guesses... I just hope I guessing right!
i.e.
1 (C), voice, 23, 0
6 (C), voice, 45, 3
11 (C), voice, 55,4

Hi,
1= Channel
(C) = Connected
Voice= SSID
45= RSSI
0= Quality Param,
You may also see an (A), that means Available.
Thanks,
Scott

Site Survey Tools for 802.11b, g

Hello,
Can anyone recommend a suitable tool?
Fairly new to WiFi and require to perform a site survey to ascertain appropraite equipment deployment based on SNR, RF interference levels, etc.
Tool can be shareware or commercial product?
All help appreciated.

http://www/en/US/products/sw/cscowork/ps3915/index.html but it's not shareware/freeware.

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

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.

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.

Site survey tools for ipad

Hi,
I was trying to find some apps for iPad/iPad mini which are useful in conducting a wireless site-survey. Any app which will scan air and gives list of available wireless networks along with their RSSI/SNR values.
I found one app WIFI Analyzer, but it is for Android.
Are there any apps available for iPhone / iPad / iPad mini?
I am planning for an outdoor survey for a location around 8-10 acres. The purpose is to provide internet services and cover most of the specified areas within park.
I've got the maps, conducted a passive survey by simulating the environment using AirMagnet planner. Now I am planning for on site survey .
Thanks,
CJ

iPad WiFi Survey
Ekahau Mobile Survey
Don't forget to rate our posts.

LWAPP Site Survey methodology

I have been doing site surveys the "old fashioned" way for quite some time.
I am interested in how the survey is performed utilizing the new lightweight AP's.
Mainly, how do you determine AP location if there is no way to configure the AP itself?
Do these surveys require the use of a Controller?
Can I still design the infrastructure to physically load balance the network or am I at the mercy of this little box?
Also, do I have any control over channel allocation? I don't like to put channel 11 near Microwave ovens if I can help it, but I would like to know that if any thing gets switched, is it going to be switched back?
Any links that would describe the "new" survey process would be very apprieciated.
Thanks-

I can confirm that when I asked the same question, no "survey mode" exists on the AIR-LAP1131AG or AIR-LAP1242AG.
That said, you can convert these APs to autonomous mode (there are a number of threads on this forum that discuss how to do this). After you are done with the site survey you can flip the APs back.
From the Cisco "Wireless Site Survey FAQ - Document ID: 68666"
"Q. Can I perform a site survey using Cisco Aironet 1131 and 1242 access points and then use the results to deploy an Airespace wireless solution?
A. Yes, you can do this as long as a proper site survey is conducted and the results yield an effective Wireless solution. In this case, you can use any site survey tool."
If you intend on carrying your RF settings manually once deployed using the WLC, you will need to refer to the following document which correlates autonomous power settings (in dB) to the WLC power setttings 1, 2, 3, etc.
Excerpt from WLC Configuration Guide v4.0:
"The transmit power level is assigned an integer value instead of a value in mW or dBm. The integer corresponds to a power level that varies depending on the regulatory domain in which the access points
are deployed. The number of available power levels varies based on the access point model. However, power level 1 is always the maximum power level allowed per country code setting, with each successive power level representing 50% of the previous power level. For example, 1 = maximum power level in a particular regulatory domain, 2 = 50% power, 3 = 25% power, 4 = 12.5% power, and so on.
Note: Refer to the hardware installation guide for your access point for the maximum transmit power levels supported per regulatory domain. Also, refer to the data sheet for your access point for the number of power levels supported."
Final thought: I have found that the AUTO RF tends to work better if you start out your APs with manual channel settings from your site survey and then release everything to AUTO RF at the same time. The automatic channel choices that the WLC comes up with are not optimal.
The steps to doing this are:
1) Changing the global AUTO RF setting to manual channel selection or ON DEMAND. Power setting can stay on automatic.
2) Change your APs to the manual settings from your survey.
3) Change the APs to automatic RF settings. (They will not change until AUTO RF channel selection is re-enabled.)
4) Re-enable AUTO RF channel selection.
This is not official from Cisco, simply based upon my own observations. However, my experience so far has been that the channel settings I pick tend to work better (I see higher power level settings on the APs since they have less co-channel interference) and WLC will continue to use the manual channel settings unless the some significant outside interference is encountered.
(please remember to rate helpful posts)
- John

Wireless site survey planner tool for multi floor office building

Hi,
I'm looking a wireless site survey planner tool for multi floor office building to estimate the number of APs and location. Not the site survey after install APs.
AigMagnet is excellent for single floor but cannot provide multi floor scenario via planner feature even it merging capable with site survey after APs installation.
Any tools can provide the planner tool for multi floor office building?
Thanks in advance,

Cj
If you are looking for an AP estimate you can simply do the sq feet divided into the grade of wireless. For example
You have a 100,000 feet building. All 100,000 sq feet will be wireless.
Data 5,000 - 6.000 sq feet per AP or 100,000 / 5,000 = 20 access points
VoIP 2,500 sq feet per AP or 100,000 / 2,500 = 40 access points
I always like to pad it by another 10%.
I hope this helps â¦

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...

Looking for a beginners guide ot site survey

Good evening,
Getting ready to do a site survey of a rather large facility... About to switch to an entirely different wireless nic (intel 3945ABG) which isnt performing as well as its cousin, 2200BG. Reviewing the stats of the cards it doesnt make sense as intel claims (from my understanding) the 3945 is more sensitive.
Given the sheer size (220,000+ sq feet) of my facility i want to ensure i do this correctly the first time around. I have the given equipment which will be deploying this card.
What i have done in the past for resolving some issues is going every 5 feet and recording by hand the SNR using something along lines of netstumbler. Is this correct?
any suggestions will be great.

Hi Robert,
Here is some info that may help;
Wireless Site Survey FAQ
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk722/tk809/technologies_q_and_a_item09186a00805e9a96.shtml
This Excel macro tool is designed to work with NetStumbler to help you complete a wireless site survey. While running NetStumbler, the macro allows you to timestamp your live access points, collect signal levels of each access point, and export the raw NetStumbler data to create a handy report.
http://whitepapers.zdnet.com/download.aspx?docid=177121&promo=100400
Hope this helps!
Rob

Showing Full AP name in cisco Wireless phone 7921-site survey

Hi,
I am working on a project where cisco wireless phone 7921 is utilized. We use phones sitesurvey tool for coverage tests. Our AP names are 18 characters in length and are not dispayed in full in site survey screen. Please suggest on a way to increase the display character count in the site survey or to make it a running text. Thank you.
Regards,
Madhan kumar G

Hi Leo,
Thanks for the suggestion. I looked at the Fluke OptiView XG Network Analysis Tablet. Looks very interesting, but looking at the cost of the Tablet, I am pretty sure that my Employer will say NO.
Anyways, Can you recommend some vendor options (It will be really helpful, if you can share the Model information as well) for the list highlighted below.
1. AP Tripod (Reaches 3 meters max) - Need recommendation on AP Telescopic Tripod which should be portable to carry in the Peli Case.
2. Distance measuring tool - Need recommendation on this.
3. Laptop harness - I did some research and found Connect-A-Desk Laptop Harness, which I am planning to purchase
Also, I need your inputs in choosing Antennas for Site-Survey Kit (I am looking at must to have options for the Kit).
Thanks,
CJ

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

Site survey by Airmaget

Dear All,
I know site survey using Airmagent survey pro tool .Is it possible to do site survey with Aitmagnet wifi analyzer?
Regards,
TS

Nope because you won't be able to record, for example, at this location what are the wireless channel interferrence, the signal strength, SNR, etc.

Wireless Site Survey

Dears,
I need to do a site survey so please can you advise what is the required cisco tools that I must use to do the site survey and to get the required AP that I have to put on my design.
Thanks

Here is a very usful link from Cisco website where it has the FAQ for a wireless site survey.
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk722/tk809/technologies_q_and_a_item09186a00805e9a96.shtml
Tools you could use for a site survey are Cisco spectrum expert and also Air magnet, but they are not free.
Basically when working with wireless setup we need to do a site survey to determine
the amount of access points you need to get to cover the required area, where to locate
each AP and power levels to use so that the overlapping of each cell is not more than 15%
to avoid roaming issue for the wireless clients, the required data rate needed per client
since wireless is half duplex and a shared medium and finally when working on the 2.4GHZ
distribute the 3 non overlapping channels (1-6-11)so that the access points do not create
interference between them.

Site survey tool

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