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Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client Adapters (CB21AG and PI21AG) Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows
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AppendixF Performing a Site Survey
Overview
Overview
Note This appendix applies only to people who are responsible for conducting a site survey to determine the
best placement of infrastructure devices within a wireless network.
Note The site survey utility is available in Install Wizard 2.0 and later.
The site survey utility can assist you in conducting a site survey. T he ut ility o per ates at t he RF level and
is used to determine the best placement and coverage (overlap) for your network’s infrastructure devices.
During a site survey, the current status of the network is read from the client adapter, and the status
display is updated four times per second so you can accurately gauge network performance. The
feedback that you receive can help you to eliminate areas of low RF signal levels that can result in a loss
of connection between the client adapter and its associated access poi nt (or other infrastructure device).
The site survey utility operates in a passive mode. That is, it does not initiate any RF network traffic; it
simply listens to the traffic that the client adapter hears and displays the results.
Guidelines
Keep the following guidelines in mind when preparing to perform a site survey:
•Perform the site survey when the RF link is functioning with all other systems and noise sources
operational.
•Execute the site survey entirely from the mobile station.
Additional Information
Also consider the following operating and environmental conditions when performing a site survey:
•Data rates—Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. Therefore, the
maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate, and a decrease in receiver
threshold sensitivity occurs as the radio data increases.
•Antenna type and placement—Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in maximizing
radio range. As a general rule, range increases in proportion to antenna height.
•Physical environment—Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled areas.
Also, the less cluttered the work environment, the greater the range.
•Obstructions—A physical obstruction such as metal shelving or a steel pillar can hinder t he
performance of wireless devices. Avoid placing these devices in a location where a metal barrier is
between the sending and receiving antennas.
•Building materials—Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building material used in
construction. For example, drywall construction allows greater range tha n co ncre te bloc ks, a nd
metal or steel construction is a barrier to radio signals.
Note Refer to the hardware installation guide for your infrastructure device for additional information on
factors affecting placement.