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Conducting an effective site survey
Consider the following points for an effective site survey.
Network usage
Examine the network usage:
•How many people will be using a wireless handset?
•What areas of the site require wireless handset access?
•How many hours each day will wireless handsets be in use?
•Which locations are likely to generate the largest amount of traffic?
•Where is future network expansion most likely?
Mobility requirements
Assess the mobility requirements:
•How many wireless handset users are in motion continually, such as in a warehouse or hospital?
•How many users work from different fixed locations throughout the site?
Physical site study
Perform a study of the physical site:
•Study blueprints of the proposed site. A site blueprint provides a map of the site, including the location of objects such as walls, partitions, and anything else that could affect the performance of a wireless handset. This helps identify areas where wireless handsets are less likely to perform well. Many obstructions are not readily visible and, in some cases, a room originally built for a specific purpose, such as a radiology lab, might have been converted into something completely different, such as a conference room. The blueprint may also show areas proposed for future building expansion.
•Mark possible wireless handset usage locations on the blueprint and refer to the marked blueprint during the physical
Walk-through and survey
Conduct a physical
•Document any items or materials near a proposed AP location that might interfere with reception or transmission and affect wireless handset performance, such as metal shelving.
•Document stock and inventory levels, current environmental conditions, and any materials that may interfere with wireless handset transmissions.
Appendix D: Provisioning
