A network engineer is evaluating wireless site survey methodologies for an upcoming enterprise WLAN deployment across a multi-story facility. Match each wireless site survey type on the left with its primary operational requirement or objective on the right.
- Predictive Site SurveyUtilizes software modeling with imported building CAD files and material attenuation properties to estimate access point placement before hardware installation.
- Passive Site SurveyCaptures Wi-Fi beacon frames, RSSI, and noise levels from all surrounding access points without establishing a network connection to any wireless network.
- Active Site SurveyAssociates a client device to access points during a physical walkthrough to measure real-world network performance, packet loss, and round-trip time.
- Spectrum Analysis SurveyEmploys specialized hardware sensor tools to detect raw radio frequency energy and identify non-Wi-Fi sources of electromagnetic interference.
Answer
Predictive Site Survey matches with modeling RF propagation using CAD blueprints prior to hardware installation. Passive Site Survey matches with capturing beacons and RSSI from all APs without network association. Active Site Survey matches with associating a client device to APs to measure throughput, latency, and packet loss. Spectrum Analysis Survey matches with using dedicated RF sensors to detect non-802.11 sources of interference.
Each survey methodology addresses a distinct phase and requirement of wireless network deployment: Predictive surveys estimate placement using software algorithms on building plans; passive surveys measure coverage across all operating Wi-Fi channels without network association; active surveys test actual network throughput and transmission parameters by connecting to access points; and spectrum analysis surveys detect physical layer RF interference from both Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi emitters.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Wireless Site Survey Methodologies