How to plan and conduct a wireless site survey for optimal coverage — tools, methodology, heat mapping, and access point placement.
Poor WiFi coverage is one of the most common complaints in UK offices, and a proper site survey is the foundation of reliable wireless networking. This guide walks you through planning and conducting a professional wireless site survey, covering the tools required, survey methodology, heat map interpretation, and access point placement recommendations. It helps you design a WiFi network that delivers consistent coverage and performance throughout your premises.
Network administrators and IT managers at UK businesses planning a new WiFi deployment or troubleshooting coverage issues in their existing wireless network.
A proper survey typically combines a predictive survey using floor plans before installation, followed by an active survey walking the site with test access points to measure real signal strength and interference. Heat mapping software then visualises coverage gaps so access point placement can be adjusted before final installation.
Weak coverage in specific areas is usually caused by access points spaced too far apart, physical obstructions such as thick walls or metal shelving, or channel interference from neighbouring networks. A site survey identifies these dead zones precisely rather than relying on guesswork or complaints from individual staff members.
This depends on square footage, building materials, and expected device density, but a rough starting point for open-plan UK offices is one access point per 1,500-2,500 square feet, adjusted after a proper survey. Higher-density areas like meeting rooms or open desking often need closer spacing than a simple floor-area calculation suggests.
Common tools include a laptop or tablet running survey software such as Ekahau or NetSpot, a test access point, an accurate floor plan, and a WiFi analyser app for spot-checking signal strength. This guide recommends tools across different budgets, from free options to professional-grade survey kits.
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