Explanation:
The following is a list of the most basic questions that must be answered before the actual physical work of the site survey begins. These questions are purposely open-ended because each one results in more information being passed from the client to the surveyor, thus making the surveyor better prepared to go on-site and do the site survey. Most, if not all, of these questions can be answered via phone, fax, or email, assuming the people with the answers to the questions are available. Again, the more prepared one is before arriving at the site (with a site survey toolkit), the more valuable the time on-site will be. Some of the topics you may want to question the network management about before performing your site survey:
1. Facilities Analysis
2. Existing Networks
Facility Analysis
Aside from the obvious size
differences, you must take into account the number of users, security requirements, bandwidth requirements, budget, and what kind of impact jet engines have on 802.11 RF signals, if any, etc.
The second facility type is a real estate office with approximately 25 agents. In this environment, security is important, but not mandated by law, so rudimentary security measures might suffice. Coverage will likely be adequate with only 1 or 2 centrallylocated access points, and bandwidth requirements would be nominal since most of the access is Internet-based or transferring small files back and forth to the file server. Outdoor wireless connections are vulnerable to security attacks, since the intruder would not have to be inside the building to get into the network. Once it is determined that the survey is for indoors, outdoors, or both, obtain any and all property survey documents and diagrams that are available. Indoors, these documents will show you the floor layout, firewalls, building structure information, wiring closets, and other valuable information. Outdoors, these documents will show how far the outdoor wireless LAN can safely extend without significant chance of intrusion.
Outdoor Surveys
For outdoor surveys, record the following items on a copy or sketch of the property:
1. Trees, buildings, lakes, or other obstructions between link sites
2. If in winter, locate trees that will grow leaves during other seasons and may interfere with the RF link
3. Visual and RF line of sight between transmitter and receiver
4. Link distance (note: if greater than 7 miles, calculate compensation for Earth bulge)
5. Weather hazards (wind, rain, snow, lightning) common to the area
6. Tower accessibility, height, or need for a new tower
7. Roof accessibility, height