1. CWNA Guide to Wireless LANs, Second Edition Chapter Seven Conducting a Site Survey

2. Wireless News

3. 3 EarthLink Launches The City Of Anaheim Municipal Wireless Network EarthLink Launches The City Of Anaheim Municipal Wireless Network Will provide inexpensive, high-speed Internet access for the City’s residents, businesses, visitors and municipal employees.Will provide inexpensive, high-speed Internet access for the City’s residents, businesses, visitors and municipal employees. $3.95 – 1-hour of access$3.95 – 1-hour of access $15.95 – 3-days of access$15.95 – 3-days of access $21.95 per month$21.95 per month

4. 4 Wireless News Chamber Releases RFP for OKC Wi-Fi Network Chamber Releases RFP for OKC Wi-Fi Network Oklahoma City Chamber today (6/28/06) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to create a public-access Wi-Fi network in several "Hot Spots" in Oklahoma City, including the Central Business District, Bricktown, the Arts District/Myriad Gardens, the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the Oklahoma River (from I-35 to Broadway) and the Native American Cultural Center.Oklahoma City Chamber today (6/28/06) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to create a public-access Wi-Fi network in several "Hot Spots" in Oklahoma City, including the Central Business District, Bricktown, the Arts District/Myriad Gardens, the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the Oklahoma River (from I-35 to Broadway) and the Native American Cultural Center. OKC State Fair Park and Will Rogers IAP already have WiFiOKC State Fair Park and Will Rogers IAP already have WiFi

5. 5 Wireless News FCC Readies To Auction Wireless Spectrum FCC Readies To Auction Wireless Spectrum To be held August 9 thTo be held August 9 th FCC has received 252 applications to bid for advanced wireless spectrumFCC has received 252 applications to bid for advanced wireless spectrum Verizon, Cablevision, Cable-One, T-Mobile, Cingular, etc. Verizon, Cablevision, Cable-One, T-Mobile, Cingular, etc. Some 1,200-plus licenses, reclaimed from government use, are up for grabs, enough to build a national network.Some 1,200-plus licenses, reclaimed from government use, are up for grabs, enough to build a national network.

6. 6 Wireless News New York State Parks go wireless New York State Parks go wireless The first of the 18 locations was activated last Thursday.The first of the 18 locations was activated last Thursday. Eight hot spots will be in Central Park Eight hot spots will be in Central Park Two hot spots in Prospect Park in Brooklyn Two hot spots in Prospect Park in Brooklyn All will be free/open! All will be free/open!

7. 7 Objectives Explain what a site survey is Explain what a site survey is Describe the tools used in a site survey Describe the tools used in a site survey Describe how to perform a site survey Describe how to perform a site survey

8. 8 What is a Site Survey? When installing a WLAN for an organization, areas of dead space might not be tolerated When installing a WLAN for an organization, areas of dead space might not be tolerated Ensure blanket coverage, meet per-user bandwidth requirements, minimize “bleeding” of signalEnsure blanket coverage, meet per-user bandwidth requirements, minimize “bleeding” of signal Factors affecting wireless coverage goals: Factors affecting wireless coverage goals: Devices emitting RF signalsDevices emitting RF signals Building structure (walls, construction materials)Building structure (walls, construction materials) Open or closed office doorsOpen or closed office doors Stationary versus mobile machinery/equipmentStationary versus mobile machinery/equipment Movement of mobile walls (e.g., cubicles)Movement of mobile walls (e.g., cubicles)

9. 9 What is a Site Survey? Factors affecting wireless coverage goals: Factors affecting wireless coverage goals: Expansion of physical plant or growth of organizationExpansion of physical plant or growth of organization Existing WLANsExisting WLANs Both inside organization, and within nearby organizations Both inside organization, and within nearby organizations Site survey: Process of planning a WLAN to meet design goals Site survey: Process of planning a WLAN to meet design goals Effectiveness of a WLAN often linked to thoroughness of the site surveyEffectiveness of a WLAN often linked to thoroughness of the site survey

10. 10 What is a Site Survey? Design goals for a site survey: Design goals for a site survey: Achieve best possible performance from WLANAchieve best possible performance from WLAN Certify that installation will operate as promisedCertify that installation will operate as promised Determine best location for APsDetermine best location for APs Develop networks optimized for variety of applicationsDevelop networks optimized for variety of applications Ensure coverage will fulfill organization’s requirementsEnsure coverage will fulfill organization’s requirements Locate unauthorized APsLocate unauthorized APs

11. 11 What is a Site Survey? Design goals for a site survey (continued): Design goals for a site survey (continued): Map nearby wireless networks to determine existing radio interferenceMap nearby wireless networks to determine existing radio interference Reduce radio interference as much as possibleReduce radio interference as much as possible Make wireless network secureMake wireless network secure Survey provides realistic understanding of infrastructure required for proposed wireless link Survey provides realistic understanding of infrastructure required for proposed wireless link Assists in predicting network capability and throughputAssists in predicting network capability and throughput Helps determine exact location of APs and power levels requiredHelps determine exact location of APs and power levels required

12. 12 What is a Site Survey? When to perform a site survey: When to perform a site survey: Before installing a new wireless networkBefore installing a new wireless network Before changing an existing wireless networkBefore changing an existing wireless network When there are significant changes in personnelWhen there are significant changes in personnel When there are changes in network needsWhen there are changes in network needs After making physical changes to a buildingAfter making physical changes to a building

13. 13 Site Survey Tools: Wireless Tools Most basic tool is AP itself: Most basic tool is AP itself: Position AP in various locations, monitor signal as you movePosition AP in various locations, monitor signal as you move APs should have ability to adjust output powerAPs should have ability to adjust output power APs should have external antenna connectorsAPs should have external antenna connectors Test effectiveness of different antenna types in different situations Test effectiveness of different antenna types in different situations May need DC-to-AC converter for testingMay need DC-to-AC converter for testing Notebook computer with wireless NIC also essential for testing Notebook computer with wireless NIC also essential for testing Previously configured and testedPreviously configured and tested

14. 14 Site Survey Tools: Wireless Tools Figure 7-1: Adjusting AP power levels

15. 15 Site Survey Tools: Wireless Tools Figure 7-2: External antenna connectors

16. 16 Site Survey Tools: Measurement Tools Site Survey Analyzers: Specifically designed for conducting WLAN site surveys Site Survey Analyzers: Specifically designed for conducting WLAN site surveys Software often built into APSoftware often built into AP Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) valueReceive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value Full-featured site survey analyzer software settings:Full-featured site survey analyzer software settings: Destination MAC Address Destination MAC Address Continuous Link Test Continuous Link Test Number of Packets Number of Packets Packet Size Packet Size Data Retries Data Retries

17. 17 Site Survey Tools: Measurement Tools Site Survey Analyzers (continued): Site Survey Analyzers (continued): Full-featured site survey analyzer software settings (continued):Full-featured site survey analyzer software settings (continued): Data Rate Data Rate Delay Between Packets Delay Between Packets Packet Tx Type Packet Tx Type Unicast or multicastUnicast or multicast Percent Success Threshold Percent Success Threshold Basic survey analyzer software contains far fewer featuresBasic survey analyzer software contains far fewer features

18. 18 Site Survey Tools: Measurement Tools Figure 7-3: Full-featured site survey analyzer software setup

19. 19 Site Survey Tools: Measurement Tools Figure 7-4: Full-featured site survey analyzer software results

20. 20 Site Survey Tools: Measurement Tools Figure 7-6: Basic site survey analyzer software results

21. 21 Site Survey Tools: Measurement Tools Spectrum Analyzers: Scan radio frequency spectrum and provides graphical display of results Spectrum Analyzers: Scan radio frequency spectrum and provides graphical display of results Typically measure signal-to-noise ratioTypically measure signal-to-noise ratio Single-frequency analyzers measure signal-to-noise ratio at specified frequencySingle-frequency analyzers measure signal-to-noise ratio at specified frequency Helpful in identifying interference problemsHelpful in identifying interference problems Thus, helps properly position/orient AP Thus, helps properly position/orient AP

22. 22 Site Survey Tools: Measurement Tools (continued) Figure 7-7: Single-frequency analyzer

23. 23 Site Survey Tools: Measurement Tools (continued) Figure 7-8: Spectrum analyzer

24. 24 Site Survey Tools: Measurement Tools (continued) Network Analyzers: Can be used to pick up packets being transmitted by other WLANs in area Network Analyzers: Can be used to pick up packets being transmitted by other WLANs in area Provide additional information on transmissionsProvide additional information on transmissions Packet sniffers or protocol analyzersPacket sniffers or protocol analyzers Not used in placement of APNot used in placement of AP

25. 25 Site Survey Tools: Documentation Tools Create a “hard copy” of site survey results Create a “hard copy” of site survey results Make available for future referenceMake available for future reference No industry-standard form for site survey documentationNo industry-standard form for site survey documentation Site survey report should include: Site survey report should include: Purpose of reportPurpose of report Survey methodsSurvey methods RF coverage details (frequency and channel plan)RF coverage details (frequency and channel plan) Throughput findingsThroughput findings Sources of interferenceSources of interference

26. 26 Site Survey Tools: Documentation Tools Site survey report should include (continued): Site survey report should include (continued): Problem zonesProblem zones Marked-up facility drawings with access point placementMarked-up facility drawings with access point placement Access point configurationAccess point configuration Use building layout blueprints as tools Use building layout blueprints as tools Advisable to create database to store site survey information and generate reports Advisable to create database to store site survey information and generate reports

27. 27 Site Survey Tools: Documentation Tools Figure 7-9: Sample site survey form

28. 28 Performing a Site Survey: Gathering Data Obtaining Business Requirements: Determine business reasons why WLAN being proposed or extended Obtaining Business Requirements: Determine business reasons why WLAN being proposed or extended If this step skipped, almost impossible to properly design and implement the networkIf this step skipped, almost impossible to properly design and implement the network Primary data gathering method is interviewingPrimary data gathering method is interviewing Must determine type of mobility required within organizationMust determine type of mobility required within organization Must determine per-user bandwidth requirementsMust determine per-user bandwidth requirements May be different “types” of users with different bandwidth requirements May be different “types” of users with different bandwidth requirements

29. 29 Performing a Site Survey: Gathering Data Defining Security Requirements: Consider type of data encryption and type of authentication that will take place across WLAN Defining Security Requirements: Consider type of data encryption and type of authentication that will take place across WLAN Consider existing security policies and proceduresConsider existing security policies and procedures Gathering Site-Specific Documentation: Gathering Site-Specific Documentation: Blueprints, facility drawings, and other documentsBlueprints, facility drawings, and other documents Show specific building infrastructure components Show specific building infrastructure components Inspecting the siteInspecting the site Document changes to blueprints and get visual perspective Document changes to blueprints and get visual perspective

30. 30 Performing a Site Survey: Gathering Data (continued) Gathering Site-Specific Documentation (continued): Gathering Site-Specific Documentation (continued): Behind-the-scenes site inspectionBehind-the-scenes site inspection May require ladder, flashlight, and an escort May require ladder, flashlight, and an escort Documenting Existing Network Characteristics: New or expanded WLAN will “dovetail” into network already in place Documenting Existing Network Characteristics: New or expanded WLAN will “dovetail” into network already in place Determine degree to which WLAN will interact with other wired networksDetermine degree to which WLAN will interact with other wired networks Legacy systems may require additional equipment to support WLANLegacy systems may require additional equipment to support WLAN

31. 31 Performing a Site Survey: Performing the Survey Collecting RF Information: Collecting RF Information: Note objects in and layout of roomNote objects in and layout of room Use digital camera Use digital camera Position APPosition AP Initial location will depend on antenna type Initial location will depend on antenna type Document starting position of AP Document starting position of AP Using notebook computer with site survey analyzer software running, walk slowly away from APUsing notebook computer with site survey analyzer software running, walk slowly away from AP Observe data displayed by analyzer program Observe data displayed by analyzer program Data rate, signal strength, noise floor, and signal-to- noise ratioData rate, signal strength, noise floor, and signal-to- noise ratio

32. 32 Performing a Site Survey: Performing the Survey Figure 7-10: Position of APs

33. 33 Performing a Site Survey: Performing the Survey Collecting RF Information (continued): Collecting RF Information (continued): Continue moving until data collected for all areasContinue moving until data collected for all areas Data collected used to produce:Data collected used to produce: Coverage pattern: Area where signal can be received from the AP Coverage pattern: Area where signal can be received from the AP Data rate boundaries: Range of coverage for a specific transmission speed Data rate boundaries: Range of coverage for a specific transmission speed Throughput: Number of packets sent and received and data rates for each Throughput: Number of packets sent and received and data rates for each Total transmission range: Farthest distance at which signal can be received by wireless device Total transmission range: Farthest distance at which signal can be received by wireless device

34. 34 Performing a Site Survey: Performing the Survey Figure 7-11: Coverage pattern

35. 35 Performing a Site Survey: Performing the Survey Figure 7-12: Data rate boundaries

36. 36 Performing a Site Survey: Performing the Survey Collecting Non-RF Information: Collecting Non-RF Information: Sources of interference can include:Sources of interference can include: Wire mesh security windows, Aquariums, Outer walls, Ceramic or marble floors, Concrete floors or pillars, Security booth bullet-proof glass, Mirrors, and Elevator shafts or filing cabinets Wire mesh security windows, Aquariums, Outer walls, Ceramic or marble floors, Concrete floors or pillars, Security booth bullet-proof glass, Mirrors, and Elevator shafts or filing cabinets Electrical and network connectionsElectrical and network connections Outdoor Surveys: Similar to indoor surveys, but must consider climatic conditions, trees, different possibilities for antenna positions Outdoor Surveys: Similar to indoor surveys, but must consider climatic conditions, trees, different possibilities for antenna positions

37. 37 Performing a Site Survey: Performing the Survey Outdoor Surveys (continued): Outdoor Surveys (continued): Different tools may be requiredDifferent tools may be required GPS GPS Range finder Range finder Tape measure Tape measure Lighting beacons, flares, and spotlights Lighting beacons, flares, and spotlights Finalizing the Survey Documents: Final result is map of optimal areas of coverage for placement of access point Finalizing the Survey Documents: Final result is map of optimal areas of coverage for placement of access point If results unacceptable, must relocate AP and start overIf results unacceptable, must relocate AP and start over

38. 38 Performing a Site Survey: Creating the Site Survey Report Narrative section: Narrative section: State customer requirementsState customer requirements Outline methodologyOutline methodology Outline all steps taken during survey Outline all steps taken during survey Clearly state results of measurementsClearly state results of measurements May have tables of measurements May have tables of measurements RecommendationsRecommendations Should always address security Should always address security

39. 39 Performing a Site Survey: Creating the Site Survey Report Figure 7-13: Table of measurements

40. 40 Performing a Site Survey: Creating the Site Survey Report Graphic section: Graphic section: Generally includes maps and diagrams of coverage areaGenerally includes maps and diagrams of coverage area Data rate coverage map Data rate coverage map Signal-to-noise ratio plot Signal-to-noise ratio plot

41. 41 Performing a Site Survey: Creating the Site Survey Report Figure 7-14: Data rate coverage map

42. 42 Performing a Site Survey: Creating the Site Survey Report Figure 7-15: 3-D signal-to-noise ratio plot

43. 43 Summary A site survey is an in-depth examination and analysis of a proposed wireless LAN site to meet design goals A site survey is an in-depth examination and analysis of a proposed wireless LAN site to meet design goals Three categories of tools used Three categories of tools used Wireless tools include the access point and notebook computers with a wireless NICWireless tools include the access point and notebook computers with a wireless NIC Measurement tools include site survey analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzersMeasurement tools include site survey analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers Documentation tools create a “hard copy” of the site survey results for future referenceDocumentation tools create a “hard copy” of the site survey results for future reference

44. 44 Summary Three steps in conducting a site survey Three steps in conducting a site survey Gather the background dataGather the background data Perform the actual surveyPerform the actual survey Create the site survey report, containing a narrative and a graphical sectionCreate the site survey report, containing a narrative and a graphical section

45. 45 Wireless Survey with Netstumbler NetStumbler is an excellent free tool for performing Wireless site surveys NetStumbler is an excellent free tool for performing Wireless site surveys It’s easy when combined with the Excel Wireless SpreadsheetIt’s easy when combined with the Excel Wireless Spreadsheet http://wildbill.org/rose/Summer06/wireless_lan_survey.zip http://wildbill.org/rose/Summer06/wireless_lan_survey.zip http://wildbill.org/rose/Summer06/wireless_lan_survey.zip Netstumbler tracks access points along with signal strength at predetermine sampling points Netstumbler tracks access points along with signal strength at predetermine sampling points

46. 46 Wireless Survey

47. 47 Wireless Survey Walk around the site with a laptop running NetStumbler Walk around the site with a laptop running NetStumbler Follow a predetermined pathFollow a predetermined path Use a site/building diagramUse a site/building diagram Annotate Access Points Annotate Access Points Determine and annotate sampling points on diagram Determine and annotate sampling points on diagram Using, Ctrl-Shft-A to log to spreadsheet when you are at a sampling pointUsing, Ctrl-Shft-A to log to spreadsheet when you are at a sampling point

48. 48 Wireless Survey

49. 49 Wireless Survey Export the Netstumbler session to a text file Export the Netstumbler session to a text file Using the spreadsheet (run report button), import the Netstumbler file Using the spreadsheet (run report button), import the Netstumbler file This updates spreadsheet and you can review the power levels by sampling point. This updates spreadsheet and you can review the power levels by sampling point.

50. 50 Wireless Survey

51. 51 Wireless Survey Thursday we will do a wireless survey of this building Thursday we will do a wireless survey of this building Bring your own laptop or use one supplied by Rose Bring your own laptop or use one supplied by Rose We will team up in Pairs We will team up in Pairs One will carry the laptop and the other the survey paperwork (building diagram and note paper) One will carry the laptop and the other the survey paperwork (building diagram and note paper)