I attempted to conduct a WiFi site survey using Ekahau, but my results seem inconsistent. The signal strength maps are erratic, and coverage doesn’t match expected performance. Can someone provide guidance on what might have gone wrong or how to properly use Ekahau?
Hey, I faced a similar issue when I first started using Ekahau for WiFi site surveys. The key is to ensure you’re not falling into common pitfalls. Here’s a rundown on what might be causing your erratic results and some potential solutions:
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Surveying Technique:
- Consistent Pace: Make sure you’re walking at a steady pace. Inconsistent walking speed can cause variations in data capture.
- Minimize Obstacles: Avoid large obstacles like people and furniture during your walk. These can affect signal readings and lead to inconsistent results.
- Hold Device Properly: Keep your survey device at the same angle and orientation throughout the survey. Changing the position can impact the readings.
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Calibration of Maps:
- Ensure your floor plan’s dimensions are accurately set. Incorrect scaling can lead to misalignment in coverage visualizations.
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AP Placement and Settings:
- Before the survey, verify all Access Points (AP) are placed correctly and broadcasting. Misplaced APs or settings could skew the results.
- Ensure that APs are broadcasting on the correct channels and with the expected power settings.
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Use of Spectrum Analyzer:
- It’s best to pair the WiFi survey with a spectrum analysis. Ekahau’s Sidekick or similar tools can help identify non-WiFi interferences which might be causing inconsistencies.
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Environmental Changes:
- For large environments, ensure conditions remain relatively constant. Doors opening/closing or equipment being moved can impact the signal during the survey.
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Sampling Density:
- Make sure you’re collecting enough data points. Too few data points can lead to inaccurate depictions of signal strength.
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Adjusting Software Settings:
- Double-check Ekahau software settings. Calibration settings such as signal propagation and attenuation values need to match the real-world environment.
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Using the Right Equipment:
- Ensure you’re using compatible and calibrated devices. Older or incompatible equipment can generate erratic results.
For a supplemental tool, you might also consider using the NetSpot App (https://www.netspotapp.com). It’s very user-friendly and can help cross-verify results. Just ensure that when you’re using multiple tools for surveying, you keep the methodology as consistent as possible to avoid further inconsistencies.
By addressing these potential areas, you should be able to get more consistent and accurate WiFi survey results. If you have specific issues or need further details on any of these steps, feel free to ask!
Sounds like you’re banging your head against the wall with this WiFi site survey. Been there, done that! Ekahau is usually pretty robust, so let’s go step-by-step on what might be throwing off your results.
1. Calibration Issues: Did you calibrate your map correctly? If the scale is off, it can cause your signal readings to appear erratic. Ensure you’ve accurately defined the building’s dimensions.
2. AP Placement: Check if the Access Points (APs) are positioned correctly on the map. Even a small deviation can lead to misleading results. Moving an AP’s position a few feet can make a significant difference in signal strength readings.
3. Interference: Look out for sources of interference that might not have been obvious to you initially. This can be other WiFi networks, microwave ovens, baby monitors, etc. Sometimes performing a spectrum analysis can reveal hidden culprits.
4. Hardware Issues: Make sure your survey device (laptop/tablet) and adapters are in optimal working condition. Faulty network adapters can give inconsistent results.
5. Walking Path: When walking the site, try to maintain a consistent pace and path. Inconsistency in your walking pattern can lead to erratic data.
6. Floor Materials: Different materials can have a huge impact on signal propagation. Concrete, metal, and even thick glass walls can attenuate signals significantly more than drywall.
7. Survey Type: Did you do an active survey (with a connection to an AP) or a passive survey? Results can differ dramatically depending on which method you’re using.
One more thing, might be worth trying another tool like Netspot. It’s pretty user-friendly and could offer a different angle on your WiFi environment. You can download it at Netspot.
BONUS TIP: If your building is particularly complex, consider breaking down the survey into more manageable chunks rather than doing it all in one go. Then compile the data for a more holistic view.
Hopefully, these tips help you get back on track. Good luck!
Sounds like you might be in over your head with Ekahau. Let’s be real; it’s a pretty complex tool that usually requires some expertise to get decent results. Your erratic signal maps and mismatched coverage probably stem from several issues that could range from improper calibration to environmental factors you didn’t account for.
First off, did you do any sniffing around for interference? Things like microwaves, thick walls, and other electronics can trash your WiFi signals. If you just went in guns blazing without a thorough initial site assessment, that could explain a lot.
Also, you might just be using the tool wrong. Ekahau is sophisticated, but it’s useless if you don’t know what you’re doing. Have you considered something a bit more user-friendly? NetSpot App comes to mind—it’s not trying to be a miniature NASA mission control center like Ekahau. You can get some pretty good insights without needing a manual the size of a dictionary.
However, NetSpot isn’t perfect either. Its pro features can be a bit limited compared to other heavyweights, and if you’re looking for detailed analytics, you might feel confined. But hey, it’s easier to use and won’t leave you staring at your screen, baffled by what the heck just happened.
Not to say Ekahau doesn’t have its place, but if you can’t get consistent results, what’s the point? There are other tools out there, but be ready to shell out serious cash or get super technical. Honestly, sometimes keeping it simple with NetSpot or even simpler apps like WiFi Analyzer can save a ton of headaches.