RF Site Surveys
A site survey is required for proper implementation of a wireless
network. No one can tell exactly how wireless equipment will operate in
every circumstance without a survey. This includes both in-building
wireless LANs and bridges between buildings.
This is especially true within a building where there are hidden
obstacles in the walls / Racking or other existing wireless
applications, and is equally true for outdoor wireless links where
obstacles such as trees and power lines are involved.
Wireless surveys analyze the conditions required to provide an optimal
radio link. The complexity of the survey depends on the nature and
details of the proposed network. These details include the physical area
of the network, factors within the building, and for outdoor bridges the
number of sites involved, the terrain and the distance between sites.
Does your site qualify for wireless ?
OpalTec starts the process by discussing whether the site qualifies for
wireless. Our highly skilled engineers will determine whether a wireless
network is feasible, and how complex the survey needs to be. We will
discuss issues of security ( a subject not normally explored within the
wirelss community ) , outside interference, building structure, and in
the case of long-distance outdoor wireless bridges, whether there is
true line of sight.
The Site Survey
The complexity of the site survey required depends on which wireless
solution is proposed. A simple solution in a building is a predominantly
open space with few structural walls, or an outdoor point-to-point
wireless bridge under six miles where there is true line-of-sight
between the two locations. These require a basic site survey.
A multiple-site indoor wireless LAN, or an indoor wireless LAN with
multiple rooms/floors and/or solid walls and unusual construction will
both require a more complex site survey. Similarly with a point-to-point
wireless bridge in excess of six miles or without true line-of-sight.
Who should perform the Site Survey?
A team of engineers with expertise in LANs, Radio Frequency analysis and
Antenna Placement should perform the site survey. While many
organizations have LAN expertise, RF expertise is not so widely
available. OpalTec has a team of certified RF engineers and installers
who are qualified to perform complex site surveys. To assure a
successful design and implementation, it is critical that certified
engineers with RF expertise participate in the wireless site survey.
All OpalTec technicians that visit your site are fully trained and CWNA
certified (Certified Wireless Network Adminstration).
How does Wireless work?
A Wireless network is made up of three MAIN components: the access
point, PCMCIA or PCI card and the antenna.
The Access Point is the part that you invariably need to connect to
your network and as a rule of thumb you can anticipate the following:
- 10 to 15 users per Access Point
- 30 meters radius connectivity from the Access Point
- Connectivity speed decreases with distance
The Access point comes with a choice of an integrated or external
antenna depending on your requirements i.e. do you need a point-to-point
connection between two buildings or to simply run an internal LAN within
a single classroom or office.
The PCMCIA Card provides an integrated and removable antenna for
mobile or Laptop devices. A PCI Card fits into the PCI slot on traditional desktop PC's.
The Yagi Antenna - if you want to connect between two buildings then the
Yagi high gain directional antenna is suitable for mast or building
mounting and is used for point-to-point Wireless connectivity with line
of site. This gives coverage of 5km and above.
Omni Directional Antenna - this antenna is ideal for an outdoor Field
site as it provides coverage in a spherical pattern with a distance of
500m.
Contact OpalTec to discuss and schedule wireless site surveys.
We perform surveys both for end-users and as sub-contractors to other
organisations. We have entire UK coverage.
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