Design and build of a proper Wi-Fi system requires a detailed site survey to identify the following.

The survey is performed through

• Interviews with the users
• Physical inspection of the location
• Heat mapping with Wi-Fi software such as Air Magnet Survey Pro

What we need to learn

• What are the objectives of the system?
  • How many users?
  • What is the density of the users?
  • What kinds of applications are being used/implemented and how much bandwidth will they require?
• Where will the system be installed?
  • What kind of structured cable system is installed?
  • What kind of ceiling structure is it?  Dropped ceiling?  Drywall?  Access Panels?
  • Are there adequate, secure IDFs and MDFs to install the equipment such as switches, patch panels, and controllers?
• What kind of security is required?
  • Authentication with a RADIUS server or Active Directory?
  • Other types of authentication
  • Physical security
• Other applications
  • RFID
  • Guest Wi-Fi
  • Inventory management
  • Tracking
• Signal attenuation from building structures
  • Significant metal structures can reduce the Wi-Fi signal propagation
  • Interference from other Wi-Fi networks can cause a high Signal To Noise Ratio