Professional 802.11 Wi-Fi Wireless Network
Post-Installation Verification to Confirm Compliance
With Design Specifications
for Coverage, Capacity and Throughput

Connect802 provides a number of professional post-installation Wi-Fi network system site verification services. The work effort and report structure for these services has been carefully quantified and formalized to provide a consistent set of high-quality deliverables and consistent, professional results.

Comprehensive Site Analysis and Detailed Data Reporting

The Expanded Verification and Gap Analysis provides the same types of heat map generation, signal strength analysis, tabular reporting, RF spectrum analysis, and throughput testing as a standard Post-Installation Verification but with a significantly greater level of detail.

• Instead of simply performing site walks (as is done in a standard Post-Installation Verification) a set of measurements is acquired in each room and in each open area of 20 X 20 feet. The measurement set will be acquired both with doors to the room/area open and with doors closed (hence there will be two complete sets of documented measurements in each room or area). These measurement points will be:
  The four corners and the center of the room/area
  Each entryway or door threshold into the room/area
  Additional measurements if any key locations in the room/area are not otherwise encompassed
  Hallways and corridors will have a measurement made every 20 feet along the centerline.
  Key work areas (like nurses stations and reception counter areas) will have a measurement recorded as close as possible to the center of the area.
• Real-World Application Testing
  

Gap Analysis Procedures

The signal coverage heat maps and tabular data will be analyzed both during the on-site engagement and in additional detail during preparation of the final report and deviations from project specifications will be carefully noted. When gaps are discovered between the actual coverage and the intended coverage a discussion will be presented in the report to suggest mitigation strategies and, as required, to suggest locations for additional radio equipment to overcome deficiencies.

Unlike a standard Post-Installation Verification (where problems are simply called out), the Expanded Verification and Gap Analysis report will present specific mitigation options relative to any problems identified.
The Gap Analysis will discuss coverage cell overlap from each access point on the basis of coverage cell boundary range and adjacent cell coverage overlap. In this way a design specification such as “-65 dBm coverage boundary with 40% cell overlap” can be confirmed.

Additional Report Detail

Standard and Extended Post-Installation Verification

Prior to installing a wireless system the site will have to be assessed relative to the physical mounting of equipment, cable run locations, and overall aesthetics. This is where our physical site assessment and documentation services come into play. We make sure that when the installation team arrives with the ladders and screwdrivers that they have all the information they need to get the job done correctly and in a timely manner.

After installation an on-site verification of proper signal coverage is performed to confirm that the wireless network is working in accordance with the design specifications. A standard post-installation verification provides an assurance of correct coverage while an extended verification documents signal coverage levels both above and below the target design specification.

Confirmation of Correct System Operation

Post-Installation Verification confirms that the wireless LAN system is operational. An on-site walk-through is performed during which time signal strength and noise measurements are made.
A graphic signal coverage map (“heat map”) is created showing the entire wireless LAN coverage area. This confirms that the intended signal strength is present in all locations and that no “dead spots” or weak coverage areas exist.
During the site walk-through a series of signal strength graphs are produced showing signal variations from one area to another within the site.
Tables showing the visible SSIDs and client devices are compiled for each area of the site so that signal levels from individual access points can be assessed and confirmed.

RF Spectrum Analysis Sweep

Using an RF spectrum analyzer, a sweep is performed through the site to confirm that the spectral signature of the transmitters is not being distorted by environmental noise or interference. One important caveat related to this standard post-installation is that individual spot measurements are not provided. Measurement is performed while walking through the site (or driving through an outdoor area). The results confirm proper system operation but do not specifically differentiate between variances from one specific room or area and another.

Verification that Design Targets Have Been Met

Connect EZ Basic or Expanded Spectrum Analysis

This service is included when Post-Installation Verification requires verification of the levels and locations of environmental noise and interference in addition to the confirmation of proper Wi-Fi wireless signal strength and connectivity. The Basic Spectrum Analysis service isolates and describes problems or concerns while the Expanded Spectrum Analysis fully documents the spectrum throughout the entire site.

Real-Time Application Throughput Testing

To confirm usability a real-time data throughput and performance test is performed from one or more locations throughout the site. Using performance testing software, the on-site engineer establishes a bi-directional, multi-session data transfer between the wireless and wired network. These tests are performed using client and server hardware that’s provided by the on-site engineer. The results show the actual data throughput across the wireless network.

Gap Analysis and Remediation Modeling or Planning

In addition to the documented results for signal coverage, Connect802 can develop a detailed set of remediation plans. These plans are based on the signal measurement "heat maps" created from the actual on-site measurements. New access points are added to the design as required or existing access points are moved and the resulting predicted coverage is presented in the report with complete predicted "heat map" coverage models showing how the remediation work will correct the problems. Remediation Modeling is based on a 3-dimensional building model created when a design is based on a Connect802 Connect EZ Predictive RF CAD Design and Remediation Planning is based solely on real-world measured results obtained during the on-site, Post-Installation Verification work.