In today’s fast-paced digital world, reliable wireless connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. With constant advancements in technology and ever-changing environments, the need for seamless WiFi coverage continues to grow. Conducting WiFi surveys helps companies make smarter decisions about their network design and hardware procurement.
At Balata Data, we leverage enterprise-grade tools and methodologies to conduct thorough RF analysis, optimizing access point placement and eliminating coverage gaps. Our goal is to deliver reliable, high-performance wireless networks tailored to each facility’s unique requirements and user density patterns. Whether for corporate offices, educational institutions, or industrial spaces, Balata Data ensures seamless connectivity and maximum throughput across your wireless infrastructure.
The Importance of WiFi Site Surveys 
WiFi site surveys are essential for planning, deploying, and optimizing wireless networks. They help identify coverage areas, interference sources, and optimal access point placement. Here is an overview of the main types of WiFi surveys and their applications.
Types of WiFi Site Surveys
- Passive Surveys
Passive surveys involve walking through a site while specialized software collects data from existing WiFi signals. This method helps to:
- Measure actual signal strength and coverage from existing access points.
- Identify interference sources and channel overlap.
- Map actual client experience.
- Detect rogue or unauthorized access points.
- Minimize network disruption during data collection.
Key tools like Ekahau Site Survey and AirMagnet enable technicians to create detailed heatmaps that illustrate signal coverage and potential issues.
- Active Surveys
Active surveys connect to the wireless network while collecting data to provide:
- Real-world throughput measurements.
- Connection quality metrics.
- Roaming behavior analysis.
- Application performance data.
- Actual client capacity testing.
Active surveys are particularly valuable for validating network performance against specific requirements and service level agreements (SLAs).
- Predictive Surveys
Predictive surveys use software to simulate WiFi coverage based on various factors, including:
- Building floor plans.
- Construction materials.
- Access point specifications.
- Environmental factors.
- Capacity requirements.
Although predictive surveys are less accurate than physical surveys, they are valuable for: 
- Initial network planning.
- Budgeting and resource allocation.
- Comparing different design options.
- Preliminary access point placement.
- Post-Installation Validation Surveys
These surveys verify that the deployed network meets design requirements by:
- Confirming coverage patterns.
- Validating throughput levels.
- Testing roaming capabilities.
- Verifying application performance.
- Documenting compliance with specifications.
Best Practices for WiFi Surveys
To ensure optimal results, consider these best practices:
- Combine multiple survey types for comprehensive results.
- Account for different times of day and usage patterns.
- Consider seasonal changes and furniture layouts.
- Document findings with detailed reports and visualizations.
- Plan for future capacity needs.
- Conduct regular resurveys to maintain optimal performance.
Why Choose Balata Data?
We have vast experience in this space and can support you from initial pre-validation through to installation and implementation. Currently, we are providing these services for a Global Renewable Energy Giant across hundreds of sites in 67 countries.
Let us know if you’d like to learn more—a case study is coming soon!