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As organizations increasingly rely on wireless networks, it is essential that these networks are designed and optimized to provide the best possible performance. One of the most efficient and effective methods for achieving this is a passive site survey.

Passive site surveys are performed by collecting data from existing wireless devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. This data is then used to map the wireless network and identify areas where the network may be weak. The information gathered during a passive site survey can be used to improve the network's performance and ensure that it is meeting the needs of users.

Ekahau stands out as a premier provider of cutting-edge wireless network design and analysis software, making it the ultimate tool for conducting passive site surveys. With Ekahau's comprehensive solution for wireless site surveys, organizations gain the ability to swiftly and effectively assess their network, gathering essential data with ease.

A standout advantage of utilizing Ekahau for passive site surveys lies in its efficiency. This user-friendly software is expertly crafted for swift and seamless operation, empowering administrators to swiftly and effectively conduct surveys. Not only does this save organizations valuable time and resources, but it also eliminates the need for specialized equipment typically associated with traditional site surveys.

Another benefit of Ekahau is its cost-effectiveness. Traditional site surveys can be expensive, especially when performed by outside consultants. With Ekahau, organizations can perform the survey themselves, saving time and money in the process.

Ekahau also provides organizations with detailed and accurate analysis of their wireless network. The software produces heat maps, signal strength maps, and other visual representations of the network, making it easy for administrators to identify areas where the network may be weak and take steps to improve its performance.

In summary, passive site surveys offer a highly effective and streamlined approach to enhancing wireless networks, with Ekahau standing out as the premier tool for conducting these surveys. Its swift operation, cost efficiency, and ability to deliver in-depth and precise analysis make it a top choice for organizations seeking to elevate the performance of their wireless infrastructure. Whether embarking on a new network deployment or enhancing an existing setup, Ekahau proves essential for optimizing passive site surveys and elevating wireless network capabilities.

Our Orion US wireless team completed a passive wireless site survey using Ekahau site survey pro in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The project involved surveying approximately 117,275 sq ft of office and warehouse. A comprehensive report was provided findings and remediation. 

During the analysis of the survey data, the RF engineer found the following issue onsite:
a. Inadequate wireless signal coverage was observed on both 2.4 GHz and 5GHz
b. All Access Points except one have been configured to extremely low power for 2.4GHz.
c. Some Access Points have very high power in 5GHz
d. Inconsistent channel width on Access Points in 5GHz 
e.  The Site currently uses 9 SSIDs.

Remediation

The above issues can be remediated by optimizing the configuration of the RF Profile on the Meraki Dashboard. RF Profiles provide more control over radio settings for APs. More information on RF Profile configuration can be found here.

We recommend the following creation of two RF profiles as below:

Cisco Meraki's best practice design recommends the maximum recommended number of SSID to be 3. If needed this can be increased to 5. Any more than 5 SSIDs create substantial airtime overhead from management frames.

The details of the surveys are below.

 Power Level for Cisco Meraki Access Points installed onsite

2.4 GHz - Signal Coverage

5 GHz - Signal Coverage

Please get in touch with the experts at Orion US today.

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