Summary: <br> An APoS site survey is usually performed after a predictive model and is part of the design phase of a Wi-Fi project. It is used to study the propagation of a specific AP or antenna in order to adjust and refine the predictive model.<br> <br> <br> <br> This type of survey requires time and a lot of equipment. It also requires some planning.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Enjoy the podcast? Support the show by buying us coffee!<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> What to do prior going onsite<br> <br> <br> <br> Obviously, work on the predictive model (Design). From the design. Define which access point locations you would want or need to validate.<br> <br> <br> <br> Document that information. In ekahau you could export an image outlying the AP to test by selecting the APs to test as “My APs”.<br> <br> <br> <br> Create a brand new Ekahau project file dedicated to doing the APoS survey and upload it to the Connect account (if you have a Connect account)<br> <br> <br> <br> Here is the information to gather before going onsite:<br> <br> <br> <br> * Know the height of the ceilings. This will impact the equipment required to temporarily mount an AP* Cheaper tripods usually go up to 8-9ft (Example: <a href="https://amzn.to/2TTUzFW">https://amzn.to/2TTUzFW</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/38Sizxv">https://amzn.to/38Sizxv</a>)* Some tripods go up to 24ft (Example: <a href="https://amzn.to/2QjcELG">https://amzn.to/2QjcELG</a>)* Wheels* Add photos* If the ceiling is higher, you might need a skyjack. Do you rent one? Do you ask the customer for one? What about safety? Training or certification might be required.* Safety & Security* Is a safety training required to be performing work within the facility?* Request access to the areas you need to study* See if access can be granted, if not, will they have an escort available for you?* Scheduling* Does the customer have any scheduling restrictions? Perform the work off hours or when the facility is not in use.* How will this impact your work and how long it takes to make it work.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Prepare Your Equipment<br> <br> <br> <br> The type of equipment used during an APoS should be identified prior to going on-site. Create a checklist for what you need to bring with you. Below are some of the items we have for APoS surveys.<br> <br> <br> <br> * Access Points to be mounted temporarily* Use the exact same APs as the ones that will be deployed* You might need a model with internal antennas and a model that supports connecting external antennas* Antennas that you want to try out* Don’t forget to bring a way to mount them temporarily. Bracket.* Pole* Tripod* Painter pole* A way to mount the AP onto the pole* Wi-Fi Stand: <a href="https://wifistand.com/">https://wifistand.com/</a> (Brackets: <a href="https://wifistand.com/collections/brackets">https://wifistand.com/collections/brackets</a>)* Don’t forget about the external antennas* A way to power the access point* Portable PoE+ battery (<a href="https://ventevinfra.com/shop/venvolt%C3%A2%C2%84%C2%A2-8023at-poe-site-survey-battery-pack-p-3942.html">VenVolt</a> or <a href="http://shop.acceltex.com/product_info.php?cPath=2531&products_id=581">Accelerator</a>)* Alternatives:* PoE injector powered by a portable battery (AC)* PoE injector with a long extension power cord* Ethernet cables (plan for a long one if you need to mount the AP very high)* Zip ties and Gaffle Tape (You never know) + a way to cut the zip tire* A WLANPi (<a href="https://www.wlanpi.com/">https://www.wlanpi.com/</a>)* Typically if you need a DHCP server* Or if you want to do some sort of throughput tests<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> * Laptop* Tablet with pencil (iPad if you use the Ekahau Connect iPad application)* Sidekick & its charger* External battery pack (the bigger t...
