Hi David,
For surveying I use AirMagnet Survey on a Fujitsu Stylistic ST6012 Windows 7 Tablet. In your scenario of finding APs I would probably recommend doing a "passive" survey where it gathers all RF data around the environment.
Also we use AirCheck for quick finds - have always found this useful. Portable and gives accurate readings for trying to hunt down APs as well as just general connection issues. However quick pricey.
If you have a Android phone then WiFi Analyser is a handy free tool. Also available for iPhones too but has to be jailbroken. Not as accurate as AirCheck as built in mobile antennas are weaker in indicating dbi but nevertheless very useful for when out on campus without any other tools.
Other freebie tools for finding wireless networks are available like Netstumber for Windows or iStumber for OS X which will display signal/noise/channel/frequency.
Regards,
Pranay
________________________________________
From: Wireless Issues in the JANET community [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Rickard [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 13 April 2012 09:52
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Surveying kit - starting out
Hi,
I've searched the archives for this list, but thus far not found much.
We've currently got a site-wide wireless implementation using Cisco
LWAPs and WISMs. It works 'okay' but we're looking to improve on it.
Coverage is a little patchy in places, and general reliability isn't
great. I've found part of the reason for this is that when installed, a
good proportion of the APs were never properly located in the Cisco WCS,
so many of them seem to have little clue as to where they are in
relation to others. Consequentially, we've found some APs running on all
sorts of crazy settings.
The APs were installed by a third-party company (they make printers with
expensive ink, you may have heard of them), and actually physically
locating some of them is proving 'fun' owing to the fact they're above
suspended ceilings and the like - without pulling down half the ceiling,
they're a bit tricky to find.
So to try and kill two birds with one stone, I'm looking for a decent
bit of software which allows me to survey the site, and a) locate APs
and b) locate areas with poor signal. So far I've played with a few, and
the favourite is TamoSoft Site Survey
(http://www.tamos.com/products/wifi-site-survey/). It seems pretty
simple and robust, which suits me. Plus it doesn't cost an arm and a
leg.
I'm just curious if anybody can impart some wisdom, or recommendation.
Any help is gratefully received.
Thanks in advance.
Regards
--
David Rickard
Systems Manager
IT - Network Team
Buckinghamshire New University
High Wycombe Campus
Queen Alexandra Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire HP11 2JZ
Telephone: 01494 601 649
Facsimile: 01494 524 392
Main Switchboard: 01494 522 141, ext. 1649
bucks.ac.uk
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