In the wireless world, dead zones are the zombies of productivity – lurking unseen, ready to devour your efficiency when you least expect it. From Fortune 500 boardrooms to bustling local cafes, they haunt even the most meticulously planned networks. But there’s a solution: an “AP on a Stick” survey.

While predictive surveys play a guessing game with your connectivity, AP on a Stick gets up close and personal with your airwaves, revealing the true story of your network’s performance.

In this guide, we’ll discuss this option, how it can improve your company’s Wi-Fi, and more.

What Is AP on a Stick?

AP on a Stick is a Wi-Fi survey method that uses an actual access point (AP) mounted on a pole or tripod to collect real-world data about wireless signal strength and quality in a specific environment.

This approach involves moving the mounted access point to various locations within a space, allowing network designers to gather accurate, on-site measurements of Wi-Fi performance, which leads to more precise and effective network designs compared to predictive modeling alone.

Tom Borkowski, founder of TPK Advanced Wireless, says an AP on a Stick is so effective because it’s an actual AP like you would deploy in an office. You can take it to any location and collect real data on signal strength, SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), and any packet loss or latency to the AP.

This method stands in contrast to predictive surveys, which rely on software simulations to estimate Wi-Fi coverage. While predictive surveys have their place, they can’t account for all real-world factors that affect wireless signals.

The Process of Conducting an AP on a Stick Survey

Conducting an AP on a Stick survey involves several key steps, each crucial for gathering accurate data about your wireless environment. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Pre-configuration: Set up the access point with settings that match your intended deployment (e.g channel and transmit power)
2. On-site setup: Position the AP/antenna on a pole or tripod at the intended installation height.
3. Data collection: Walk through the area with a device running survey software, collecting various metrics.
4. Analysis: Generate heat maps and other visualizations to understand coverage patterns.
5. Repositioning: Move the AP to different locations and repeat the process to optimize placement.

“You can put it in corner of room, you can walk around and see how far coverage goes, depending on what the client requirements are, and you can go a little beyond that to see where the signal goes and to check for interference for other APs,” Tom says.

Benefits of AP on a Stick Surveys

AP on a Stick surveys offer several advantages over traditional predictive methods, making them invaluable for businesses that rely heavily on wireless connectivity.

Increased Accuracy

By using actual hardware in the intended environment, AP on a Stick surveys provide a highly accurate representation of real-world Wi-Fi performance. This accuracy can prevent costly mistakes and post-deployment adjustments.

Identification of Real-World Obstacles

These surveys reveal obstacles that predictive methods might miss.

“I’ve seen cases of where somebody in the office has a bunch of bottles of wine hanging from the wall, and anything that’s liquid will cut the signal,” Tom says. “You don’t always know what is on the wall or what’s even what’s in between the walls.”

Long-Term Cost Savings

While AP on a Stick survey may require more upfront effort, they can lead to significant savings in the long run by reducing the need for constant network tweaking and optimization. When it comes to site surveys and RF design, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Confidence in Design

With data collected from actual hardware in the real environment, network designers can be confident that their final implementation will perform as expected.

When to Use AP on a Stick Surveys

AP on a Stick surveys are particularly valuable in certain scenarios where network reliability is paramount. Businesses should consider this method when:

• Implementing business-critical Wi-Fi networks
• Designing networks for complex or unpredictable physical spaces
• Operating in industries that heavily rely on wireless connectivity, such as:
  • Healthcare
  • Retail
  • Education
• Aiming to minimize post-deployment network adjustments
• Seeking to optimize long-term network performance and cost-efficiency

Tools and Equipment for AP on a Stick Surveys

Conducting an AP on a Stick survey requires specific tools and equipment to ensure accurate data collection.

Tom says you’ll need some type of survey software, such as Ekahau, and you’ll also want a laptop, tablet, or phone to run the software with a suitable adapter that will collect the RSSI (received signal strength indicator) data from the AP.

Here’s a summary of essential items for an AP on a Stick survey:

• Survey software (e.g., Ekahau)
• Laptop, tablet, or smartphone for running the software
• Network adapter compatible with the survey software
• Access point (matching the hardware planned for deployment)
• Antennas (if applicable to the planned setup)
• Portable power source for the access point
• Tripod or pole for positioning the AP

AP on a Stick vs. Predictive Surveys

While both AP on a Stick and predictive surveys aim to design effective wireless networks, they differ significantly in their approach and outcomes.

Accuracy and Real-World Data

AP on a Stick surveys provide actual measurements from the environment, capturing real-world factors that affect signal propagation. Predictive surveys, on the other hand, rely on software models and estimated parameters.

Time and Resource Investment

Predictive surveys are generally quicker and require fewer resources upfront. However, Tom notes there are significant long-term benefits of AP on a Stick surveys: “It will be far more accurate, so if you’re a business that requires Wi-Fi and it’s business-critical, and you don’t want to go back and continuously optimize it, AP on a Stick will save you in long run.”

Suitability for Different Environments

Predictive surveys may suffice for simple, predictable environments. However, for complex spaces or critical applications, AP on a Stick surveys provide the necessary level of accuracy and reliability.

Optimize Your Wi-Fi Network Today – Get a Free Quote for an AP on a Stick Survey for Your Business

Don’t let Wi-Fi dead zones and slow connections hinder your business productivity. TPK Advanced Wireless brings nearly two decades of experience in optimizing wireless networks across various industries. We’re the experts in cutting-edge AP on a Stick survey techniques to ensure your Wi-Fi network performs flawlessly.

Ready to experience the difference of a truly optimized wireless network? Contact TPK Advanced Wireless today for a free consultation and take the first step towards a more reliable, efficient, and powerful Wi-Fi infrastructure for your business.