When it comes to wireless site surveys, businesses face a crucial decision: should they handle it in-house or bring in professional expertise? This choice can greatly impact both the immediate success of your wireless deployment and its long-term performance.

Understanding the advantages and limitations of each approach will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your organization’s needs and resources.

Comparing Your Options: DIY or Professional Wireless Site Survey?

Both DIY and professional wireless site surveys can be valid choices depending on your circumstances. Your decision should be based on factors like your team’s technical expertise, available resources, the complexity of your environment, and your performance requirements. Let’s examine each option in detail.

DIY Approach

Taking on a wireless site survey yourself can be appealing, especially if you have a technically inclined team and are working with a relatively simple environment. Many organizations choose this route to build internal expertise and maintain direct control over their network infrastructure.

However, proper wireless surveys require more than just walking around with a laptop and a signal strength meter – they demand specialized knowledge and tools to get accurate, actionable results.

• Pros:
  • Lower initial costs
  • Complete control over timeline and process
  • Opportunity to build internal expertise
  • Immediate access to make adjustments as needed
  • Potential for ongoing in-house maintenance
• Cons:
  • Significant investment in professional-grade tools
  • Steep learning curve for proper survey techniques
  • Limited access to enterprise-grade survey equipment
  • Risk of missing critical interference sources
  • Time-intensive process for inexperienced staff
  • May require multiple attempts to get right

Professional Service

Professional wireless site surveys bring a level of expertise and efficiency that comes from years of experience across various environments.

These specialists have encountered and solved countless wireless challenges, giving them a deep understanding of both common and unique issues that can affect network performance. They bring not only technical knowledge but also best practices developed through working with diverse clients and situations.

• Pros:
  • Access to enterprise-grade tools and software
  • Expert analysis of complex RF environments
  • Faster completion with accurate results
  • Comprehensive documentation and reporting
  • Experience with various building types and challenges
  • Predictable outcomes based on proven methodologies
• Cons:
  • Higher upfront investment
  • Dependent on external scheduling
  • May require coordination for follow-up adjustments
  • Less opportunity for building internal expertise

Making Your Decision

So which should you go with? It depends on the company, but here’s a few pointers to help.

Consider the DIY approach if you:

• Have a small, straightforward office environment
• Employ IT staff with wireless networking experience
• Can invest time in learning proper survey techniques
• Are working with a limited budget and flexible timeline
• Want to build long-term in-house wireless expertise
• Have access to professional-grade survey tools

A professional survey is likely better if you:

• Have a large or complex environment (warehouses, hospitals, campuses)
• Need the network deployed quickly and correctly the first time
• Require detailed documentation for compliance purposes
• Work in a challenging RF environment with potential interference
• Support critical applications that require optimal performance
• Lack specialized wireless networking expertise on your team
• Can’t afford network downtime or performance issues

What to Look for in a Professional Wireless Site Survey Company

Choosing the right company to conduct a site survey is important to get the best service and results. Here’s what you should look for a professional wireless site survey firm:

1. Vendor Independence: Choose a provider that isn’t tied to specific vendors. This ensures they can recommend and implement solutions based solely on your needs, without being constrained by hardware partnerships or sales quotas.
2. Diverse Experience: Seek a team with proven experience across various environments – from healthcare and manufacturing to retail and education. Their portfolio should demonstrate expertise in handling different types of spaces, including offices, outdoor areas, stadiums, and warehouses.
3. Service Flexibility: Consider working with a smaller, specialized firm. These companies often provide more personalized service and can be more agile in adapting to your needs compared to large, generalist providers.
4. Custom Approach: The right provider should offer tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all packages. Look for companies that take time to understand your specific business requirements before proposing solutions.
5. Cost Efficiency: Search for providers who focus specifically on wireless technology. Companies with this specialized focus often maintain lower overhead costs and can offer better value for your investment.
6. Service-First Mindset: Partner with a company that focuses purely on service rather than hardware sales. This helps avoid conflicts of interest and ensures recommendations are based on what you need, not what they want to sell.
7. Scalable Solutions: Ensure the provider offers solutions that can grow with your business. They should be able to design networks that accommodate future expansion without requiring major overhauls.

Take the Next Step Toward Reliable Wi-Fi

Before choosing a wireless site survey provider, take time to evaluate their capabilities against the criteria above. The right partner will not only understand your current needs but will also help future-proof your wireless network investment. They should be able to demonstrate their expertise, show examples of similar projects, and explain their methodology in clear terms.

For more information or to schedule a wireless site survey, contact TPK Advanced Wireless today. Visit our website or give us a call to get started on improving your Wi-Fi network.