CTS 213: How to Approach a Wi-Fi Validation Survey

In this episode we wanted to take some time to talk about the practical aspects of a validation survey. We are answering the following questions: * Which steps do you need to take in order to make sure that the task runs smoothly? * What are the relevant questions to ask your customer before going on site?* Which pieces of equipment do you need to take with you on site? What to do Prior Going on Site Gather important information from the customer: * Quality updated floor plans* What to do if there are no floor plans* Which areas need to be surveys* Out of these areas, which ones are critical for the business* Access point locations (if possible)* If the customer can provide the original design, it is even better* Controller configurations* Access Points radio configurations* 2.4Ghz radios settings (Tx power and channel)* 5Ghz radio settings (Tx power, channel width and channel)* SSID profiles* Radio profiles* AP groups Questions to ask: * Ask questions to understand the initial requirements* What was the Wi-Fi network designed for?* Critical equipment?* Critical applications?* Ask questions to understand the current status of the Wi-Fi network* Any known problems?* On which apps* On which devices* Did the initial requirement change? New applications introduced, new devices introduced?* Request to have the AP broadcasting their name for the time of the survey* Cisco: Enable Aironet IE under the SSID profile advanced tab* Aruba: enable the Advertise AP Name option under the SSID profile* Access to Wi-Fi * Practical questions* Will I have access to all the areas? If not, will I have an escort with me?* Make sure that the customer has your access ready the day you start* Are there any restrictions on schedule? This can depend on the environment?* Are there any restrictions regarding the personal protective equipment?* Will I have to go through a specific security training?* Where can I park? Will I have a parking spot reserved? Will I have to pay for parking?* Will I be allowed to take pictures? It is usually allowed after signing an NDA. Here is some information that the customer can use to communicate with their teams and employee so they will be expecting you: * It is critical for them to send a communication to their security team so they can be expecting you. Surveys can start at odd hours and your first point of contact might be the security agent.* It is a good idea for them to send an internal communication to specify that someone will be performing a Wi-Fi validation survey.* Specify that this individual will need to measure the Wi-Fi signal everywhere and that she or he might enter offices while empty.* If they can communicate your name, it is even better as they will know when you present yourself. Pro Tip: If you are not too sure about which information gathering from your customer, think about what your workflow will be when you arrive onsite. This should help you define what you need. Prepare Your Equipment * Laptop* Tablet with pencil (iPad if you use the Ekahau Connect iPad application)* Sidekick & its charger* External battery pack (the bigger the better). You can use it to charge your laptop (via USB-C) or ipad while you do your survey.* Laser measurement device* Personal Protective Equipment (for some environments)* Steel Toe shoes or boots* Hard hat* Yellow or Orange vest* Hearing protection* Safety glasses* Harness?* Identification: the easiest is to use a name tag or a badge that you carry around your neck. You can re-use some of the ones you get at conferences* Chargers, adapters and cables (you can never have enough, bring backups)* USB to Lightning adapter if you need to connect the Sidekick...