Cisco Cisco Aironet 350 Wireless LAN Client Adapter

The site survey utility can assist you in conducting a site survey. The utility operates at the RF level and 
is used to determine the best placement and coverage (overlap) for your network’s infrastructure devices. 
During a site survey, the current status of the network is read from the client adapter, and the status 
display is updated four times per second so you can accurately gauge network performance. The 
feedback that you receive can help you to eliminate areas of low RF signal levels that can result in a loss 
of connection between the client adapter and its associated access point (or other infrastructure device).

The site survey utility operates in a passive mode. That is, it does not initiate any RF network traffic; it 
simply listens to the traffic that the client adapter hears and displays the results.

Keep the following guidelines in mind when preparing to perform a site survey:

Perform the site survey when the RF link is functioning with all other systems and noise sources 
operational.

Execute the site survey entirely from the mobile station.

Also consider the following operating and environmental conditions when performing a site survey:

Data rates—Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. Therefore, the 
maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate, and a decrease in receiver 
threshold sensitivity occurs as the radio data increases.

Antenna type and placement—Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in maximizing 
radio range. As a general rule, range increases in proportion to antenna height.

Physical environment—Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled areas. 
Also, the less cluttered the work environment, the greater the range.

Obstructions—A physical obstruction such as metal shelving or a steel pillar can hinder the 
performance of wireless devices. Avoid placing these devices in a location where a metal barrier is 
between the sending and receiving antennas.

Building materials—Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building material used in 
construction. For example, drywall construction allows greater range than concrete blocks, and 
metal or steel construction is a barrier to radio signals.

Refer to the hardware installation guide for your infrastructure device for additional information on 
factors affecting placement.