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Site Assessment

You have internet. Now you need to understand the physical environment before buying any equipment. This section covers surveying coverage, measuring speed, and mapping the site.

This guide implements the concept introduced in Chapter 2.2.1 — Planning.

1. Assess current Wi-Fi coverage

Before purchasing additional equipment, map out the existing coverage and physical environment.

Walk the site with a Wi-Fi analyzer

  1. Install a Wi-Fi analyzer app on your smartphone or laptop:

    • Linux: LinSSID
    • Android/iOS: WiFiman, NetSpot

  2. Walk through every area where you want network coverage.

  3. Note the signal strength (in dBm) at each location. Record:

    • Strong signal areas (above -50 dBm)
    • Weak signal areas (-70 to -80 dBm)
    • Dead zones (below -80 dBm or no signal)

  4. Check for interference from neighboring networks on the same channel.

Wi-Fi signal dropping between rooms with thick walls

The image above shows signal power dropping significantly when moving between rooms separated by thick walls.

Wi-Fi signal remaining stable within a room

This image shows how signal strength remains stable when there are no obstructions.

2. Measure baseline internet speed

Understanding your starting bandwidth is critical—expanding the network to more devices does not create more bandwidth.

  1. Connect to the existing network.

  2. Run a speed test using:

  3. Record the results:

    • Download speed (Mbps)
    • Upload speed (Mbps)
    • Latency/Ping (ms)

  4. Run the test at different times of day to understand peak usage patterns.

Speed test results showing download, upload, and ping

3. Map the physical site

A visual map helps you measure distances, identify obstacles, and plan access point placement.

  1. Use satellite imagery tools to get an overhead view:

    • Google Earth
    • OpenStreetMap

  2. Alternatively, create a hand-drawn schema using tools like draw.io or paper sketches.

  3. Mark on your map:

    • The internet entry point (router/modem location)
    • Buildings and rooms requiring coverage
    • Distances between buildings
    • Obstacles (thick walls, metal structures, large trees)
    • Power outlet locations

Site overview map showing network topology

Detailed site mapping with annotations

Do this before arrival

You can prepare the satellite view mapping before traveling to the site. Then refine it on-site with actual measurements and observations.

References