What's your favorite wireless network design tool?

[ThomasBates]

Ideally I would like to find a tool that works directly with a Revit model. Currently I am working on a multistory project which has not yet been built using Netscout's AirMagnet software and it is working fairly well. However, a lot of what I'm doing is redundant to information that is already in the Revit model (wall types, floor heights, AP locations, etc.). Also, there are a series of double height spaces on my current project and AirMagnet doesn't allow me to remove the floor from a particular section of a given floor.

If anybody has a tool that they really like using to plan wireless networks (prior to construction) I would love to hear about it! And if it works directly in a Revit model that would be even better!

Thanks!

[PhilipDAth]

For a new site that can't actually have the RF surveyed I just use my brain these days.  I put an AP every 30 meters (allow 15m 360 degree radius bubble for standard models like MR42 and MR33) to provide good coverage.  Don't put them on the outside unless you want to do location tracking (wastes a lot of coverage outside of the building).

So in short, my favourite tool is my brain.

[ThomasBates]

Thanks for your input PhilipDAth!

Unfortunately in this case we are contractually obligated to produce a detailed report including images of wifi heatmaps. Our  solution needs to meet our client's needs while providing fully documented justification for each AP. In this scenario, unfortunately, telling the client that I used my brain won't be a compelling enough argument. With all do respect to my brain. 🙂

Does anybody else have any software suggestions?

[Welles · Accepted solution]

Ekahau Site Survey is pretty much the *main* one out there. However, others do exist, i.e. AirMagnet Survey.

https://www.ekahau.com/

http://enterprise.netscout.com/products/airmagnet-survey

[MilesMeraki]

+1 for Ekahau. 

[Uberseehandel]

---

@Welles wrote:

Ekahau Site Survey is pretty much the *main* one out there. However, others do exist, i.e. AirMagnet Survey.

https://www.ekahau.com/

http://enterprise.netscout.com/products/airmagnet-survey

---

Using Ekahau will ensure that whatever report you eventually produce, it won't be dismissed on account of the tool used. It is worth coming to grips with. It is also of great assistance whilst fine-tuning AP positioning.

The biggest mistake that we see people making is "chasing range", as opposed to providing a wireless service in each location where it is needed. Better to have more APs operating at lower TX volumes than fewer shouty devices. Generally, I prefer to work using 5 GHz equipment, less signal leakage between adjoining spaces, it does not have the same propensity to penetrate physical and living structures as the 2.4 GHz signals, although it is "bouncier", or more reflective.

It is simpler to dense-pack 5 GHz than 2.4 GHz radios, more non-overlapping channels and less propagation.

[scrapiron]

Ekahau is fantastic. Not cheap but easily pays for itself in one or two big projects.

[WiTuners]

Try WiTuners - Wlan Optimization Software Suite for Enterprises.

[CarolineS]

---

@WiTuners wrote:

Try WiTuners - Wlan Optimization Software Suite for Enterprises.

---

Link is dead!