1. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini1 Wireless Networking WLAN Site Survey Module-09 Jerry Bernardini Community College of Rhode Island 6/22/20151Wireless Networking J. Bernardini

2. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini2 Presentation Reference Material CWNA Certified Wireless Network Administration Official Study Guide (PWO-104), David Coleman, David Westcott, 2009, Chapter-15,16 CWNA Certified Wireless Network Administration Official Study Guide, Fourth Edition, Tom Carpenter, Joel Barrett – – Chapter 6, pages 232-318 The California Regional Consortium for Engineering Advances in Technological Education (CREATE) project 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini2

3. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini3 What is a Site Survey? Process of planning a WLAN to meet design goals When installing a WLAN for an organization, areas of dead space might not be tolerated – Ensure blanket coverage, meet per-user bandwidth requirements, minimize “bleeding” of signal Factors affecting wireless coverage goals: – Devices emitting RF signals – Building structure (walls, construction materials) – Open or closed office doors – Stationary versus mobile machinery/equipment – Movement of mobile walls (e.g., cubicles)

4. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini4 What is a Site Survey? Factors affecting wireless coverage goals (continued): – Expansion of physical plant or growth of organization – Existing WLANs Both inside organization, and within nearby organizations Site survey: Process of planning a WLAN to meet design goals – Effectiveness of a WLAN often linked to thoroughness of the site survey

5. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini5 Design goals for a site survey Achieve best possible performance from WLAN Certify that installation will operate as promised Determine best location for APs Develop networks optimized for variety of applications Ensure coverage will fulfill organization’s requirements Locate unauthorized APs

6. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini6 More Site Survey Goals Map nearby wireless networks to determine existing radio interference Reduce radio interference as much as possible Make wireless network secure Survey provides realistic understanding of infrastructure required for proposed wireless link Assists in predicting network capability and throughput Helps determine exact location of APs and power levels required

7. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini7 When to perform a site survey Before installing a new wireless network Before changing an existing wireless network When there are significant changes in personnel When there are changes in network needs After making physical changes to a building

8. NSF Grant 0202396 Project Planning Overview User’s Requirements Budget Population Applications Performance Security Coverage Area Physical & Logical NetworkSite Environment

9. NSF Grant 0202396 Site Survey A site survey is very important before you deploy a wireless network. A site survey involves analyzing a site from an RF perspective. – Coverage – Interference Sources – Equipment Placement – Power Requirements – Wiring Requirements

10. NSF Grant 0202396 Preparing for a Site Survey Preliminary Plan – Existing Network – Towers and Roofs – Coverage – Access Point Locations – Security

11. NSF Grant 0202396 Facility Analysis What type of Facility? – Personal – Small Office – Home Office, (SOHO) – Real-estate Office – Small Warehouse – Hospital – Manufacturing Plant – Corporate or Educational Campus

12. Physical and RF Site Surveys Two major categories of site surveys Physical Survey and RF Survey Physical Survey – Examination of physical environment RF Survey – Examination of RF activity 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini12

13. Questions Answered by Physical Site Surveys 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini13

14. Questions Answered by RF Site Survey 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini14

15. Manual RF Site Survey Breakdown 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini15

16. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini16 Obtaining Business Requirements Determine business reasons why WLAN being proposed or extended – If this step skipped, almost impossible to properly design and implement the network – Primary data gathering method is interviewing – Must determine type of mobility required within organization – Must determine per-user bandwidth requirements May be different “types” of users with different bandwidth requirements

17. Overall Business Objectives Quality improvement (Better) Efficiency improvement ( Faster) Cost reduction (Cheaper) Increased production (More) Organizational continuity (Continue to exist) Sarbanes-Oxley (accountability) 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini17

18. Organization’s Needs and Objectives Determine business requirements User requirements-bandwidth related Functional requirements Budgetary Constraints Regulatory Constraints 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini18

19. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini19 Site Survey Tools: Wireless Tools Most basic tool is AP itself: – Position AP in various locations, monitor signal as you move – APs should have ability to adjust output power – APs should have external antenna connectors Test effectiveness of different antenna types in different situations – May need DC-to-AC converter for testing Notebook computer with wireless NIC also essential for testing – Previously configured and tested

20. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini20 Site Survey Tools: Measurement Tools Site Survey Analyzers: Specifically designed for conducting WLAN site surveys – Software often built into AP – Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value – Full-featured site survey analyzer software settings: Destination MAC Address Continuous Link Test Number of Packets Packet Size Data Retries

21. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini21 Site Survey Tools: Measurement Tools (continued) Site Survey Analyzers (continued): – Full-featured site survey analyzer software settings (continued): Data Rate Delay Between Packets Packet Tx Type – Unicast or multicast Percent Success Threshold – Basic survey analyzer software contains far fewer features

22. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini22 Spectrum Analyzers Scan radio frequency spectrum and provides graphical display of results – Typically measure signal-to-noise ratio – Single-frequency analyzers measure signal-to-noise ratio at specified frequency – Helpful in identifying interference problems Thus, helps properly position/orient AP Costly $500 $50,000

23. Spectrum Analyzer Measures RF energy 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini23 Frequency range: 100kHz - 6 GHz. Internal preamplifier with frequency range from 100 kHz - 6 GHz. Displayed average noise level typ. -135 dBm (RBW 100 Hz). 0.5 dB typ. level accuracy up to 6 GHz. Resolution bandwidths 100 Hz - 1 MHz, 1 and 3 steps. Wide range of detectors; sample, max/min peak, auto peak, RMS. Cost: $13,500

24. WiFi Hopper 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini24 Website: http://wifihopper.com/overview.htmlhttp://wifihopper.com/overview.html

25. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini25 Airmagnet Site Survey Tool 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini25

26. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini26 AirMagnet Survey AirMagnet Survey This WLAN planning solution stands apart from other market planning solutions by enabling enterprises to collect live signal, packet and spectrum data during their site surveys. This allows enterprises to simulate and measure network performance in the most scientific way possible—with the most accurate depiction of a real-world user experience-which ultimately results in a better performing network. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini26

27. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini27 Site Survey Tools: Documentation Tools Create a “hard copy” of site survey results – Make available for future reference – No industry-standard form for site survey documentation Site survey report should include: – Purpose of report – Survey methods – RF coverage details (frequency and channel plan) – Throughput findings – Sources of interference

28. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini28 Site Survey Report Material Site survey report should include (continued): – Problem zones – Marked-up facility drawings with access point placement – Access point configuration Use plain paper and building layout blueprints as tools Advisable to create database to store site survey information and generate reports

29. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini29 Survey Security and Site Documents Defining Security Requirements: Consider type of data encryption and type of authentication that will take place across WLAN – Consider existing security policies and procedures Gathering Site-Specific Documentation: – Blueprints, facility drawings, and other documents Show specific building infrastructure components – Inspecting the site Document changes to blueprints and get visual perspective – Behind-the-scenes site inspection Documenting Existing Network Characteristics: New or expanded WLAN will “dovetail” into network already in place – Determine degree to which WLAN will interact with other wired networks – Legacy systems may require additional equipment to support WLAN

30. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini30 Performing a Site Survey: Performing the Survey Collecting RF Information: – Note objects in and layout of room Use digital camera – Position AP Initial location will depend on antenna type Document starting position of AP – Using notebook computer with site survey analyzer software running, walk slowly away from AP Observe data displayed by analyzer program – Data rate, signal strength, noise floor, and signal-to-noise ratio

31. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini31 Position of APs

32. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini32 Collecting RF Information Continue moving until data collected for all areas Data collected used to produce: Coverage pattern: Area where signal can be received from the AP Data rate boundaries: Range of coverage for a specific transmission speed Throughput: Number of packets sent and received and data rates for each Total transmission range: Farthest distance at which signal can be received by wireless device

33. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini33 Survey Data rate boundaries

34. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini34 RF Data Collection Collecting Non-RF Information: – Sources of interference can include: Wire mesh security windows, Aquariums, Outer walls, Ceramic or marble floors, Concrete floors or pillars, Security booth bullet-proof glass, Mirrors, and Elevator shafts or filing cabinets – Electrical and network connections Outdoor Surveys: Similar to indoor surveys, but must consider climatic conditions, trees, different possibilities for antenna positions

35. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini35 Performing a Site Survey: Performing the Survey Outdoor Surveys (continued): – Different tools may be required GPS Range finder Tape measure Lighting beacons, flares, and spotlights Finalizing the Survey Documents: Final result is map of optimal areas of coverage for placement of access point – If results unacceptable, must relocate AP and start over

36. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini36 Creating the Site Survey Report Narrative section: – State customer requirements – Outline methodology Outline all steps taken during survey – Clearly state results of measurements May have tables of measurements – Recommendations Should always address security Graphic section: – Generally includes maps and diagrams of coverage area Data rate coverage map Signal-to-noise ratio plot

37. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini37 Table of measurements

38. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini38 Data rate coverage map

39. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini39 3-D signal-to-noise ratio plot is the output of some survey applications

40. NSF Grant 0202396 Preparing for a Site Survey Facilities Analysis (Floor Plan, Maps, Satellite Imagery) Floor Plan – Network Satellite or Ariel Imagery Maps of Campus/Facilities WLAN Santa Maria,SM BLDG-ABLDG-B RM-12-AP3RM-12-AP4RM-10-AP2 wlan-sm-bldga-rm12ap3 Naming Convention

41. NSF Grant 0202396 Existing Networks Is there already a network in place? – Wired – Wireless – Wired-Wireless – Topology – Location of existing equipment – Current User’s Requirements

42. NSF Grant 0202396 Area Usage and Towers Indoors, outdoors, or both. – Indoor Building Type Floor Plan HVAC Security – Outdoor Weather Security Towers Power Environmental Obstructions (RF)

43. NSF Grant 0202396 Purpose & Business Requirement Purpose, Needs, and Expectations – Define Business Model – User needs – Interview with client and users – Wireless impact on business operation

44. NSF Grant 0202396 Bandwidth & Roaming Bandwidth and Throughput – 802.11 a, b, g, n and Bluetooth – Number of Users – Types of Applications – Environmental changes as a function of seasons. – Mobility or Roaming needs

45. NSF Grant 0202396 Available Resources Project Budget Time Line Trained Personnel Floor Plans, CAD Existing Site Survey Reports Access to Equipment and Site Areas

46. NSF Grant 0202396 Security Requirements Network Security – Wired and Wireless – Corporate Mandated Security – Current Security Policies – Hierarchy of Data Security – Training of Users

47. NSF Grant 0202396 Site Survey Equipment Access Point, PC Card, and USB Adaptor Antennas, Cables, and Connectors Desktops, Laptops, and PDA’s Power Supplies and Batteries Ladder, Measure, and Hand Tools Analysis Software GPS, Cell Phone, Walkie-Talkie Forms, Floor Plans, and Paper

48. NSF Grant 0202396 Site Survey Equipment

49. NSF Grant 0202396 Site Survey Software Netstumbler - www.netstumbler.com This program is great for seeing what other access points are nearby. This can help you by seeing what other SSID's are around so you know what NOT to name yours, as well as help you pick a channel that doesn't have a lot of people using it, giving you a better signal between your access point and your client. Works only with certain cards. Windows and PocketPC versions are available.www.netstumbler.com Kismet - www.kismetwireless.net This program is similar to Netstumbler, though for the open source world. Additional features that Kismet has include the ability to log any traffic heard, as well as providing additional detailed information. Unlike Netstumbler, Kismet is COMPLETELY passive, meaning no transmitting is done to obtain any of the information shown. Great for finding rogue access points as well as their users in a corporate environment. *nix, Familiar (Linux on iPAQ) and Sharp Zaurus versions are available.www.kismetwireless.net

50. NSF Grant 0202396 Site Survey Software Airsnort - airsnort.shmoo.com This program was used in the early days of 802.11b to determine whether or not your access point and/or wireless adapters used insecure initialization values for the RC4 encryption used by WEP. Many newer AP's and cards have resolved this by not using the 3000-something weak IV's that could lead to the WEP key being cracked. *nix/X-Windows version available. Also WPA and WPA2 are now in use.airsnort.shmoo.com

51. NSF Grant 0202396 Access Point Electrical Specifications Using the Power Adapter Voltage (Input) = 100 to 240 VAC (50-60 Hz) @ 0.4 A Voltage (Output) = 12 VDC Power Consumption = 10 Watts Using Active Ethernet Input Voltage = 42 to 60 VDC Output Current = 200mA at 48V Power Consumption = 10 Watts Recommend: 12 volts DC at 1.5 Ampere Power Source 48 volts DC at 250 mA Power Source Variable RF power output would be a nice feature. If not available consider fix or stepped attenuators.

52. NSF Grant 0202396 Access Point Remote Power 12 volt, 7-amp/hr recharge in less than 12 hours. 12 volt, 17-amp/hr recharge in less than 12 hours.

53. NSF Grant 0202396 Laptops & PDAs 1 43 2

54. NSF Grant 0202396 Spectrum Analyzer 2.0 5.0 Frequency, f (GHz) Two basic types: Hardware and Software

55. NSF Grant 0202396 Network & Protocol Analyzer Fluke AirMagnet Wireshark

56. NSF Grant 0202396 Site Survey Kit Checklist See Site Survey Kit Checklist in the text.  Laptop or PDA  Wireless PC card and AP as needed.  Power Pack  Site Survey Software  Location maps and building diagrams  Cables & Connectors  Proper Clothing

57. NSF Grant 0202396 Site Survey Kit Checklist  Hand Tools and mounting hardware  Digital Camera  GPS, Terrestrial Telescope, Binoculars  Measuring wheel, tape measure, and level  Appropriate transporting equipment  Documentation and writing materials  Antennas  Anything else you meant to bring.

58. NSF Grant 0202396 Conducting a Site Survey Examine the network usage problems the wireless LAN solves. Study blueprints of the proposed wireless LAN site. Conduct a physical walk-through and inventory. Measure the radio frequency (RF) transmissions. Indoor and/or Outdoor Survey.

59. NSF Grant 0202396 Indoor Survey AC Power Outlets and Grounds Wired Network Connectivity Potential RF Obstructions (Metal) Potential Interference Sources Access to all areas

60. NSF Grant 0202396 Floor Plan 65 feet 42 feet

61. NSF Grant 0202396 Indoor Survey 65 feet 42 feet Utilities and POP 1 3 2 Ethernet RF Field Gateway Access Points

62. NSF Grant 0202396 Outdoor Survey Trees, buildings, lakes, mountains, or other obstructions between linked sites. Consider growth and foliage of trees, bushes, and plants. Line of Sight and distance between stations. Weather common to location. Towers and roofs.

63. NSF Grant 0202396 RF Information Gathering Range and Coverage Patterns Data Rate Boundaries Documentation Throughput Test and Capacity Interference Sources Wired Data Connectivity AC/DC Power Requirements Outdoor Antennas

64. NSF Grant 0202396 Range and Coverage Patterns AP Think Three Dimensional!

65. NSF Grant 0202396 Range and Coverage Patterns AP -47 dB -61 dB AP - 61 dB AP -61 dB 1 2 New Coverage Area

66. NSF Grant 0202396 Range and Coverage Patterns AP A dead spot is an area or zone where wireless network services are not available because the signal between the client and the AP is blocked or attenuated, usually by terrain, excessive foliage, buildings, or architectural features. Dead Spot Coverage Map  1 2 3

67. NSF Grant 0202396 Range and Coverage Patterns 6 11 6 6 1 1 1 6 1 6 6 6 1 36 44 48 40 44 4044 48 40 802.11b/g 802.11a

68. NSF Grant 0202396 Data Rate Boundaries AP 5.5 Mbps 2 Mbps Data RatesColor Code 11 Mbps 5.5 Mbps 2 Mbps 1 Mbps AP

69. NSF Grant 0202396 Throughput Test & Capacity Live testing of the network with actual data transfers. Traffic congestion, bottlenecks, and future expansion. Document baseline measurements for deliverables, (User Requirements) and maintenance and troubleshooting.

70. NSF Grant 0202396 Interference Sources Active Interference – 2.4 GHz cordless phones, Medical Equipment, Microwave Ovens/sources, Bluetooth, X10 Devices, Other 802.11 Devices… Passive Interference – Path Loss, Metal Walls, Concrete, Brick, Stucco, Foliage, Glass, People, Vehicles… Signal Reflections - Multipath

71. NSF Grant 0202396 AC/DC Power Requirements Is AC circuit available and at what rating? Is a ground available? Power over Ethernet? Wired Network Connectivity Backup Power

72. NSF Grant 0202396 Outdoor Antennas Temporary Antennas for a Site Survey.

73. NSF Grant 0202396 Site Survey Report Format Title Page Abstract User’s Requirements RF Coverage Area Throughput Interference Sources Problem Areas Drawings

74. NSF Grant 0202396 Site Survey Report Format Installation/Configuration Information Cost Analysis Conclusion Appendices

75. 6/22/2015Wireless Networking J. Bernardini75 Summary A site survey is an in-depth examination and analysis of a proposed wireless LAN site to meet design goals Three categories of tools used – Wireless tools include the access point and notebook computers with a wireless NIC – Measurement tools include site survey analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers – Documentation tools create a “hard copy” of the site survey results for future reference