Quick Tips

Improving accuracy of RF survey measurements

In most cases, the downstream signals from access point (measured at the wireless client) will be higher than the upstream signals (measured at the access point) because the radio cards and antennas in wireless clients generally offer lower radiated transmit power. The client radios usually have lower gain antennas. As a result, measuring only the downstream signal strength may offer coverage that’s better than what applies to typical wireless clients. In order to correct for this, you can perform RF surveys by only measuring the uplink signal strength. You can log into the access point statistics page, though, and read the signal strength of your wireless client. Most survey tools only support downstream measurements. Alternately, you can measure the downstream signal strength and take into account the lower radiated power of the applicable radio card making the measurements.