Site surveys are an important part of planning a secure wireless network and help to ensure that the network complies with the norms of risk management frameworks. In this assignment, you will conduct a visual assessment of a familiar environment to produce a site survey.
Perform a basic assessment of a familiar environment (e.g., your home, work, or a local business).
Identify the following:
• Your goal (e.g., provide wireless coverage for a two-story house with two desktop computers and a printer)
• Possible sources of interference
• Existing wireless infrastructure
• Potential access point placement
• Potential antenna placement
• Potential equipment and supporting equipment
Note: You may provide photographs to support the site survey.
Based on your visual inspection of the site, create a 1- to 2-page site survey. Provide your conclusions from your assessment and detail the following:
• Methods of gathering information
• Information gathered
• Possible sources of interference
• Existing wireless infrastructure
• Recommendations for access point and antenna placement
• Recommendations for equipment and supporting equipment
Full Answer Section
Existing Wireless Infrastructure
None.
Potential Access Point Placement
- Place the access point in a central location on the first floor, away from metal objects and other sources of interference.
- Mount the access point high up on a wall or ceiling to improve coverage.
- Consider using two access points to improve coverage on the second floor.
Potential Antenna Placement
- Use an omnidirectional antenna to provide coverage in all directions.
- Use a directional antenna to focus the signal in a specific direction.
Potential Equipment and Supporting Equipment
- Wireless access point
- Ethernet cable
- Power adapter
Methods of Gathering Information
- Visual inspection of the site
- Discussion with the homeowner
Information Gathered
- The house is two stories tall with a finished basement.
- The first floor is approximately 1,200 square feet and the second floor is approximately 1,000 square feet.
- The homeowner uses two desktop computers and a printer on the first floor.
- The homeowner wants to be able to access the wireless network from anywhere in the house.
Possible Sources of Interference
- The homeowner has a microwave oven and a cordless phone on the first floor.
- There is a large metal refrigerator and dishwasher on the kitchen counter.
- The house is located in a suburban neighborhood with many other homes and wireless networks.
Existing Wireless Infrastructure
The homeowner does not have an existing wireless network.
Recommendations for Access Point and Antenna Placement
I recommend placing the access point on the ceiling in the living room on the first floor. This location is central to the house and away from any major sources of interference. I also recommend using an omnidirectional antenna to provide coverage in all directions.
Conclusion
This site survey has identified the following key findings:
- The homeowner needs a wireless network that can provide coverage for a two-story house with two desktop computers and a printer.
- The homeowner has a microwave oven and a cordless phone on the first floor, which could potentially interfere with the wireless network.
- The house is located in a suburban neighborhood with many other homes and wireless networks.
I recommend placing the access point on the ceiling in the living room on the first floor and using an omnidirectional antenna. This will provide the best coverage for the entire house while minimizing interference from other sources