In today’s connected world, wireless network performance has a direct impact on business performance. Productivity, automation, and efficiency rely on fast, reliable connectivity so your WiFi network is critical to your organisation’s success.
If your wireless network is underperforming, ignoring the issue can lead to downtime, frustration, and wasted investment. A professional WiFi survey is the most effective way to identify the root causes of poor performance and ensure your network is designed for long-term reliability and growth.
Why a Professional WiFi Survey Matters
A Wi-Fi survey should always be carried out by an experienced wireless engineer using industry-leading tools such as Ekahau. A professional survey provides accurate, data-driven insights into your wireless environment and results in a design tailored to your business needs.
You can read more on the benefits of expert Wi-Fi surveys here
By investing in expert analysis, you can:
- Avoid overspending on unnecessary hardware
- Eliminate interference and coverage gaps
- Design a network that supports your organisation now and in the future
- Ensure your WiFi is ready for emerging technologies
The Three Main Types of WiFi Surveys
There are three primary types of wireless site surveys, each suited to different stages of network design and troubleshooting.
- Passive WiFi Survey
A passive WiFi survey measures your existing radio frequency (RF) environment without connecting to the network. Engineers use software like Ekahau to “listen” to all access points in range, identifying noise, coverage issues, and sources of interference.
When to use a passive survey:
- During initial discovery of an existing WiFi deployment
- When troubleshooting network performance issues
- To benchmark coverage or detect interference sources
What it reveals:
- Signal strength and coverage
- Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
- Co-channel and adjacent channel interference
- Rogue or unauthorised access points
Why it matters:
A passive survey provides a detailed snapshot of your RF environment and forms the foundation for an informed redesign or performance fix.
- Active WiFi Site Survey
An active survey connects directly to your network to test real-world performance. This allows engineers to measure the end-user experience by analysing data transfer, roaming, and authentication in live conditions.
When to use an active survey:
- To validate a newly installed network
- To test application performance (VoIP, video, data transfer)
- For post-deployment performance checks
What it reveals:
- Packet loss, latency, and throughput
- Roaming behaviour between access points
- Authentication and association success
Why it matters:
An active survey ensures your network delivers the performance your users expect — not just what signal maps predict.
- AP-on-a-Stick (Pre-Deployment) Survey
An AP-on-a-Stick (APoS) survey is used before a new wireless deployment to test access point placement and signal propagation in real conditions. Engineers temporarily mount an AP in proposed locations to measure real-world performance.
When to use an APoS survey:
- Before installing a new WiFi network
- When predictive modelling alone isn’t sufficient
- In complex environments such as warehouses or large school campuses
What it reveals:
- Real-world RF propagation and coverage
- Optimal AP placement and height
- Obstruction or reflection issues not visible on floor plans
Why it matters:
An AP-on-a-Stick survey bridges the gap between theoretical design and reality, ensuring your network performs as expected before rollout.
How to Choose the Right Type of WiFi Survey
The right survey depends on your organisation’s size, environment, goals, and budget. A credible WiFi specialist will first take time to understand your current setup, pain points, and future growth plans before recommending a survey type.
At Redway Networks, we tailor every wireless survey to your unique requirements. Our Certified Wireless Network Professionals (CWNPs) use advanced tools and proven methodologies to design and optimise WiFi networks across all industries. From education to logistics, we help organisations achieve seamless, high-performance connectivity that drives results.
What Makes Redway Networks Different
Our engineers bring years of experience across diverse environments — from classrooms to warehouses — giving us the insight to design networks that perform where it matters most.
We’re vendor-neutral WiFi specialists, meaning we recommend the best solution for your organisation, not for the manufacturer. Every network design we create is based on performance, capacity, and long-term scalability — not sales targets.
How We Present Your WiFi Survey Results
Unlike many providers, we present your results and recommendations via a live WebEx session. This allows our engineers to walk you through your site, floor by floor, explaining findings and answering any questions in real time.
Each session is led by a qualified network engineer, so you get expert insight into both your wireless and wider network infrastructure — including switches, security, and cabling. We make complex data easy to understand, turning technical insights into clear, actionable improvements.
Beyond Wireless: Full Network Audits
Your WiFi is just one part of your IT ecosystem. Our network audits take a holistic look at your infrastructure, covering hardware, configuration, architecture, and security. Each audit includes a detailed “traffic light” report highlighting immediate, medium, and long-term priorities, helping you make strategic, cost-effective decisions about your IT roadmap.
7 Tips to Get the Most from Your WiFi Survey
Proper preparation ensures you get the best insights from your wireless survey. Here are our top tips:
- Use up-to-date, accurate floor plans — missing buildings or incorrect scaling can distort survey results.
- Include large physical obstructions such as warehouse racking or machinery.
- Ensure site access for engineers, especially during out-of-hours surveys.
- Provide safety information (PPE, DBS checks, etc.) in advance.
- Share aesthetic or capacity requirements, such as hidden access points or high-density zones.
- Highlight problem areas where performance issues are most noticeable.
- Communicate special conditions — for example, school exam periods or warehouse layout changes.
Book Your Professional WiFi Survey
If you’re ready to optimise your wireless network performance, our expert team at Redway Networks can help.
Call 01908 046400 or Get in touch with us to discuss your requirements and schedule your professional WiFi survey.
