TamoSoft: Network Analysis Tools & Security Software
Contents

Site Survey Tool - TamoGraph

 
Introduction
Overview
Why to Perform a Site Survey
When to Perform a Site Survey
Survey Types
System Requirements
Driver Installation
Driver Installation Troubleshooting
Trial Version Limitations
License Types
Interface Overview
Access Point List
Floor Plan / Site Map
Plans and Surveys, Properties, and Options Panel
Main Menu
Performing a Site Survey
New Project Wizard
Calibration
Configuration
Data Collection
Understanding Survey Types: Passive vs. Active
Active Survey Configuration
Best Practices, Tips, and Tricks
Survey Job Splitting
Analyzing Data – Passive Surveys
Selecting Data for Analysis
Adjusting AP Locations
Splitting an AP into Multiple Unique APs
Visualization Types
Signal Level
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Signal-to-Interference Ratio
AP Coverage Areas
Number of APs
Expected PHY Rate
Frame Format
Channel Bandwidth
Requirements
Analyzing Data – Active Surveys
Selecting Data for Analysis
Visualization Types
Actual PHY Rate
TCP Upstream and Downstream Rate
UDP Upstream and Downstream Rate
UDP Upstream and Downstream Loss
Round-trip Time
Associated AP
Requirements
Reporting and Printing
Customizing Reports
Google Earth Integration
Configuring TamoGraph
Plans and Surveys
Properties
Plan / Map
Environment
Requirements
Scanner
Options
Colors and Value Ranges
AP Detection and Placement
Visualization Settings
Miscellaneous
Configuring GPS Receiver
Using GPS Configuration Dialog
Finding the GPS Receiver Port Number
Frequently Asked Questions
Sales and Support

AP Coverage Areas

This visualization shows the areas covered by the APs.  An area is considered covered if the signal is strong enough for the clients to communicate to the AP. You can select and deselect one or several of the APs to see individual or group coverage areas. Coverage areas are color-coded: For each AP, a small colored square is shown next to the AP icon. The corresponding color is used to display the coverage area contour or fill.

The definition of “strong enough” is rather subjective because certain signal strength might be sufficient for low data rates, but insufficient for the high data rates required for such applications as VoIP. Additionally, 802.11 adapters vary in sensitivity, and some adapters might be able to provide good connectivity in zones where other adapters fail to connect altogether.

The following options on the Visualization Settings panel (located on the Options tab of the right-side panel) affect the way AP coverage areas are analyzed and visualized:

§Area is considered covered if signal strength is at least – This setting defines the AP coverage area based on the minimum signal strength. If the signal strength is below the specified level, the area is considered to be not covered.
§AP coverage areas – This allows you to change the color coding method used for displaying coverage areas. In No fill, contours only mode, the application draws contours of the coverage areas without filling the areas with colors. In Fill and mix colors mode, AP coverage areas are filled with colors; when areas overlap, the application draws a striped pattern, alternating the colors of the respective APs. In Fill, strongest AP on top mode, AP coverage areas are filled with colors; when areas overlap, the application draws the color of the strongest AP.  In Fill, weakest AP on top mode, AP coverage areas are filled with colors; when areas overlap, the application draws the color of the weakest AP.