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In addition to the surveys based on actual
on-site measurements, TamoGraph can be used for planning WLANs that
have not been deployed yet. This type of survey is called
“predictive” or “virtual,” because Wi-Fi characteristics are
predicted for the virtual environment model created by the user.
The process of creating and adjusting the virtual environment,
selection and placement of simulated APs, and analysis of the
resulting WLAN is commonly referred to as “RF planning.”
To perform a predictive site
survey, you need to:
·Create a new project
with the help of the
Project
Wizard.
·Calibrate the floor plan or site map.
·Configure the survey options and WLAN
requirements.
·Create a model of the
environment. This includes placing walls and other obstructions on
the floor plan, as well as placing APs and editing their
properties.
To create a virtual model of the
environment, the user needs to “tell” the application about the
position, size, and type of the physical objects that affect radio
wave propagation. Typically, walls and other obstructions, such
elevator shafts, are already shown on floor plans; however, these
are merely lines and dots that are meaningless to the application.
The user has to draw such physical objects on top of the floor plan
and define their characteristics.
To start creating a virtual
model, press the Show/hide virtual
objects toolbar button
on the tool bar. This will show an additional tool bar with a few
drawing tools. It is recommended to begin by drawing walls. Once
the walls have been drawn, you can place APs on the floor plan,
decide how many APs you need to provide adequate coverage, select
the best positions for the APs, and configure their parameters
(channel numbers, rates, antennas, etc.)
Once you have completed this
process, you can analyze data
as you normally do after a
passive survey. If you are a novice in WLAN design, we also suggest
that you read about
Best
Practices, Tips, and Tricks at the end of this chapter.
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