Wi-Fi Coverage Testing: Heat Maps vs. Point-Data Surveys

Wi-Fi Coverage Testing: Heat Maps vs. Point-Data Surveys

WirelessMetrix Support  |  Frequently Asked Questions

 

Wi-Fi Coverage Testing: Heat Maps vs. Point-Data Surveys

Category: Wi-Fi / WLAN Testing  |  Product: DASView Walk-Test Software

Question

Can WirelessMetrix provide heat map drawings showing wireless access point (AP) coverage and signal strength for office building environments?

Answer

WirelessMetrix does collect Wi-Fi data; however, our measurement methodology is point-based rather than heat map-based. Understanding the difference is important when deciding which approach best fits your project needs.

What WirelessMetrix Provides: Point-Data Walk Surveys

Our DASView software records Wi-Fi signal measurements (RSSI) at discrete GPS- or floor-plan-referenced locations along a technician's walk route. The resulting report displays:

•        The actual walk path taken during the test

•        Measured RSSI values at each sampled point along the route

•        SSID identification for each access point detected

Importantly, the survey only reports signal where measurements were physically collected. If testing was conducted in a central corridor, the report will accurately show signal strength in that corridor — but it will not attempt to estimate or extrapolate signal levels in adjacent areas (such as office spaces on the other side of a wall) that were not walked.

How Heat Maps Differ

A traditional RF heat map uses propagation modeling to predict signal strength across an entire floor plan, including areas that were not directly measured. This prediction requires knowledge of building construction details such as:

•        Wall materials (e.g., drywall/sheetrock vs. concrete vs. glass)

•        Floor and ceiling construction

•        AP placement coordinates and antenna characteristics

•        Obstructions and physical layout of the environment

Design-phase tools such as iBwave Design or Ekahau Site Survey incorporate these parameters to generate predictive heat maps. These tools are typically used during the network planning stage — before installation — to optimize AP placement and coverage design.

Post-Installation Validation

WirelessMetrix testing is best suited for post-installation validation — confirming that the deployed network is delivering the expected signal strength in the areas that matter most. Our walk-test methodology provides an objective, measurement-based record of actual RF conditions, which is particularly valuable for:

•        Acceptance testing of newly installed WLAN systems

•        Carrier or enterprise partner network audits

•        Identifying coverage gaps or problem areas within a tested route

•        Documentation and reporting for building owners or tenants

Sample Walk-Test Output

The following example shows a typical DASView walk-test result for a Wi-Fi survey, illustrating measured RSSI along the tested route overlaid on a floor plan:

Figure 1: Sample WirelessMetrix DASView Wi-Fi walk-test result showing RSSI point measurements along a tested corridor route.

 

Summary

WirelessMetrix provides GPS/floor-plan-referenced, point-data Wi-Fi surveys (not predictive heat maps). Our service is ideal for post-installation validation and coverage documentation. If you require predictive heat maps for network design, we recommend using a design tool such as iBwave or Ekahau during the planning phase. If point-data validation surveys meet your project requirements, we are happy to discuss scope and scheduling.

 

Have more questions? Contact us at support@wireless-metrix.com