Article by Tech Mania.
For home and small offices, getting specialist engineers to do a site survey is both expensive and excessive. If you want to follow a similar process as the professionals, follow the four-step process below to assess, test and adjust your wireless network for optimum performance:
Investigate
In this step determine the type of connection you have, if can you use third party routers, and if you can move the location of the router. Also, note if it’s possible to run a cable from the router to any other equipment, if not wireless extenders are the only option. Make a note of the requirements, such as the number of people who will use the network and from where in the building.
Plan
Use a rough floor plan along with the data from step one to map out where you need to install additional access points. When looking at the radius of the coverage from each router/access point, look at the specifications of the device and assume half that number. That number will account for obstruction and walls on the strength of the signal.
Test
For this step, you will need at least a single access point in addition to the router. Place the access point according to the plan in step two. Test the speed from each location against a baseline from the router or close to it.
Adjust
Based on the results from Step three, move the access point and router around for the best coverage. Be prepared for some compromises or the need for more access points for certain areas.
