A Deep Dive into NetSpot – Inspector, Survey, Planning

NetSpot is the most accessible native Wi-Fi site survey app for Mac, Windows and Android. Users can easily navigate between features to scan for networks, begin a network site survey or create a predictive project planning.

With NetSpot, users can access the following three modes:

1. Inspector Mode

Collects every detail about surrounding Wi-Fi networks and presents wireless data as an interactive table:

  • Live data collection from surrounding networks
  • AP details
    • Transmission rate
    • Network hardware vendor
    • Security bands
  • View Wi-Fi in 2.4, 5 and 6Ghz Bands
  • Realtime charts
  • Comparison of AP
    • Colour-coded signal bars to analyse and differentiate Wi-Fi networks

2. Wi-Fi Surveys

Outline real life Wi-Fi data on map or floor plan quickly.

  • Creating multiple zones in a single project to represent different areas or floors of an office space.
  • Interactive heatmap with detailed information on surveyed wireless network.
  • Creating multiple snapshots of the same zone for Wi-Fi Configuration comparisons.

Case Study

A client had engaged us to do network heat-mapping for its premises to review the signal strength of the network. We deployed engineers onsite to conduct a heat-mapping exercise. With NetSpot, we are able to create multiple zones in a project to represent each floor. An engineer held a device that has NetSpot installed (laptop/iPad) and start to walk around the site and start inputting data points for NetSpot to scan for signal strength.

Datapoints are points in the map where a user is standing stationary at a place for NetSpot to scan for Wi-Fi signals.

After conducting the survey, we are able to generate reports, ranging from advanced to simple reports.

After conducting the survey, we are able to generate reports, ranging from advanced to simple reports.

Once a report is generated, we can present it to our client and provide expertise and recommendations on how they can improve their network.

3. Network Planning

Plan network coverage with NetSpot on your laptop to estimate number of access points. No additional equipment is needed. 

  • Wide range of router/access points options.
  • Able to run simulations to visualise your potential network and coverage.
  • Generate reports for further analysis if necessary.

Case Study

A client has engaged us to plan and propose the location of the access points in his new office workspace. We requested a floor plan from the client so that we are able to use NetSpot’s Network Planning feature to present the best simulated coverage to our client.

To ensure that the simulated results are as accurate as possible, our engineers conducted a site survey and took note of the structures within the site. They would then record and indicate in the floor plan as shown below. The walls that are marked red are concrete walls.

Through NetSpot, we are able to select a wide range of obstacles that can potentially hinder the network coverage.

What materials block Wi-Fi signals, ranked:

1. Metal

  • Hardes material to penetrate
  • Has the ability to absorb Wi-Fi radio waves

2. Concrete Walls

  • One of the thickest building materials
  • The thicker the concrete wall, the hard to penetrate

3. Plaster and Metal Lath (false ceilings, false walls and partition walls)

  • Slows down Wi-Fi signals
  • Metal lath walls can greatly reduce or block Wi-Fi signals

4. Ceramic Tiles

  • Combination of plaster and drywall increases amount of Wi-Fi interference

5. Windows and Tinted Glass

  • Potentially reflect and block signals

6. Mirrors

  • Made up of thin coat of metal on a piece of glass, causing electromagnetic interferance
  • The bigger the mirror, the higher the interference

7. Drywall

  • Commonly found in homes and small offices
  • Smallest amount of impact for wireless signals
  • Weakens as it travels past multiple walls

After indicating the concrete walls, we are able to proceed with the planning. NetSpot provides a wide range of routers and access points from different brands.

For this client, we recommend the installation of Unifi access points in his office and presented to him the results from the predictive planning.

With NetSpot, users are able to inspect, survey and plan network connections for data collection and analysis. With these data, users are able to visualise and improve network configurations if necessary. Through Predictive Planning, users can simulate the signal strength of routers and access points on a floor plan.

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