What is the first question you should ask before performing a WLAN site survey?

What is the first question you should ask before performing a WLAN site survey?

• A. What kind of facility is it?
• B. How many access points will be installed?
• C. What is the project budget?
• D. What is the building's address?

Answer: (A)

Understanding the kind of facility is essential because the physical environment sets how RF signals behave and what the survey must measure. The materials, construction (concrete, metal, glass), ceiling height, and typical interference sources vary greatly between an office, hospital, school, warehouse, or outdoor space. These factors determine signal attenuation, multipath conditions, and where users will be and how much capacity is needed. By identifying the facility type first, you establish the goals of the survey, the areas to test, and the performance targets you must meet.

Budget, the exact number of access points, and even the building's address are all important, but they follow from the scope defined by the facility and coverage goals. Knowing the environment lets you estimate how many APs are needed and how they should be placed, while the address is useful for logistics and access but doesn’t set RF design requirements.