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Pre-installation design validation

AP-on-a-Stick Survey

An AP-on-a-Stick survey temporarily installs a proposed access point at planned mounting locations to validate real-world coverage and design assumptions before permanent installation.

Proposed AP locationTemporary test APPRE-INSTALLATION DESIGN VALIDATIONProposed APTemporary test APMeasurement pathValidated coverage

What it is

An AP-on-a-Stick survey places a temporary access point at or near the proposed installation height and location. The access point is configured with the intended model, antenna, channel width, transmit power, and other relevant RF parameters.

The engineer collects measurements around the temporary access point to understand how the RF signal propagates through the actual building materials and physical environment.

Results can be used to verify predictive design assumptions, refine access point placement, validate mounting heights, and reduce installation risk before cabling and permanent hardware deployment.

How it works

  1. Step 01

    Review the Predictive Design

    Identify proposed AP locations and areas requiring physical validation.

  2. Step 02

    Prepare the Temporary AP

    Configure the selected access point, antenna, transmit power, channel, and test settings.

  3. Step 03

    Position the AP

    Place the temporary AP near the proposed mounting location and intended height.

  4. Step 04

    Collect RF Measurements

    Measure coverage and signal propagation throughout the surrounding area.

  5. Step 05

    Refine the Design

    Adjust AP placement, quantity, mounting strategy, or RF assumptions where required.

What it validates

  • Proposed AP Placement

    Confirms whether the planned access point location provides the expected coverage.

  • Mounting Height

    Evaluates RF propagation from the intended installation height.

  • Building Attenuation

    Measures the effect of walls, doors, shelving, equipment, and construction materials.

  • Antenna Selection

    Validates antenna type, orientation, and expected coverage pattern where applicable.

  • Coverage Boundaries

    Identifies actual usable coverage from the temporary access point.

  • Predictive Design Assumptions

    Compares measured RF behavior against the modeled wireless design.

When it is recommended

  • Warehouses and distribution centers
  • Manufacturing facilities
  • High ceilings or unusual mounting heights
  • Complex building materials
  • Directional or external antenna designs
  • High-risk or high-cost installations
  • Environments where predictive assumptions require physical verification

Explore other survey options

Different objectives call for different survey types. Explore the other options in the wireless survey portfolio.

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