🌳AP-on-a-Stick Surveys

Learn how to perform AP-on-a-Stick surveys with Hamina Onsite.

AP-on-a-Stick is an alternative design method to predictive modeling. Instead of creating a model by drawing walls and attenuating objects, and placing access points to create a prediction of coverage, AP-on-a-Stick (APoS) uses measurements from real AP placements to create heatmaps, which can then be used for network proposals.

With an AP-on-a-Stick (APoS) survey, usually only one access point is used. The access point is placed, surveyed around, moved, and surveyed around repeatedly until all of the access point locations are determined.

APoS Process Overview

1. Obtain the access point model(s) that you intend to use in the final deployment.

2. Configure the access point to work offline (which is sometimes called "survey" or "configuration persistence" mode) and with the transmit power that you intend to use in the final deployment.

3. Set up the access point on a stick. These setups usually include:

   1. A good tripod that places the AP very close to or against the ceiling

   2. A Wi-Fi Stand to mount the AP to the tripod

   3. A portable PoE battery pack

Performing an APoS Survey in Hamina

1. Place the AP in a prospective location.

2. Perform one or multiple surveys around the access point. You can mix and match Point, Line, and Continuous surveys as needed.

3. While surveying, keep an eye on the Signal Strength graph on the bottom. When the the signal strength nears or exceeds -82 dBm, you're at the very edge of the coverage cell and don't need to continue surveying in that direction.

4. When you've surveyed all around the access point, switch to Explore mode.

5. Tap on the AP on the map to open the AP Details drawer.

6. Scroll to the bottom, and enable the AP on a stick option.

   
7. Physically move the AP to the next prospective location.

8. Repeat steps 2 through 8.