What is a Predictive Model?

Wireless site surveys are critical to ensuring reliable wireless implementations.  Two types of wireless site surveys are manual site surveys and predictive modeling. 

Wireless networks use radio frequency signals that have specific properties such as wavelength, phase, amplitude, frequency, and polarization.  When transmitted in open air, these signals and their attenuation can be measured with exacting formulas.

Various construction materials also have measurable properties such as reflectivity and absorption, and when wireless signals pass through these materials the affect on the wireless signal can be predictive with a high level of accuracy. 

Virtual site surveys (predictive models) start with a building's floor plan or CAD drawing.  Sophisticated software can then assign radio frequency properties to the floor plan based upon the construction types.

Access points also have specific properties such as frequency band (2.4 or 5 GHz), antenna types, and power settings.  Predictive modeling significantly reduces the time needed to identify the number and placement of access points required based upon wireless coverage and capacity requirements.

"What if" scenarios that a manual site survey would take hours or days to complete can be done in minutes.  Even when performing a manual site survey, it is more cost-effect to start with a predictive model and then validate access point placement.

This quick and cost-effective solution avoids overspending on unnecessary access points and expensive rehabilitation work.

Download an example site survey report here (9.5 MB)

Benefits of Predictive Models

• More cost effective than a manual site survey

• Can be performed quickly without an onsite visit

• "What if" scenarios that a manual site survey would take hours or days to complete can be done in minutes.

• Can be highly accurate

• Reduces the cost of a manual site survey

• Detailed reports show signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and data rates