--- title: The Basics Of An Ekahau AP On A Stick Survey description: Discover the essentials of conducting an Ekahau AP on a Stick Survey for efficient network planning. image: https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Ekahau-AP-On-A-Stick-Survey-The-Basics-Of-Site-Survey-Planning-And-Execution.jpg --- - About - [About](https://www.usorion.com/about-us) - Services - [Wireless Surveys (Ekahau)](https://www.usorion.com/wireless-site-surveys) - [Structured Cabling Services](https://www.usorion.com/structured-cabling-solutions) - [Fiber Consultancy & Installations](https://www.usorion.com/fiber-consultancy-installations) - [Colocation Deployment & Migration](https://www.usorion.com/colocation-deployment-migration-infrastructure-services) - Talent Acquisition Services - [Talent Acquisition](https://www.usorion.com/talent-acquisition) - [Job Vacancies](https://jobs.crelate.com/portal/usorion/) - [Coverage](https://www.usorion.com/coverage) - Resources - [Newsletter](https://www.usorion.com/orion-us-newsletter-connect) - [Data Dictionary](https://www.usorion.com/data-dictionary) - [Blog](https://www.usorion.com/blog) [![logo](https://www.usorion.com/hs-fs/hubfs/USOrionLogoNew.png?width=654&height=260&name=USOrionLogoNew.png "logo")](https://www.usorion.com/) [+1 (803) 724 1204](tel:+1%20(803)%20724%201204) [sales@usorion.com](mailto:sales@usorion.com) [contact us](https://23748016.hs-sites.com/contact-us-orion-us) # Blog Find out more ![Banner arrow - Usorion](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/banner-arrow.webp) ![survey\_perks](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/survey_perks.png) ![An engineer conducting an Ekahau AP on a stick survey at an office, analyzing the results with Ekahau software via a tablet. ](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Ekahau-AP-On-A-Stick-Survey-The-Basics-Of-Site-Survey-Planning-And-Execution.jpg) ## Ekahau AP On A Stick Survey: The Basics Of Site Survey Planning And Execution 11 May 2023 Consistent and effective wireless coverage throughout commercial and industrial properties is vital for modern businesses. But building infrastructure, as well as stored materials, and appliances, can affect WiFi signals, creating areas of poor coverage and even dead zones. A site survey should be carried out to assess coverage characteristics and guide the placement and configuration of network hardware.   An [Ekahau](https://www.usorion.com/blog/ekahau-high-precision-network-performance-optimization) AP On A Stick Survey is one of the most commonly used and effective means of conducting such assessments. It works by temporarily placing APs (access points) in potential deployment positions. These are typically at ceiling height and require tripods and telescopic stands. The characteristics of WiFi signal propagation are tested and assessed to see whether the proposed design is adequate for the needs of the space. The survey thus avoids having to reassign actual access points post-deployment. ### **Survey Planning** Before carrying out a [survey](https://www.usorion.com/wireless-site-surveys), a detailed plan should be drawn up, setting out the scope of the work, schedule, and required resources. Defining the survey area is easier if there are CAD files detailing the layout, as is often the case with greenfield sites. Known signal absorbers like dense physical file storage or metal shelving should also be considered at this stage. Surveys can either be active or passive, depending on whether or not they connect directly to the WLAN and analyze actual throughput and data rates. You should determine which type is needed to achieve your survey goals. ### **AP On A Stick Preparation** AP on a stick (APoS) will require specific equipment and tools for a successful survey. The exact nature of the kit depends on the site characteristics. For example, warehouses with high ceilings often require extensions to the standard tripod. The basics include access points, mounting hardware such as tripods and telescopic stands, and testing devices. It's also important to have additional external battery packs. All devices should be configured and tested before deployment. ### **AP Deployment And Placement** Access points must be configured in advance to work with the Ekahau software, using the settings defined in the overall plan. Determine prospective placement locations using a predictive design. Access points must be turned on and visible in the RTFM view. Specify the SSID for each APoS access point manually before starting the [survey](https://www.usorion.com/blog/wireless-network-post-installation-site-surveys). ### **Survey Execution** A full survey will require at least one hour for each AP. Start by moving the APoS to the first prospective mounting location and verifying the desired signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Check for coverage holes, channel interference, and capacity issues and adjust as necessary before moving on. Repeat this process for all planned APs, recording data as you go. ### **Reporting And Analysis** The recorded data will allow the production of a detailed report along with comprehensive analytics generated by the Ekehau software. These survey findings allow you to create an action plan, which may be reviewed by stakeholders. The next steps may include network reconfiguration, device changes, and other adaptations to improve WiFi coverage and performance. ### **Next Steps** At Orion US, we can offer expert guidance and full support with Ekahau AP on a stick surveys. To learn more about how we can help with your APoS and WiFi configuration, please [get in touch](https://www.usorion.com/contact-us-orion-us) with us today. [![book your wireless survey with Orion US today](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/CTAs%20-%20Wireless%20Surveys/Ekahau%20Wireless%20Survey%20Long%20CTA%20-%20Green.webp)](https://www.usorion.com/contact-us-orion-us) Image source: [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/formal-man-with-tablet-giving-presentation-in-office-3760093/)  [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/usorion/) [twitter icon](https://twitter.com/UsOrion_) ### Posts By Topics - [Wireless Site Survey (44)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/wireless-site-survey) - [Ekahau Site Survey (40)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/ekahau-site-survey) - [WIFI Survey (27)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/wifi-survey) - [USA (26)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/usa) - [Canada (22)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/canada) - [Predictive Wireless (20)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/predictive-wireless) - [Structured Cabling (14)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/structured-cabling) - [Design (11)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/design) - [Pre-Deployment Survey (11)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/pre-deployment-survey) - [Cat6 (7)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/cat6) - [Passive Site Survey (7)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/passive-site-survey) - [Talent Acquisition (7)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/talent-acquisition) - [Wired Site Survey (7)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/wired-site-survey) - [MDF/IDF Setup (5)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/mdf-idf-setup) - [Optimizing Wireless Network (5)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/optimizing-wireless-network) - [Cisco Meraki (4)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/cisco-meraki) - [Post Survey (4)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/post-survey) - [Structuring Cabling Install (4)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/structuring-cabling-install) - [APOS Survey (3)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/apos-survey) - [Network (3)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/network) - [Network Installation (3)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/network-installation) - [AP-On-a-Stick (2)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/ap-on-a-stick) - [Fiber Splicing (2)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/fiber-splicing) - [RF Fundamentals (2)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/rf-fundamentals) - [Site Survey (2)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/site-survey) - [Antenna (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/antenna) - [Arkansas (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/arkansas) - [Cable Management (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/cable-management) - [Cabling Standards (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/cabling-standards) - [Documentation (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/documentation) - [Ekahau Heatmap (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/ekahau-heatmap) - [Manitoba (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/manitoba) - [On-Site Survey (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/on-site-survey) - [Routers (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/routers) - [Switches (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/switches) - [WAPs (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/waps) - [dB v dBm v dBi (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/db-v-dbm-v-dbi) see all ### Articles [dB vs. dBm vs. dBi: Understanding RF Power Before Designing Wi-Fi](https://www.usorion.com/blog/db-vs.-dbm-vs.-dbi-understanding-rf-power-before-designing-wi-fi) [RF Fundamentals: Why Wi-Fi Behaves Differently in the Real World](https://www.usorion.com/blog/rf-fundamentals-why-wi-fi-behaves-differently-in-the-real-world) [From Floorplan to Deployment: What Happens Before the First Access Point Is Installed?](https://www.usorion.com/blog/from-floorplan-to-deployment-what-happens-before-the-first-access-point-is-installed) [Why Network Documentation Is Critical for Maintenance, Upgrades, and Future Growth](https://www.usorion.com/blog/why-network-documentation-is-critical-for-maintenance-upgrades-and-future-growth) ### Subscribe to our blog ### Need more information? 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