Integra Systems, Inc. has been around way before 802.11b got approved (1999) and the Wi-Fi revolution as we know got started. So we do know something about site surveys….because RF is our DNA.
In the early days integrators simply hung access points down the hallway. Pretty much no site survey was completed. Things then evolved to what I call the “dixie cup” approach. Draw circles of coverage on a building plan. No one really had to worry at the time because most of the WLAN design were for data, not voice, and no WLAN enabled medical devices.
Then things evolved to use site survey tools and do what I can via the “walk around approach”, better than the “dixie cup” approach”, but still not scientific in our opinion.
We propose the same type of design as the cellular carriers do using predictive tools. These predictive tools take into the actual building construction materials and propagation modeling. Understand that the carriers are held to a certain SLA (Service Level Agreement), so they have a real financial stake in the ground. Years of experience and millions of square feet in all kinds really tough environments has been demonstrated through our partnerships and proven projects.
So what are benefits? It is around 98% accurate for a 2014 WLAN design and saves lot of money versus sending people on site….to walk around with a laptop and maybe hang up a AP to look like an RF engineer of sorts. Also, you now know that the increasingly challenged “wireless environment” is designed correctly for the complex convergence of data, voice, video, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), and the wireless enabled medical device.
Estimated Cost Analysis
Traditional Integrator with “Walk around Approach”
Technician can conduct around 70,000 square feet of coverage a day.
Cost per day $2,200 (Labor/per diem/airfare)
Assuming: $160/hour labor rate.
630,000 square feet of design
9 days @$2,200.00 = $19,800.00
Submittal of report and design: 6.30 work days
100,000 feet per day/630,000.00
Submittal of report and design cost: $8,160.00
Total Cost: $27,960.00
Estimated Cost Analysis
WLAN Design using Predictive Tools
150,000 sq ft/630,000 = 4.20 work days
Total Cost : $5,4440.00
So the question is are you willing to spend $22,520.00 more for something that just not be as accurate, adds more risk, and takes more time to complete?
