WiFi surveys: the key to reliable business connectivity

Behind the scenes at Wifirst! In this blog post, we want to shine a spotlight on each of the teams working behind the scenes to provide our customers with the best managed WiFi service.

***

Connectivity and network infrastructure are at the heart of our business. As a pioneer of the ‘As a service’ approach, Wifirst takes care of everything for its customers, starting with an on-site WiFi survey, an essential step before any managed WiFi installation can be deployed. Here are the key elements you need to understand and prepare for a successful coverage survey.

What is a WiFi survey?

A WiFi survey is a detailed assessment of a physical site that measures and analyses wireless signals. Its goal is to design a WiFi network with seamless coverage, high capacity, and minimal interference. Unlike guesswork or theoretical planning, a WiFi survey provides data-driven insights into how radio waves behave in your specific environment.

Key objectives of a WiFi survey include:

• Identifying coverage gaps (dead zones)
• Detecting sources of interference
• Measuring signal strength and quality (RSSI, SNR)
• Planning optimal placement of access points
• Ensuring network performance for business-critical applications (CCTV, telephony, IoT, guest WiFi, etc.)

Why do businesses need a WiFi survey?

Modern businesses depend on WiFi for everything - from basic Internet access to advanced operational tools. Without a professional WiFi survey, networks often suffer from:

• Poor coverage and user frustration
• Unstable performance in high-density areas
• Security vulnerabilities due to unmonitored access points
• Inefficient use of bandwidth leading to bottlenecks

By conducting a WiFi survey before deployment, businesses can avoid costly redesigns and ensure they are installing future-proof connectivity.

Types of WiFi surveys

There are different approaches to WiFi surveys depending on the stage of your project:

• Predictive survey: A design-based survey using building blueprints and software simulations. Useful for new buildings or early planning stages.
• On-site survey: A physical assessment of radio signals within the actual environment, detecting real-world obstacles like walls, furniture, or interference sources.
• Post-deployment survey: Conducted after installation to validate performance, optimise placement, and adjust configuration.

How does a professional WiFi survey work?

A typical WiFi coverage survey involves the following steps:

1. Analysis of building structure and business needs (user density, critical applications, etc.)
2. On-site measurements of signal strength, throughput, and interference across the different frequency bands
3. Identification of WAN arrival points, cabling routes, and optimal access point placement
4. Creation of a detailed survey report with recommendations for equipment and installation

This process ensures that the network design is not theoretical, but adapted to the actual environment.

The Wifirst difference: smart WiFi surveying

At Wifirst, we see the WiFi survey as the cornerstone of any successful managed WiFi project. That’s why every installation starts with a survey carried out by one of our 30 in-house WiFi experts. But what sets us apart?

• Our proprietary survey application: Unlike generic tools, our in-house software is directly connected to our information system, enabling faster, more accurate reporting and seamless integration into project workflows.
• Expert auditors: Our specialists conduct exhaustive tests — throughput, RSSI, and frequency analysis — to capture real patterns across your buildings.
• Custom-tailored design: We adapt to the specific challenges of each site (architecture, materials, topography, interference sources).
• Actionable reporting: The survey concludes with a complete report for both the client and our deployment teams, ensuring full alignment and project success.

The real-world impact of WiFi surveys

Our WiFi survey expertise has been deployed across Europe in a variety of industries: student residences, hotels and resorts, defence sites, offices, retail chains, and more. In each case, a thorough survey enabled us to deliver a reliable, high-performance WiFi infrastructure adapted to demanding environments.

A professional WiFi survey is not optional — it is the foundation of every high-performing business WiFi solution. By analysing your site in detail, detecting interference, and planning access point placement intelligently, you ensure reliable connectivity for all users and applications. At Wifirst, we combine technical expertise, proprietary tools, and industry experience to make every WiFi survey a success and to deliver networks that truly perform.

Request a WiFi Survey with Wifirst

1. What does the job as a WiFi auditor entail?

My role is to fully analyse our clients' buildings in order to design a high-performance WiFi installation. I travel across Europe to identify possible WAN access points, determine the best locations for Wifirst racks, trace cable paths, and conduct a complete WiFi coverage survey to define the exact placement of future access points. I then compile all this into a detailed report, describing the installation plan and scope of work required to deploy the new infrastructure.

2. What are your main challenges?

The WiFi survey is a crucial link in the deployment of the future infrastructures: the quality of our work and reports allows clients to better understand the work to be carried out in their buildings, while also enabling Wifirst project managers to run deployment smoothly from headquarters. We carry a big responsibility, as the quality of the survey determines not only a successful installation but also accurate cost and workload estimations for our integration teams.

3. What makes you proud of your work?

Overall, all the projects I’ve been involved in over the past 5 years have made me proud. Our clients, whether in defence, student residences, or hospitality, are always eager to see a reliable WiFi installation in place. Their expectations gives me the strong motivation to deliver satisfaction to all our clients — current and future!