During a WLAN site survey, how should you use a laptop, tablet, or cell phone?

• A. By checking for signal strength and coverage areas while roaming around the facility.
• B. By only testing at the main entrance.
• C. By using the device exclusively in the server room.
• D. By collecting equipment inventories.

Answer: (A)

Using a mobile device during a WLAN site survey is about moving through the building to measure how strong the wireless signal is in different areas. As you roam, you check signal strength and map where coverage is good or poor, so you can identify dead zones and see how walls, furniture, and other factors affect reception. This hands-on measurement lets you build an accurate coverage heatmap and make informed decisions about AP placement and channel planning, reflecting real user experiences rather than a single static spot. The goal is to understand how the network actually performs across the space, not just in one location.

If you only test at the main entrance, you’ll miss how signals behave deeper inside offices or classrooms. If you test only in the server room, you’re ignoring most of the areas where users will connect. Collecting equipment inventories doesn’t assess wireless performance at all. Roaming measurements with a mobile device provide the practical picture of coverage and quality you need for an effective WLAN design.