3.1 Explain the purpose of organizational processes and procedures
Documentation
📘CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
A wireless survey and a heat map are important types of network documentation used to plan, design, troubleshoot, and optimize wireless networks. They help network technicians understand how Wi-Fi signals behave in a building or area.
The CompTIA Network+ exam expects you to know what they are, why they are used, how they are created, and what information they provide.
1. What Is a Wireless Survey?
A wireless survey is the process of checking and measuring the wireless coverage of an area to ensure the network works properly.
It is done before, during, and after wireless network installation.
A wireless survey helps determine:
- Where to place wireless access points (APs)
- How many APs are needed
- Signal strength throughout the building
- Areas with weak or no signal (dead zones)
- Sources of interference
- Network capacity requirements
- Overlapping coverage between APs
A wireless survey ensures the wireless network provides:
- Strong signal
- Good performance
- Reliable connectivity
- Minimal interference
2. Types of Wireless Surveys
CompTIA Network+ focuses on three main types:
A. Predictive (Virtual) Survey
- Performed before installing wireless equipment.
- Uses software to simulate the building layout and predict signal coverage.
- Helps estimate the number and placement of access points.
- Fast and cost-effective because no equipment is physically deployed.
Best for:
- New buildings or planned expansions
- Early planning stages
B. Passive Survey
- The technician walks through the area with a laptop/tablet using a Wi-Fi analysis tool.
- The tool listens to all wireless signals but does not connect to the network.
- Collects data on:
- Signal strength
- Noise level
- Interference
- Access point locations
Best for:
- Understanding real-world wireless conditions
- Finding dead spots or interference sources
C. Active Survey
- The device connects to the wireless network and performs tests.
- Measures:
- Throughput (speed)
- Packet loss
- Network availability
- Roaming performance between APs
Best for:
- Validating performance
- Ensuring the network meets user requirements
- Post-deployment testing
3. What Is a Heat Map?
A heat map is a visual representation of wireless signal strength across an area.
It is usually displayed as a color-coded map.
Typical colors:
- Green – strong signal
- Yellow – moderate signal
- Red – weak signal
- Grey/white – no signal
A heat map is produced using wireless survey tools and shows how well Wi-Fi coverage spreads across floors, rooms, hallways, or entire buildings.
4. Why Heat Maps Are Important
Heat maps help technicians:
- Identify dead zones
- See where signal strength is weak
- Confirm proper AP placement
- Detect interference areas
- Plan for network expansion
- Verify that coverage meets requirements
They serve as important documentation for network teams.
5. Information Included in a Wireless Survey / Heat Map Document
Network+ expects you to know the common details documented:
A. Access Point Placement
- Exact physical location
- Mounting height
- Orientation
- Power settings
- Channels being used
B. Signal Strength Measurements
- Measured in dBm (decibel milliwatts)
- Typical target: –67 dBm or better for good Wi-Fi
C. Frequency Bands
- 2.4 GHz coverage
- 5 GHz coverage
- 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E) coverage if applicable
D. Interference Sources
Examples (IT-related only):
- Other nearby Wi-Fi networks
- Cordless phones
- Wireless cameras
- Microwave ovens
- Bluetooth devices
- Motors in server room cooling equipment
E. Throughput and Capacity Results
- Actual upload/download speeds
- Number of devices supported
- Areas where speeds drop
F. Dead Zones and Weak Signal Spots
Documented for troubleshooting or redesign.
G. Building Material Effects
- Walls, metal racks, glass panels, elevator shafts, or thick concrete affect signal strength.
6. When Are Wireless Surveys Used?
A. Pre-Deployment (Planning Stage)
- Designing a new wireless network
- Estimating number of access points
- Ensuring even coverage
B. Post-Deployment (Verification Stage)
- Confirming the network works as planned
- Detecting any unexpected weak spots
C. Troubleshooting (Operational Stage)
- Fixing performance problems
- Managing interference
- Adjusting AP power or channels
D. Expansion and Upgrades
- When adding more APs or introducing Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi 7
7. Tools Used in Wireless Surveys
You may see these in exam questions:
- Wi-Fi analysis software
- Signal strength meters
- Laptop/tablet with wireless adapters
- Spectrum analyzers (detect non-Wi-Fi interference)
- Wireless controllers (for data collection)
8. How a Technician Conducts a Wireless Survey (Process)
1. Gather requirements
- Number of users
- Types of devices (laptops, phones, tablets, scanners)
- Required bandwidth
- Security needs
2. Obtain building floor plans
- Physical layout
- Obstacles (walls, doors, elevators)
3. Choose survey type
- Predictive, passive, active
4. Walk through every area
- Collect signal and interference data
5. Generate the heat map
- Reviewing AP coverage
- Highlighting weak areas
6. Make recommendations
- Add/move APs
- Adjust power levels
- Change wireless channels
- Add extra APs for high-density areas
9. Importance in Organizational Processes and Procedures
Wireless surveys and heat maps are considered organizational documentation because they:
- Allow planning and budgeting for wireless infrastructure
- Help maintain consistent network standards
- Guide technicians during maintenance or upgrades
- Provide historical records for troubleshooting
- Support compliance with company policies
- Help ensure reliable, secure wireless service
They form part of the organization’s technical documentation library.
10. Exam Tips (High-Value Points)
✓ A wireless survey measures wireless performance in the environment.
✓ A heat map is a color-coded representation of Wi-Fi signal strength.
✓ Passive survey = listening only, no connection.
✓ Active survey = connects to network and tests performance.
✓ Predictive survey = computer-generated model.
✓ Used for AP placement, performance checks, and troubleshooting.
✓ Included in network documentation.
