Wireless · Ekahau survey
Ekahau site survey for Wi-Fi design and validation
Predictive, passive and validation Wi-Fi surveys with Ekahau, with heat maps, access point placement and a report you keep.
The short answer
An Ekahau site survey uses Ekahau AI Pro software and the Sidekick 2 measurement device to map Wi-Fi signal, interference and channel use against your floor plans. WCC performs predictive surveys before installation, passive surveys to diagnose existing networks, and validation surveys after installation, with heat maps and a written report you keep.
Survey types
Three types of Ekahau survey
Predictive survey
Models your building from floor plans and wall types to set access point count, placement and channels before anything is installed. Standard for new construction and budgeting.
Before installation
Passive survey
Walks the building with the Sidekick while your network runs, recording signal, noise, channel use and interference at every point. The way to diagnose dead zones and dropped connections.
Existing network
Validation survey
Measures the finished network, including roaming and throughput, to confirm it matches the design. Useful before accepting work from any installer.
After installation
What it measures
What an Ekahau survey captures
| Measurement | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Signal strength | Shows where coverage is too weak for devices, or so strong it causes interference |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | Predicts real performance better than signal strength alone |
| Channel utilization | Shows congestion, including from neighboring networks |
| Non-Wi-Fi interference | Spectrum analysis finds sources like Bluetooth, microwaves and wireless video |
| Coverage overlap | Confirms devices can roam between access points without drops |
| 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E and 7) | Sidekick 2 measures the 6 GHz band that newer access points use |
| Unknown access points | Identifies rogue or neighboring access points affecting your channels |
Deliverables
What you get
Heat maps
Signal, signal-to-noise, channel and interference maps over your floor plans.
Design
Access point locations and mounting, channel plan for 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz, cable run count and PoE budget by switch.
Report
Written findings and recommendations, reviewed with your team on a call. The report is yours regardless of who installs.
When you need one
When to get an Ekahau survey
- Before a new Wi-Fi installation or a refresh to Wi-Fi 6E or 7.
- When users report dead zones, slow Wi-Fi or dropped calls on an existing network.
- In hard environments: warehouses, hospitals, schools and buildings with concrete or metal.
- Before accepting a new wireless installation from any contractor.
- For a quick estimate first, try the access point calculator.
Where it matters most
Environments that need a survey
Healthcare
Medical devices, voice badges and shielded rooms leave no room for guesswork. Surveys check coverage at the device, not just the hallway.
Schools
One-to-one devices, testing days and block walls between classrooms make capacity as important as coverage.
Warehouses
Racking and high ceilings break square-foot rules. See warehouse access points.
Offices and high density
Conference rooms, open floors and video calls need capacity planning and clean channels.
Government
Hardened construction and secure areas, with documentation for agency records.
Hotels and multifamily
A wall between every room, and guests who expect it to just work.
Pricing
What affects survey cost and timing
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Square footage and floors | More area means more walking time and more modeling |
| Survey type | Predictive is the fastest; passive and validation need time on-site |
| Building complexity | Concrete, metal, racking and shielded rooms take more calibration |
| Access | After-hours or escorted access adds time |
| Devices and applications | Voice, real-time location and robots need tighter design criteria |
Most predictive surveys are delivered within one to two weeks of receiving floor plans. On-site surveys of a single building usually take one or two days in the field, plus time for analysis and the report.
Getting started
What we need from you
- Floor plans to scale, in CAD or PDF, with wall types if you have them.
- The devices that use the network: laptops, phones, scanners, medical devices, cameras.
- Critical applications, such as voice calls, video meetings or real-time location.
- Known problem areas and complaints, for passive surveys.
- Access windows and any escort or safety requirements.
Why Ekahau
Ekahau vs free Wi-Fi tools
Phone apps and laptop scanners show the signal at the spot you're standing, through a Wi-Fi card that wasn't built for measurement. Ekahau's Sidekick 2 uses calibrated radios and a spectrum analyzer, records every measurement against the floor plan, and produces maps you can compare before and after a change. That's the difference between "it seems fine here" and a design you can hold an installer to.
FAQ
Ekahau site survey questions
What is an Ekahau site survey?
A wireless survey using Ekahau AI Pro software and the Sidekick 2 measurement device to map signal strength, noise, channel use and interference against your floor plans, and to design or validate access point placement.
What's the difference between predictive, passive and validation surveys?
A predictive survey models the building before installation. A passive survey measures an existing network to diagnose problems. A validation survey confirms a finished network performs as designed.
How much does an Ekahau survey cost?
It depends on square footage, survey type and building complexity. Warehouse surveys typically run $2,000 to $5,000. We quote after reviewing your floor plans.
Can you survey a network another company installed?
Yes. A validation or passive survey gives you an independent record of coverage and performance, whoever installed the network.
Does Ekahau survey Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7?
Yes. The Sidekick 2 measures the 6 GHz band used by Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.
Is an Ekahau survey different from a wireless site survey?
Ekahau is the tool we use for our wireless site surveys. See wireless site surveys for the broader service.
How long does an Ekahau survey take?
Predictive surveys are usually delivered within one to two weeks of receiving floor plans. On-site surveys of a single building usually take one or two days in the field, plus analysis and reporting.
Related
Related guides and services
Get a recommendation
Schedule an Ekahau survey
Send your floor plans and the survey type you need, and we'll scope it.