If you're running a multi-location business, you know how important it is to have a reliable, efficient network that keeps your operations running smoothly. A 2024 report by Cisco found that networking upgrades within the past 12 months helped organizations increase:1
- Customer satisfaction by 19%
- Employee productivity by 17%
- Revenue growth by 10%
However, upgrading your network isn't as simple as plugging in new technology and hoping for the best. That's where site surveys come in. In this blog, we'll explain what a site survey is and why it should matter to your business, especially when it comes to getting your enterprise network just right.
What Is a Site Survey?
Site surveys assess a location for project planning and decision-making. They include a comprehensive examination of the physical space, existing infrastructure, and environmental conditions that could impact a construction or engineering project.
Site surveys are more specialized when conducted prior to designing or upgrading a network. For IT professionals, a site survey involves examining a location to determine the best way to set up the network infrastructure. This process involves measuring the property's dimensions, identifying potential obstacles to wireless signals, assessing building materials that may hinder connectivity, and documenting existing network equipment and cable pathways.
Here's what these site surveys typically do:
Gather Information
During a site survey, the team will measure your property, look for anything that might interfere with your wireless network signals, and check out the materials your building is made of. They'll also note any existing infrastructure you already have, where your cables are running, and where your power outlets are located. The idea is to create a detailed map of your space with a focus on what matters for your network.
Design and Project Plan
All the information gathered during the site survey becomes the blueprint for your network design. It helps the experts determine where to put your network equipment for optimal coverage and signal strength, plan out the cabling system, and decide if you need any upgrades to your current setup. This planning stage helps estimate how long the project will take and what resources you'll need, so there are no surprises after construction begins.
Risk Assessment
The survey team will also watch out for anything that could cause problems for your network. This might include areas with too much electronic interference, spots that might not be secure enough for sensitive equipment, or environmental factors like extreme temperatures that could affect how well your network runs. By identifying these risks early, you can plan around them and avoid headaches later.
Why Are Site Surveys Important for Businesses?
With 95% of companies yet to modernize their network infrastructure,2 many are looking into everything from simple upgrades to major conversions. Site surveys provide invaluable insights that can impact the success of your network project, including:
Data Accuracy
Getting precise data on your space's measurements and unique characteristics can help you avoid costly mistakes in your network design. This accuracy means you're less likely to order the wrong equipment or realize too late that you need additional components, saving your organization time and money in the long run.
Resource Optimization
Site surveys can help you avoid overbuying equipment or wasting time on inefficient installations. For example, the survey might reveal that you can cover your entire office with fewer wireless access points than you initially thought or that existing cable pathways can be repurposed, saving on installation costs. This optimization extends to your team's time as well – with a clear plan based on the site survey, your IT staff can work more efficiently during the network setup or upgrade.
Risk Mitigation
Site surveys help you identify potential hazards before they can become problems. If the survey reveals that certain areas of your building have poor cell signal, you can plan to install signal boosters or adjust your network design to compensate. Or if it shows that your current electrical setup isn't sufficient for new equipment, you can upgrade your power infrastructure before installing sensitive devices. This proactive approach can help inform mitigation strategies to reduce downtime or equipment failures in the future.
Environmental Impact
A thorough site survey can help you design a network that's not only powerful but also energy-efficient. This might involve identifying areas where natural cooling can be used to reduce the need for air conditioning or planning the most efficient cable routes to minimize material usage. By optimizing your network's energy consumption based on survey findings, you can focus on sustainable development and reduce your carbon footprint.
What Is the Site Survey Process?
Site surveys typically involve several steps to provide a complete picture of your current network environment and the physical characteristics of your space, including:
- Pre-survey Planning: Before the site visit, the survey team reviews your network requirements and goals. They'll gather existing network documentation, floor plans, and other necessary information about your current infrastructure. This preparation helps the team understand your needs and plan the site survey effectively.
- Site Visit: The site survey begins with a general walkthrough of your property. Surveyors take measurements and observe the overall layout, noting potential issues like thick walls, large metal objects, or areas with high electromagnetic interference that could affect network performance.
- Wireless Signal Testing: Using specialized tools, the team conducts wireless signal strength tests throughout your space. They create a heatmap of your current wireless network coverage, identifying dead zones and areas of interference.
- Existing Infrastructure Assessment: The site survey team examines and documents your current network setup. This includes cataloging existing equipment, assessing the condition and capacity of network cables, and evaluating your current server room or network closet.
- Power and Cooling Evaluation: Surveyors check your electrical infrastructure, including the availability and location of power outlets, to ensure adequate power supply for equipment. They also assess cooling systems in areas where network hardware will be installed.
- Data Reporting: After the on-site portion is complete, the site survey team compiles all the collected data. They organize the measurements, test results, and observations into a report that can be easily analyzed and referenced.
Common Site Survey Applications
Site surveys are used for many purposes in addition to network design and implementation, including:
Urban Construction
Site surveys are an essential part of any construction project. They often involve determining precise property boundaries to ensure any additions comply with local zoning laws. Surveyors also assess the condition of existing structures, including foundation stability and load-bearing capacity, which is crucial for planning any structural changes. This approach helps architects and engineers understand the full scope of the construction project with minimal disruption to the community.
Security Systems
Businesses typically have a site survey conducted when implementing a security system to assess the property's perimeter and identify vulnerable entry points and natural surveillance opportunities. Inside the building, surveyors map out optimal locations for security cameras to ensure maximum coverage with minimal blind spots.
Hydrocarbon Exploration
In the oil and gas industry, site surveys are the first step in the exploration and drilling process. These involve a detailed analysis of drilling sites using advanced techniques like seismic imaging to map subsurface geological structures and identify potential oil and gas reservoirs. The data gathered from these site surveys helps oil companies determine where to drill, how to approach the drilling process, and what environmental precautions need to be taken.
Plan Your Network Upgrade With a Site Survey From TailWind
At the end of the day, site surveys are about setting your business up for success. By thoroughly understanding your space and needs, you can build a network infrastructure that not only meets your current requirements but is also ready for whatever the future might bring.
At TailWind, we understand the complexities of managing enterprise IT across multiple locations. Our experts have the experience to help you see your network projects through to the finish line, whether you need a simple upgrade or a complex conversion. Trust TailWind for these enterprise IT services and more:
- Asset Audits: We’ll provide a formal deliverable detailing everything on your site so you can execute your projects with confidence.
- Network Engineering: Our qualified network engineers can help your internal teams execute even the most complex multi-location projects.
- Project Management: We’ll help you plan, manage, and deploy special projects nationwide across every enterprise location.
Ready to tackle your network project? Reach out to TailWind today to get started.
Sources:
- https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/enterprise-networks/global-networking-trends.html#~digital-success
- https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/02/09/2604918/0/en/Asperitas-survey-Only-5-of-companies-claim-to-have-a-modern-IT-network.html
