Ekahau, a Wi-Fi site-survey leader, today announced a new version of its Ekahau Mobile Survey for the Android. The app works with Ekahau’s fully-featured site survey tool with heat-mapping capabilities for enterprise Wi-Fi networks which was previously available only for laptop-based tools.
Ekahau says the tool, designed for use on tablets and phones, is the industry’s first touch-operated, enterprise-grade site survey tool. IT administrators and wireless engineers can perform troubleshooting and optimization on Wi-Fi networks faster and easier.
Data gathered by Mobile Survey 2.0 can be integrated with Ekahau Site Survey (ESS), their laptop-based site survey and planning tool. The user can perform walk-through site surveys with a light-weight Android tablet or smart phone, and export the information to a laptop for more in-depth data and network analysis.
Ekahau Site Survey is not required, however, as all the features in Ekahau Mobile Survey 2.0 can be operated without ESS.
“Performing site surveys by carrying a laptop computer around for extended periods may not be ideal for some people. The touch-operated Ekahau Mobile Survey for Smartphones and tablets changes the way Wi-Fi networks are deployed.” said Jussi Kiviniemi, director of product marketing at Ekahau. “The operation could not be much simpler: import a floor plan image, or take a photo of the fire escape plan. Then walk around the area, tapping your location on the touch screen. You will immediately see the network infrastructure layout as well as coverage heatmapson your tablet or phone.”
It’s not cheap. Ekahau Mobile Survey 2.0 is now available from Ekahau and its distribution partners for $399.
An indoor navigation app from GAB uses Ekahau’s Real-Time Location System. In a shopping mall, it can guide you to your destination in real-time, even including Google Street View type assistance in selected locations.
A Wi-Fi site survey usually involves a walk-through to test for RF interference, and to identify optimum installation locations for access points. Currently, professional-level site survey applications exist primarily for Microsoft Windows.
Some of the market leaders include:
- AirMagnet Survey by AirMagnet
- Ekahau Site Survey by Ekahau
- TamoGraph Site Survey by TamoSoft
- Visiwave Site Survey by AZO Technologies
- WaveDeploy by Ixia (formerly VeriWave)
Ubiquity’s Airview, no longer being made, transformed a laptop into a powerful Spectrum Analyzer at a breakthrough price; just $39.
You might want to take a look at Wolf WiFi Pro on Android. It’s cheaper, and does not require the use of another program to work. Simply do your site survey on your tablet or phone and create heat maps, edge filters, channel maps, export reports all from the mobile device. http://www.wolfwifi.com
Left by jeremypogue on February 5th, 2012