At the very least, create one WiFi heatmap before deploying a new access point or changing the configuration/location and one after. Create multiple WiFi heatmaps: Since WiFi heatmapper tools like NetSpot can create a comprehensive WiFi heatmap in just a couple of minutes, depending on the size of the surveyed area, you shouldn’t hesitate to create multiple WiFi heatmaps so that you have plenty of information upon which to base your decisions.

This is especially important when measuring the coverage of a mesh network, which may consist of dozens or even hundreds of wireless mesh nodes talking to one another.

Mark all AP locations: It may seem trivial, but experience tells us that people often forget to mark the exact locations of all access points when creating a WiFi heatmap, only to later struggle when interpreting the results.

Instead, measure during regular work hours so that you can see what the worst-case situation looks like. If you want to, for example, cover a large office with a strong WiFi signal, it makes little sense to measure after work, when everyone’s at home and there’s far less radio frequency interference.

Know when to measure: Your measurements should reflect real-life conditions as closely as possible.

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