What process should a network engineer complete to ensure access points are properly positioned?

The process of conducting a site survey is essential for ensuring that access points are optimally positioned within a network. During a site survey, a network engineer will evaluate the physical environment where the network will operate. This includes assessing the layout of the building, identifying potential obstacles such as walls and floors that can impede signal quality, and considering other sources of interference that could affect connectivity.

The site survey helps in determining the most effective locations for the access points to maximize coverage and minimize dead spots throughout the area. This process can involve both pre-installation surveys, using predictive modeling tools, and post-installation validations, where actual measurements are taken to fine-tune the positioning.

While other options like network assessment, performance testing, and signal strength analysis are valuable in their own right, they serve different purposes. A network assessment focuses on evaluating the current state of the network rather than planning access point placement. Performance testing measures how well the network performs once it is operational, while signal strength analysis typically assesses existing signals rather than predicting optimal placements for new ones. Thus, the site survey is the most comprehensive and directly relevant method for ensuring access points are positioned for effective coverage and connectivity.