What is an RF site survey and why is it important?

A radio frequency site survey is conducted before designing any new wireless network, DAS installation, or outdoor point-to-point link to gather the empirical data needed for accurate system design. During a passive survey, a technician walks the target area with a spectrum analyser and antenna to measure existing signal strengths from nearby base stations, identify potential interference sources, and document physical obstacles such as elevator shafts, concrete walls, and metallic structures that will affect signal propagation. This data is then used to validate or calibrate the propagation models used in the design phase.

An active RF site survey goes further by temporarily deploying access points or antenna nodes at proposed locations and measuring the resulting coverage using calibrated test equipment. This approach is particularly valuable for validating DAS designs in complex structures before committing to permanent cable installation. In South Africa, RF site surveys must account for the specific frequency bands licensed to the major network operators, as different frequencies propagate differently through building materials and have different susceptibility to interference from industrial and commercial equipment.

The deliverable from an RF site survey is a detailed report including heat maps showing signal strength across the survey area, spectrum plots identifying interference, link budget calculations for proposed antenna placements, and design recommendations specifying antenna types, mounting heights, and orientations. This documentation forms the technical basis for the installation design and provides the client with objective evidence that the proposed system will meet the specified coverage and performance targets. CT Communications uses calibrated test equipment and industry-standard propagation modelling software to produce survey reports that meet the requirements of mobile network operators for in-building DAS approvals.