As a subcontractor to Hewlett-Packard (HP), Vision Technologies (Vision) performed a predictive wireless survey and analysis for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This project encompassed 11 medical campuses in six states with a total survey are of 7.5 million square feet of floor space across 214 buildings. The methodology included analyzing the original CAD drawings and predicting the AP coverage and placement. Vision conducted on-site surveys to collect RF interference measurements and location photographs for all of the Data AP's. Specifically, Vision performed pre-installation spectrum audits for 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g) frequency band and 5.8 GHz (802.11a) frequency band using the Motorola LANPlanner wireless LAN assurance tool. This was done to establish a baseline WLAN traffic and interference measurement to augment predictive WLAN software modeling tools being used to survey the premises.

Each proposed access point (AP) location was specified using results from the predictive software survey being performed. For each proposed access point location specified, Vision (using the AirMagnet Spectrum Analyzer tool) performed spectrum audits for 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g) and 5.8 GHz (802.11a) frequency bands. Vision recorded data for at least 30 seconds at each AP location and saved results correlated to the proposed access point identifier and the exact parameters to record were determined by the HP Project Lead prior to commencement of the on-site survey. Vision also performed interference detection for 2.4 GHz band and 4-GHz-to-5-GHz frequency bands. Detection was performed, interfering devices were identified and classified, and digital photographs were taken at each specified access point location and catalogued.