Helium Networks' Wireless Recon platform provides both site survey (mapping) and design tools for the deployment and/or optimization of a Wireless LAN. The two-component platform consists of a hardware cart that can be rolled throughout the facility, and mapping and analysis software that can be loaded onto a Wi-Fi enabled Windows (2000/XP) laptop computer.

Called SiteScout, the hardware cart can be collapsed to a size of 21" x 14" x 9.5". When expanded, the cart accommodates a customer-supplied laptop computer (with a customer-supplied Wi-Fi card, 802.11 a/b/g supported) at the top, and can be rolled throughout the facility allowing for the automated mapping of the WLAN area. The laptop on the cart is in turn loaded with the vendor's SiteSense mapping and analysis software. During the survey phase of the WLAN design, the two components work in tandem: as the cart is rolled throughout the facility, the wheels automatically transmit positioning (physical location) and direction data to the laptop; while the SiteSense software on the laptop additionally collects signal strength data through its Wi-Fi card. The signal strength and physical positioning data is then automatically correlated by the software with the result being a color-coded (green, yellow, red) site survey map that can then be examined and manipulated through the software by the WLAN administrator in order to determine the optimal design of the WLAN layout.

Using the generated survey map, the administrator can see the relative signal strength for each AP or groups of APs on the WLAN. Drag and drop support then allows the administrator to perform "what-if" analysis, including virtually moving access points from location to location and examining the resulting coverage, and virtually turning off an access point or changing its power settings. Once completed, optimized frequency channel assignments for the APs can then be automatically determined by the software.

An additional feature is the ability to generate wireless network design or audit reports in Microsoft Word or HTML. According to the vendor, building floor plans or layouts are not necessary; since the SiteScout cart is able to automatically track physical location as it is moved throughout the WLAN area.

Wireless Recon is available now, base pricing is $4,495. A free 14-day demo version of SiteSense is available through the vendor's Web site, which includes a pre-loaded demo site survey file (to create your own site survey requires a platform purchase).

Contact Helium Networks for further information.