Ekahau, the market leader in Wi-Fi site-survey tools and real-time location systems (RTLS), announced a new version of its Ekahau Mobile Survey  for the Android operating system. Ekahau Mobile Survey 2.0 introduces fully-featured site survey and heat-mapping capabilities for enterprise Wi-Fi networks, previously available only for laptop-based tools.

Ekahau Mobile Survey 2.0 is the industry’s first touch-operated enterprise-grade site survey tool designed for use on tablets and phones, making it easier and faster to use as compared to traditional competitive solutions in the market. For IT administrators and wireless engineers, this translates into faster, more efficient deployments and a simplified approach to troubleshooting and optimization of Wi-Fi networks. It also brings professional Wi-Fi verification and analysis into a price range suitable for administrators of small and medium-scale Wi-Fi networks.

Data gathered utilizing Mobile Survey 2.0 can be integrated with Ekahau Site Survey  (ESS), which is the leading laptop-based site survey and planning tool for Wi-Fi networks. The user can perform walk-through site surveys with a light-weight Android tablet or smart phone, and export the information to a laptop for more in-depth data and network analysis and reporting. Although recommended, Ekahau Site Survey is not required as all the features in Ekahau Mobile Survey 2.0 can be operated without ESS.

“Performing site surveys by carrying a laptop computer around for extended periods may not be ideal for some people. The touch-operated Ekahau Mobile Survey for Smartphones and tablets changes the way Wi-Fi networks are deployed.” said Jussi Kiviniemi, director of product marketing at Ekahau. “The operation could not be much simpler: import a floor plan image, or take a photo of the fire escape plan. Then walk around the area, tapping your location on the touch screen. You will immediately see the network infrastructure layout as well as coverage heatmaps on your tablet or phone.”

The key features of the previous Ekahau Mobile Survey are also present in version 2.0. These include:
– Active and passive on-the-spot network testing for data, voice and location tracking systems (RTLS)
– Touch-operated map view with wireless access point locations, configurations, and current status
– Continuous network monitoring, from the client device perspective, including error logging