Using the Wall tool and/or the Attenuation tool in Planner

The Wall Tool will add specific dB drop values for each wall drawn on the map. Drawing in each individual wall would be the most accurate way to represent the dB drop affecting the signal strength.

The Attenuation Tool is for ease of use to cover an entire area rather than drawing individual walls on the map. If using the Attenuation Tool, the type (i.e: cubicle) selected is represented by an index value. The index value represents a scaled degradation of signal from where the AP is located. It's an algorithm used to calculate what the signal strength would be at a given distance from the AP in a cubicle area. The greater the index value, the greater the dB drop.

Planner is an estimation tool to be used as a reference and should be followed up by an actual survey of the area using a test AP. 

Find more information regarding Attenuation Index and dB Drop in the User Guide which is loaded with the application: 
    Start > All Programs > AirMagnet Survey > User Guide 
        
Understanding the dB Drop 

While the dB drop value of a wall works similarly to the attenuation index used for areas, the values are quite different. A wall’s dB drop refers to the drop in strength a signal experiences when passing through the object. This value is measured in dB; users can enter their own wall types and easily find the dB drop for the wall. To do so, simply measure signal strength on each side of the wall (using AirMagnet Survey, for example) and calculate the difference between the two sides. The resulting difference is the wall’s dB drop value. To add a custom wall, use the Planner Object Manager which can be found on the Planner Page via the File menu.

Understanding the Attenuation Index 

An area’s attenuation index refers to the rate of signal degradation experienced by RF traffic as it moves across the area. A larger value corresponds to a greater drop in signal strength; thus, an elevator shaft has a significantly higher index than a cubicle. It is important to note that while a higher attenuation index indicates a greater drop, this value is not identical to a dB drop value, nor is it a percentage.