What is the primary purpose of a validation survey?

Predicting AP placement before installation describes a predictive survey, which uses software modeling and floor plans rather than live RF measurements.

A validation (or post-deployment) survey measures actual signal strength, SNR, channel utilization, coverage boundaries, and throughput after APs are physically installed and configured. It confirms whether the as-built network satisfies the coverage, capacity, and application requirements defined in the design phase. Any gaps between the design and the deployed reality are identified and corrected at this stage.

Simulating wireless performance using CAD drawings is the definition of a passive or predictive survey tool workflow, not a validation survey.

Testing AP throughput in a lab environment is a controlled bench test and does not account for real-world RF conditions in the target facility.