Which tool is recommended for conducting a wireless site survey to visualize signal strength and range?

The recommended tool for conducting a wireless site survey to visualize signal strength and range is Ekahau HeatMapper. This software is specifically designed to assist network professionals in mapping and analyzing Wi-Fi networks. It provides visual representations of Wi-Fi coverage, signal strength, and interference, allowing users to identify areas with weak or overlapping signals. By using heat maps, network engineers can make informed decisions about access point placement and optimize Wi-Fi coverage for users. This capability is essential for ensuring effective wireless network performance, which is critical in environments with numerous devices and varying signal requirements.

Other tools mentioned have different primary functions. For instance, Wireshark is primarily a packet analysis tool used for network troubleshooting and monitoring rather than specifically for site surveys. Ping Plotter is focused on visualizing network paths and latency, making it useful for diagnosing connectivity issues but not for visualizing Wi-Fi signal strength. Nmap is a network scanning tool primarily used for security assessments and device discovery within networks, which does not assist in performing wireless site surveys. Thus, the features and functionality of Ekahau HeatMapper make it the ideal choice for visualizing wireless networks and their coverage.