Protocol analyzer Manual RF site surveys are conducted on the customer's premise and allow Wi-Fi engineers to gather information to properly deploy a Wi-Fi network. When on-site, engineers can use protocol analyzers for network discovery and identification. Understanding the PHY type (802.11a/b/g/n), signal strength, and operating channel of nearby networks can help Wi-Fi site survey professionals to use channel plans and power settings that avoid performance problems and interference with nearby networks.