There is no need to send somebody onsite. This is done by Zero Touch deployment. The sensor gets powered by PoE or external PWR Supply and connects initial via celluar network to the dashboard. From here it will get all its configuration like:
- LAN configs (802.1X, ...)
- WLAN Configs (EAP-XXX, PSK, Open Networks or Captive Portal, Band, SSID(s),...)
- You can configure tests on Wired and Wireless to internal or external services (VoIP, Skype, Office365, HTTP, iPerf, etc.)
This solution gives you way more flexibility and permanent testing of you network connectivity (base test will be Authentication, DHCP, DNS and Gateway connectivity). The sensor acts like a client and send you automatic warnings when a service is not working within you defined parameters.
Therfore in comparsion to clarity synthetics you will benefit by permanet testing, way more and granular tests and testresults, easy to use dashboard, too much to list...
The downsite of converting an AP into a sensor was that you losse coverage at testing time. With the sensor you have a dedicated piece of client to test with.
You do not need to place a UXI Sensor next to every AP. Best Practise will be to place them in critical locations. I guess the rule of thumb will be per 5 APs one Senor, but is is up to you how many you will place.
For me it makes more sense to place them where people complaining about bad WiFi or LAN experience. Here you can see on one view if the WiFi or LAN will be the cause or network services like DHCP, DNS or an application will be the source of the issue.
Best would be to contact your Aruba Sales Representive and get a Evaluation of UXI (User Experience Insight) to test within your own environment.