Apparatus and method for planning and validating a wireless network

A method includes displaying an image associated with a site at which a wireless network is to be installed or modified. The method also includes identifying positions of multiple wireless devices within the image. Different ones of the wireless devices are configured to support different wireless protocols, and the wireless devices and their positions form at least part of a design of the wireless network. The method further includes displaying, within the image, at least one of: (i) estimated wireless coverage areas of the wireless devices, (ii) estimated wireless connectivity between the wireless devices, and (iii) estimated communication routes between the wireless devices. In addition, the method includes validating the design of the wireless network against one or more network criteria using at least one of the estimated wireless coverage areas, the estimated wireless connectivity, and the estimated communication routes.