Wi-Fi Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

Solve Wi-Fi Problems and Compute the Best Wi-Fi Channel

IMMI Technology & Wi-Fi Channel Analysis

Optimize Performance By Using The Best Wi-Fi Channel

When troubleshooting an 802.11 network it is not possible to predict how it will behave when you are armed solely with RF measurements. This is why we focus on performance metrics and IMMI (Indirect Measurement of Microwave Interference) technology -- because they more accurately predict how your wireless network will actually perform.

Though RF spectrum analysis remains a popular tool for troubleshooting interference-related problems, IMMI technology holds greater promise since it excels at computing the best Wi-Fi channel -- that is, the channel with the greatest available bandwidth and least affected by RF interference from other wireless devices.

Wi-Fi Connection & Performance Analysis

Ultimately, the bottom line for any network (wired or wireless) comes down to throughput performance -- that is, how many bytes-per-sec can be transferred from one node on the network to another. The dBm and RSSI values that are often referred to in the context of wireless networks don't mean much if you can't somehow relate them to a quantifiable performance metric.

Before we can really begin to troubleshoot a wireless network we need a way to benchmark its performance, so as modifications are made we can determine whether or not they really make a difference in the network's performance. A connection analysis tool allows you to directly compare the performance and reliability of different combinations of 802.11 adapters and access points, their locations, antenna orientations, etc.

802.11 Channel Analysis (IMMI)

Today, one of the hottest topics discussed by Wi-Fi infrastructure manufacturers is "using the infrastructure to troubleshoot the infrastructure". That is -- using 802.11 devices to troubleshoot an 802.11 network. Channel analysis is a new technique. A channel analyzer uses 802.11 hardware to perform data acquisition -- hence, the results truly reflect how RF interference in the local environment affects throughput performance of 802.11 channels.

This is not possible using an RF spectrum analyzer. By virtue of the fact an 802.11 channel analyzer views the RF world through the eyes of an 802.11 device, then the diagnostic information it provides more closely mirrors the performance you can expect from your own 802.11 client adapters. This makes it easier to troubleshoot and fix problems and allows you to make better-informed decisions regarding how best to configure your wireless network and select the best Wi-Fi channel for optimal throughput performance.

RF Spectrum Analysis & Interference Detection

An RF spectrum analyzer is the instrument of choice for detecting and identifying sources of RF interference. Spectrum analyzers are a basic tool used for observing radio frequency (RF) signals. Since they detect all RF transmissions (both 802.11 and non-802.11) then they provide a much better picture of the RF environment. This may then help you identify and, perhaps, locate devices that could be interfering with your WiFi network.

Network Discovery / Wi-Fi Scanning

An 802.11 network discovery tool will report the Service Set Identifier (SSID) for each access point it detects, along with the channel used by the AP. Approximately every 100 mSec an AP transmits a small beacon packet and a discovery tool detects the beacon and adds the packet information to its list of known access points. In addition, the discovery utility may report signal strength of the beacon as detected by the client adapter.

Control The Source of Transmissions And Generate Wireless Traffic

AirHORN is a unique, PC-based product that aids in testing Wi-Fi antennas, RF shields and wireless networks. It is an RF signal generator that covers the 2.4x and 5.x GHz ISM bands and was designed for microwave and RF applications. AirHORN transmits stable and accurate RF signals for each of the Wi-Fi (802.11) channels and is ideal for research and development of antenna design.

A signal generation system is key to any test system – AirHORN can be used for rapid evaluation of receiver performances. Combined with an RF spectrum analyzer, you now have the tools to locate "dead spots" in any locale where a Wi-Fi network is installed.

802.11 Packet Injector & Wi-Fi Testing

WifiCopper is a unique, PC-based product that aids in testing WiFi wireless networks. It is used to create wireless traffic on a particular channel and at a known level (i.e. packets / sec) and size (i.e. bytes / packet) without the need of the client adapter associating with an access point. This makes it much easier to measure the quality of the transmission and reception performance on a particular 802.11 channel.

Diagnostic & Production Access Point

WifiBuilder is the industry's first diagnostic and production Wi-Fi access point. A new type of wireless network tool that excels at determining your wireless network's best channel. WifiBuilder is both a diagnostic tool AND a high-end, dual-band, 802.11N access point. Use it in diagnostic mode for troubleshooting and detecting RF interference that cripples the performance of your Wi-Fi network (using IMMI technology it computes which channel has the greatest available bandwidth). Or use it in production mode, configure the WifiBuilder access point to use the best channel for optimal performance and leave it in place -- for use as your normal AP.

CONNECTION ANALYSIS
CHANNEL ANALYSIS
RF SPECTRUM ANALYSIS
NETWORK DISCOVERY

With wireless systems it is very difficult to predict the propagation of radio waves and detect the presence of interfering signals without the use of test equipment. Radio waves don’t travel the same distance in all directions — instead walls, doors, elevator shafts, people, and other obstacles offer varying degrees of attenuation, which cause the Radio Frequency (RF) radiation pattern to be irregular and unpredictable. In order to achieve optimal reliability and throughput for your Wi-Fi (802.11) wireless network it is necessary to measure sources of interference that impact negatively on its performance.

Until recently there have been two primary techniques employed to troubleshoot wireless networks — network discovery and RF spectrum analysis. Network discovery is also commonly referred to as network site survey and Wi-Fi scanning. In addition to supporting network discovery and RF spectrum analysis, we have introduced innovative tools that broaden the range of troubleshooting techniques currently available. These new strategies are ‘Wi-Fi Channel Analysis’ and ‘Connection Performance Analysis’.

Strategies for troubleshooting WiFi network

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