Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] N analysis tool

[Rick Brown]

Title: [WIRELESS-LAN] N analysis tool

We did some testing with the Fluke Aircheck and compared them to readings taken with netstumbler,  wi-spy, Cisco site survey, and several phones and tablets loaded with various software apps. We found that the Aircheck consistently read 15-20 dbm better than the other devices.  If you're simply doing troubleshooting they are great devices.  If you're using them for manual designs I'd be wary.  The last thing I'd want to do is think I'm designing a -67dbm cell and find that in reality my border is really sitting at -82dbm.  I've heard that they're dumbing them down so to speak so they tend to match signal levels of typical design tools.  Rick On 4/28/2011 2:25 PM, Steve Hess wrote: Sorry to hijack but does anyone have experience using Fluke's AirCheck tester? Steve Lee H Badman wrote: Brian,   While thrift is generally good, I’d recommend investing in at least one instance of a commercial-quality analyzer along the lines of AirMagnet Pro. There’s merit to having a few of the great free tools out there (I’m a fan of Xirrus’s free wireless tool and Meraki’s browser-based utility), but these are only as good as the machine that you run them from and so can provide a range of results. With one “real” tool, you get a reliable perspective and eyes into anything you’d ever have to worry about.   Given the growing importance of wireless, shoestring support only goes so far any more. At the same time, you don’t have to go broke buying a decent support platform either.   Cheers-   Lee   Lee H. Badman Wireless/Network Engineer Information Technology and Services Adjunct Instructor, iSchool Syracuse University 315 443-3003     From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Kellogg, Brian D. Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2011 11:04 AM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] N analysis tool   We will be starting the process to move from A/B/G to N access points this summer.  I do not have any hardware to do N analysis with presently.  Any recommendations for cheap devices/laptops and software to use for this purpose?  I've looked at the Metageek Wi-Spy device and software, but wondering what other cheap alternatives others are using for spectrum analysis, signal strength, and such. Thanks, Brian ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1209 / Virus Database: 1500/3602 - Release Date: 04/28/11 ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. -- ----------------------------- Steve Hess Network Administrator Wheaton College Phone: 508-286-3404 Fax: 508-286-8270 ----------------------------- ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. -- ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.