Users Guide
Dell PowerConnect W-Series Instant Access Point 6.2.0.0-3.2.0.0 | User Guide 97 | Spectrum Monitor
Chapter 7
Spectrum Monitor
Wireless networks operate in environments with electrical and radio frequency devices that can
interfere with network communications. Microwave ovens, cordless phones, and even adjacent Wi-
Fi networks are all potential sources of continuous or intermittent interference. The spectrum
monitor software modules on W-IAPs that support this feature are able to examine the radio
frequency (RF) environment in which the Wi-Fi network is operating, identify interference and
classify its sources. An analysis of the results can then be used to quickly isolate issues with packet
transmission, channel quality, and traffic congestion caused by contention with other devices
operating in the same band or channel.
Spectrum monitors (SMs
)
are W-IAP radios that gather spectrum data but do not service clients.
Each SM scans and analyzes the spectrum band used by the SM's radio (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). An
AP radio in
hybrid AP
mode continues to serve clients as an access point while it analyzes spectrum
analysis data for the channel the radio uses to serve clients. You can record data for both types of
spectrum monitor devices. However, the recorded spectrum is not reported to the Virtual
Controller. A spectrum alert is sent to the VC when a non Wi-Fi interference device is detected.
The spectrum monitor is supported on W-IAP104, W-IAP105, W-IAP134, and W-IAP135 radios.
Creating Spectrum Monitors and Hybrid APs
AW-IAP can be provisioned to function as a spectrum monitor or as a hybrid W-IAP. The radios
on groups of APs can be converted to dedicated spectrum monitors or hybrid APs via the AP
group’s 802.11a and 802.11g radio profiles.
Converting W-IAPs into Hybrid W-IAPs
You can convert all W-IAPs in an Instant network into a hybrid W-IAPs by selecting the
Background spectrum monitoring option in the DellW-Instant network’s 802.11a and 802.11g
radio profiles. APs in Access Mode continue to provide normal access service to clients, while
providing the additional function of monitoring RF interference. If any W-IAP in the W-Instant
network does not support the spectrum monitoring feature, that AP continues to function as a
standard W-IAP, rather than a hybrid W-IAP. By default, the background spectrum monitoring
option is disabled. In the hybrid mode, spectrum monitoring is performed only on the home
channel.
Follow the procedure below to convert W-IAPs in an DellW-Instant network to hybrid mode:
1. Click the RF link at the top right corner of the Dell W-Series Instant UI.
2. Click Show advanced options to view the Radio tab.