Installation Instructions

F-3
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows
OL-1394-06
Appendix F Performing a Site Survey
Specifying Signal Strength Units
• Obstructions—A physical obstruction such as metal shelving or a steel pillar can hinder the
performance of wireless devices. Avoid placing these devices in a location where a metal barrier is
between the sending and receiving antennas.
• Building materials—Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building material used in
construction. For example, drywall construction allows greater range than concrete blocks, and
metal or steel construction is a barrier to radio signals.
Note Refer to the documentation for your infrastructure device for additional information on factors affecting
placement.
Specifying Signal Strength Units
Follow the steps below to specify how signal strength units are displayed on the site survey screens.
Step 1 Open ACU.
Step 2 Click the Preferences icon or select Preferences from the Options drop-down menu. The Aironet Client
Utility Preferences screen appears.
Step 3 Under Signal Strength Display Units, select one of the following options:
• Percent—Displays the signal strength as a percentage.
• dBm—Displays the signal strength in decibels with respect to milliwatts.
Step 4 Click OK to save your changes.
Using Passive Mode
Step 1 Open ACU; then click the Site Survey icon or select Site Survey from the Commands drop-down menu.
The Site Survey - Passive Mode screen appears, provided a client adapter is installed in your computer
and is running.
Figure F-1 shows the Site Survey - Passive Mode screen with the signal strength values displayed as
percentages, and Figure F-2 shows the top of the same screen with the signal strength values displayed
in dBm.
Note The name of the current profile appears in parentheses at the top of the screen.