User Manual

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Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows
OL-1394-06
Chapter 7 Performing Diagnostics
Running an RF Link Test
The Link Status Meter screen provides a graphical display of the following:
• Signal strength—The strength of the client adapter’s radio signal at the time packets are being
received. It is displayed as a percentage along the vertical axis.
• Signal quality—The quality of the client adapter’s radio signal at the time packets are being
received. It is displayed as a percentage along the horizontal axis.
The combined result of the signal strength and signal quality is represented by a diagonal line (see
Figure 7-5). Where the line falls on the graphical display determines whether the RF link between your
client adapter and its associated access point is poor, fair, good, or excellent. The name, IP address, and
MAC address of the access point that is associated to your client adapter are indicated at the bottom of
the display.
Note The access point name and IP address are shown only if the client adapter is in infrastructure mode, the
access point was configured with a name and an IP address, and Aironet Extensions are enabled (on
access points running Cisco IOS release 12.2(4)JA or greater).
Note The access point MAC address is shown only if the client adapter is in infrastructure mode. This field
displays the MAC address of the access point’s Ethernet port (for access points that do not run Cisco
IOS) or the MAC address of the access point’s radio (for access points that run Cisco IOS). The MAC
address of the Ethernet port on access points that run Cisco IOS is printed on a label on the back of the
device.
Note ACU’s Status screen also shows signal strength and signal quality. However on the Status screen, these
data are represented by histograms.
If you want to see a recent history of the RF performance between your client adapter and its associated
access point, check the Show History check box on the Aironet Client Utility Preferences screen. Black
dots on the graphical display show the performance of the last 50 signals.
Running an RF Link Test
ACU’s link test tool sends out pings to assess the performance of the RF link. The test is designed to be
performed multiple times at various locations throughout your area and is run at the data rate set on
ACU’s RF Network Properties screen (see the Data Rate parameter in Table 5-3). The results of the link
test can be used to determine RF network coverage and ultimately the required number and placement
of access points in your network. The test also helps you to avoid areas where performance is weak,
thereby eliminating the risk of losing the connection between your client adapter and its associated
access point.
Because the link test operates above the RF level, it does more than test the RF link between two network
devices. It also checks the status of wired sections of the network and verifies that TCP/IP and the proper
drivers have been loaded.