Revised 08/2019
Copyright © 2016 NetAlly. All rights reserved.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
®
Wi-Fi
is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
™
AirCheck
Wireless Tester
User Manual
G2
LEGAL NOTIFICATION
Use of this product is subject to the End User License Agreement available at http://NetAlly.com/terms-and-conditions or which
accompanies the product at the time of shipment or, if applicable, the legal agreement executed by and between NetAlly and the
purchaser of this product.
Open-Source Software Acknowledgment: This product may incorporate open-source components. NetAlly will make available
open-source code components of this product, if any, at Link-Live.com/OpenSource.
NetAlly reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to make changes at any time in its technical information, specifications, service,
and support programs.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................1
Link-Live Cloud Service ....................................................................................................................................................1
AirCheck G2 Manager ......................................................................................................................................................2
About this Manual ............................................................................................................................................................2
Register Your Product ......................................................................................................................................................2
The NetAlly Website .........................................................................................................................................................3
Safety Information ............................................................................................................................................................3
Package Contents .............................................................................................................................................................5
Internal Battery Charging and Life .................................................................................................................................5
2. AirCheck G2 Tester Physical Features ......................................................................................................6
3. The AirCheck G2 Home Screen .................................................................................................................7
4. Discovering Networks and Access Points ................................................................................................9
The Networks List Screen ................................................................................................................................................10
How to: Search for Ad-Hoc networks ............................................................................................................................................12
The Network Details Screen ............................................................................................................................................12
The Access Points List Screen .........................................................................................................................................14
The Access Point Details Screen .....................................................................................................................................17
Troubleshoot: If the Tester Does Not Discover an Access Point or Network ............................................................20
i
5. Viewing Channel Usage ............................................................................................................................. 21
The Channels Utilization Screen ....................................................................................................................................21
The Select Channel Screen ..............................................................................................................................................23
The Channel Details Screen ............................................................................................................................................ 24
The Channels Overlap Screen ........................................................................................................................................25
6. Discovering Clients ..................................................................................................................................... 27
The Client List Screen ......................................................................................................................................................27
The Client Details Screen ................................................................................................................................................ 29
Troubleshoot: If the Tester Does Not Discover a Client .............................................................................................. 31
7. Detecting Interferers .................................................................................................................................32
The Interferer Events List Screen ................................................................................................................................... 32
The Interferer Event Details Screen ...............................................................................................................................34
8. Using AutoTest to Diagnose Your Network Health ................................................................................ 36
Adding Comments .................................................................................................................................................................. 36
AutoTest Air Quality .........................................................................................................................................................37
802.11 Utilization .................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Non-802.11 Utilization ........................................................................................................................................................... 37
Co-Channel Interference ....................................................................................................................................................... 39
Adjacent Channel Interference ............................................................................................................................................. 39
Rogue Access Points Test ................................................................................................................................................39
AutoTest Network Tests ..................................................................................................................................................40
How to: Run Network Tests as part of AutoTest .......................................................................................................................... 40
Network Quality Results ........................................................................................................................................................ 41
Connection Test Results ........................................................................................................................................................ 42
IP Address Result .................................................................................................................................................................... 43
ii
Captive Portal Result .............................................................................................................................................................. 43
Target Test Results ................................................................................................................................................................. 43
9. Testing Ethernet for Access Point Backhaul ........................................................................................... 45
The Ethernet Test Results Screen .................................................................................................................................. 45
10. Companion Services .................................................................................................................................. 47
Introduction to Link-Live Cloud Service ........................................................................................................................47
Getting Started in Link-Live Cloud Service ....................................................................................................................47
How to: Claim the AirCheck G2 to Link-Live .................................................................................................................................47
Getting Started with the AirCheck G2 Manager PC Application ................................................................................. 48
11. Customizing the Tester for your Network .............................................................................................. 50
Using Profiles to Manage Settings and Security Credentials ...................................................................................... 50
How to: Save the current settings as a Profile on the AirCheck G2 Tester ................................................................................51
How to: Load a Profile that is saved in the AirCheck G2 Tester .................................................................................................52
How to: Transfer a Profile from a PC to the Tester ..................................................................................................................... 53
How to: Delete a Profile on the Tester ..........................................................................................................................................53
How to: Upload a Profile to Link-Live ........................................................................................................................................... 53
Entering Network Security Credentials .........................................................................................................................54
How to: Enter credentials from the Networks or Access Points list ........................................................................................... 54
How to: Enter credentials in the Settings menu ..........................................................................................................................55
How to: Enter credentials in AirCheck G2 Manager ....................................................................................................................55
Adjusting the Test Thresholds ........................................................................................................................................56
How to: Change the Thresholds on the Tester ............................................................................................................................. 57
Changing the Location Settings and Language ............................................................................................................57
How to: Change the Location Settings .......................................................................................................................................... 57
iii
How to: Change the Language on the Tester ...............................................................................................................................57
12. Verifying Connectivity and Coverage .......................................................................................................58
Defining Ping and TCP Port Open Test Targets ............................................................................................................58
How to: Add a new network Test Target .......................................................................................................................................58
Running a Connect to Network or Connect to AP Test ............................................................................................... 60
Reviewing Connect to Network or AP Results ..............................................................................................................61
Connection Established ......................................................................................................................................................... 61
IP Address ................................................................................................................................................................................ 61
Captive Portal .......................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Target Tests ............................................................................................................................................................................. 62
Reviewing User-Defined Test Target Results ................................................................................................................64
Next Steps .........................................................................................................................................................................65
13. Locating an Access Point, Client, or Interferer ....................................................................................... 66
How to: Locate an AP, Client, or Interferer ................................................................................................................................... 66
How to: Search using the Internal Antennas ...............................................................................................................................67
The Locate AP Screen ......................................................................................................................................................68
The Locate Client Screen .................................................................................................................................................69
The Locate Interferer Screen .......................................................................................................................................... 71
Using the External Directional Antenna ........................................................................................................................ 72
How to: Use the external antenna to locate ................................................................................................................................72
14. Performing a Network Roaming Test and AP Range Test ..................................................................... 75
The Network Roaming Test ............................................................................................................................................75
How to: Start a Roaming test ......................................................................................................................................................... 75
How to: Select a custom test target ..............................................................................................................................................75
The Roaming Test Screen ................................................................................................................................................75
iv
The Access Point Range Test ..........................................................................................................................................78
How to: Start a Range Test ............................................................................................................................................................. 78
How to: Select a custom test target ..............................................................................................................................................78
The AP Range Test Screen ...............................................................................................................................................79
15. Conducting iPerf Performance Testing ................................................................................................... 81
How to: Run an iPerf test ............................................................................................................................................................... 81
The Select iPerf Server Screen ........................................................................................................................................ 81
Available iPerf Remotes List .................................................................................................................................................. 83
How to: Discover a Test Accessory using the Ethernet Test ........................................................................................................83
Reviewing iPerf Test Results ...........................................................................................................................................84
Results Always Included ......................................................................................................................................................... 84
TCP only Results ...................................................................................................................................................................... 85
UDP only Results ..................................................................................................................................................................... 85
16. Saving Test Sessions, Packet Captures, and Screenshots ..................................................................... 86
Saving Session Files and Packet Captures .................................................................................................................... 86
How to: Save a Test Session ........................................................................................................................................................... 86
How to: Save a Packet Capture with a Session File .....................................................................................................................87
Creating a Standalone Packet Capture ..........................................................................................................................88
Saving Screenshot Image Files .......................................................................................................................................91
Link-Live Upload Options ...................................................................................................................................................... 91
17. Managing Files on the AirCheck G2 Tester ............................................................................................. 93
How to: Rename or Delete a File ...................................................................................................................................................93
How to: Export files to a USB drive ............................................................................................................................................... 94
How to: Upload Files to Link-Live ..................................................................................................................................................94
v
How to: View available memory on the Tester ............................................................................................................................95
Using the Remote Interface ............................................................................................................................................ 95
Managing Profiles and Sessions on a PC using AirCheck G2 Manager .....................................................................96
How to: Transfer and view test sessions with AirCheck G2 Manager ........................................................................................96
How to: Transfer and view Profiles with AirCheck G2 Manager ................................................................................................97
How to: Load the latest list of vendor prefixes into the Tester ..................................................................................................97
18. All AirCheck G2 Settings ............................................................................................................................98
Profiles ............................................................................................................................................................................... 98
Networks ........................................................................................................................................................................... 98
How to: Add a network and configure network settings ............................................................................................................98
How to: Edit a network ................................................................................................................................................................... 99
How to: Delete a network ...............................................................................................................................................................99
Access Points ....................................................................................................................................................................99
How to: Add an AP and configure AP settings .............................................................................................................................99
How to: Edit an AP ..........................................................................................................................................................................99
How to: Delete an AP ......................................................................................................................................................................100
Link-Live Settings ............................................................................................................................................................. 100
How to: Configure Link-Live Settings for Web Proxy ...................................................................................................................101
802.11 Settings ................................................................................................................................................................. 102
Thresholds ........................................................................................................................................................................ 106
Interferer Settings ............................................................................................................................................................109
AutoTest Settings .............................................................................................................................................................109
How to: Configure AutoTest settings .............................................................................................................................................109
Test Targets ......................................................................................................................................................................110
How to: Add a User-Defined Test Target ......................................................................................................................................111
vi
Ethernet Settings ..............................................................................................................................................................112
How to: Configure a Test Target for Ethernet Tests ..................................................................................................................... 112
iPerf Settings .....................................................................................................................................................................113
Capture .............................................................................................................................................................................. 113
Manage Files .....................................................................................................................................................................113
Manage Certificates ......................................................................................................................................................... 113
Device Settings .................................................................................................................................................................114
Location Settings ..............................................................................................................................................................115
About ................................................................................................................................................................................. 116
19. Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................... 117
Cleaning the Tester ..........................................................................................................................................................117
Updating the AirCheck G2 Firmware .............................................................................................................................118
How to: Update Firmware over Link-Live .....................................................................................................................................118
How to: Update Firmware using AirCheck G2 Manager .............................................................................................................118
Exporting a Troubleshooting Log ................................................................................................................................... 118
Restoring Factory Defaults ..............................................................................................................................................119
Viewing Device Information ............................................................................................................................................ 119
Troubleshoot: If the Tester Will Not Turn Off ...............................................................................................................119
20. Specifications and Compliance ................................................................................................................ 120
Environmental Specifications .........................................................................................................................................120
General Specifications .....................................................................................................................................................121
Wireless Specifications ....................................................................................................................................................122
Wi-Fi Antennas ........................................................................................................................................................................ 123
Wi-Fi Adapter ........................................................................................................................................................................... 124
Certifications and Compliance .......................................................................................................................................127
vii
Federal Communication Commission and Industry Canada Interference Statement ............................................ 128
Important Note: FCC and IC Radiation Exposure Statement ......................................................................................129
Exposure to RF Energy ..................................................................................................................................................... 129
Regulatory Statements ....................................................................................................................................................131
Appendix A: Quick Reference: Examining your Network Health ................................................................. 132
How is my Network Quality? ...........................................................................................................................................132
What is in the Wireless Environment? ........................................................................................................................... 134
Can Devices Connect to My Network? ........................................................................................................................... 135
What is Causing Slow Network Performance or Dropped Connections? .................................................................137
Are There Security Risks in My Network? ...................................................................................................................... 137
Where is an Access Point? ............................................................................................................................................... 138
What Networks or Access Points Come into Range as I Move? .................................................................................138
How Can I Document My Network and My Test Session? .......................................................................................... 138
viii
List of Figures
Figure Page
1. AirCheck G2 Physical Features ...................................................................................................................................6
2. AirCheck G2 Home Screen..........................................................................................................................................7
3. Networks List Screen...................................................................................................................................................10
4. Possible Ad-Hoc Network............................................................................................................................................12
5. Networks Sorted by Client Count...............................................................................................................................12
6. Network Details Screen...............................................................................................................................................12
7. Access Points List .........................................................................................................................................................15
8. Select BSSID to View AP Details..................................................................................................................................17
9. Access Point Details Screen ........................................................................................................................................17
10. Channels Utilization Screen........................................................................................................................................21
11. Select Channel Screen.................................................................................................................................................23
12. Channel Details Screen ...............................................................................................................................................24
13. Combined Channel Utilization ...................................................................................................................................25
14. Channels Overlap Screen............................................................................................................................................26
15. Clients List Screen........................................................................................................................................................27
16. Client Details Screen....................................................................................................................................................30
17. Interferer Events List Screen ......................................................................................................................................33
18. Interferer Event Details Screen ..................................................................................................................................35
19. AutoTest Air Quality Results Screen ..........................................................................................................................37
ix
20. 802.11 Channel Utilization Results ............................................................................................................................37
21. Air Quality Combined Utilization................................................................................................................................38
22. Air Quality Co-Channel and Adjacent Channel Interference Results.....................................................................38
23. Rogue Access Points Test............................................................................................................................................39
24. AutoTest Settings Screen ............................................................................................................................................40
25. AutoTest Network Tests ..............................................................................................................................................41
26. AutoTest Network Quality...........................................................................................................................................41
27. AutoTest Network Connection Test Results .............................................................................................................42
28. AutoTest Network Test IP and Test Targets..............................................................................................................43
29. Ethernet Test Screen ...................................................................................................................................................45
30. Successful Link-Live Upload Field ..............................................................................................................................48
31. Session Data > Networks in AirCheck G2 Manager .................................................................................................49
32. Settings Menu Screen..................................................................................................................................................50
33. Settings > Profiles Menu .............................................................................................................................................51
34. Profiles > Save As .........................................................................................................................................................52
35. Network Details Screen...............................................................................................................................................54
36. Configured Networks in Settings ...............................................................................................................................55
37. AutoTest Air Quality Results Screen ..........................................................................................................................56
38. Thresholds Screen .......................................................................................................................................................57
39. Settings > Test Targets Screen ...................................................................................................................................59
40. Configure Target Screen .............................................................................................................................................59
41. The Connect to Network Test (In Progress)..............................................................................................................60
42. Connect to AP Test Results .........................................................................................................................................61
43. Captive Portal ...............................................................................................................................................................62
44. Connect to AP Test Results Continued......................................................................................................................63
45. Connection Test Target Results..................................................................................................................................64
46. Completed Connect to AP Screen..............................................................................................................................65
47. Search Pattern for the Omni-directional Antennas in the Tester ..........................................................................67
x
48. Locate Access Point Screen ........................................................................................................................................68
49. Locate Client Screen ....................................................................................................................................................69
50. Locate Screen Connection Lost/Recovered ..............................................................................................................70
51. Locate Interferer Screen .............................................................................................................................................71
52. Search Pattern for the External Antenna..................................................................................................................73
53. How to Point the External Antenna ...........................................................................................................................74
54. Network Roaming Test Screen...................................................................................................................................76
55. Roaming Test Ping Stats..............................................................................................................................................76
56. Roaming Test Connection Range...............................................................................................................................77
57. AP Range Test Screen..................................................................................................................................................79
58. AP Range Test Connection Range Graph ..................................................................................................................80
59. Select iPerf Server Screen ...........................................................................................................................................81
60. Touch to Select an iPerf Server ..................................................................................................................................82
61. iPerf Test TCP Results..................................................................................................................................................84
62. Save Session Screen ....................................................................................................................................................86
63. Capture Screen (Setup) ...............................................................................................................................................89
64. Capture Screen (Finished/Stopped)...........................................................................................................................90
65. Save Screen...................................................................................................................................................................91
66. Manage Files Screen....................................................................................................................................................93
67. Transfer Sessions Button............................................................................................................................................96
68. Transfer Sessions Dialog Box .....................................................................................................................................96
69. oui_abbr.txt File............................................................................................................................................................97
70. Settings Menu Screen..................................................................................................................................................98
71. Link-Live Settings Screen.............................................................................................................................................100
72. Test Targets Screen .....................................................................................................................................................110
xi
1. INTRODUCTION
AirCheck™ G2 Wireless Tester
The AirCheck™ G2 Wireless Tester is a portable tool for
verifying network availability and performance and
troubleshooting connection issues. Networking and IT
professionals can, for example, use the AirCheck G2 Tester
to ensure that 802.11 wireless LANs are available to mobile
users or examine channel usage to identify the source of
problems.
The AirCheck G2 Tester operates on 802.11b/g/n/ax
networks in the 2.4-GHz band and 802.11a/n/ac/ax networks
in the 5-GHz band. It offers the following test types:
The high-level discovery screens for Networks, Access
Points, Clients, and Interferers show an overview of the
devices that AirCheck G2 has detected on your network.
From the discovery screens, you can touch any network
or device’s name to view its detailed connections and
measurements.
The Channels utilization screen allows you to examine
in-depth the usage for all channels in your network.
AutoTest provides a comprehensive summary of your
Wi-Fi Air Quality and Network Quality at the current
time and location.
The wired Ethernet Test measures PoE voltage and link
speed and indicates whether the Tester can connect to
network and user-defined targets.
The Locate function helps you physically find access
points, clients, and interferers.
Network Roaming and AP Range tests define the
boundaries of your network.
In addition to the AirCheck G2 Tester hand-held tool, the
Link-Live Cloud Service and AirCheck G2 Manager PC
application provide managing, organizing, and documenting
capabilities for your Tester and test data.
Link-Live Cloud Service
The Link-Live Cloud Service is a free, online system for
viewing, tracking, and organizing your AirCheck G2 test
results, which are automatically uploaded to Link-Live once
configured. To start, create a user account at Link-Live.com
See “Introduction to Link-Live Cloud Service,” page 47.
.
AirCheck G2 Manager
About this Manual
The AirCheck™ G2 Manager PC application allows you to
configure Tester Profiles; transfer, store, organize, and report
test results; and update your AirCheck G2 Tester software.
For example, you can use AirCheck G2 Manager to compare
information from different test sessions to see changes in a
wireless LAN and generate reports based on test data.
Download the AirCheck G2 Manager software from Link-Live
at https://Link-Live.com/downloads
See “Getting Started with the AirCheck G2 Manager PC
Application,” page 48.
.
This User Manual covers all AirCheck G2 Tester functionality,
with additional details not covered in the embedded Help on
the Tester.
It is designed to be easy to navigate on a screen, with Adobe
PDF Bookmarks to the left, and blue hyperlinks that point to
content in other parts of the manual. Blue underlined links
go to external resources on the internet.
Register Your Product
Registering your product with NetAlly gives you access to
valuable information on product updates, troubleshooting
procedures, and other services. To register, fill out the online
form on the NetAlly website at NetAlly.com/Registration.
2
The NetAlly Website
Safety Information
Our website at NetAlly.com/products/AirCheck provides
additional documentation, release notes, software updates,
and other resources.
For technical assistance, you can also visit
NetAlly.com/Support.
For mail correspondence:
NetAlly
2075 Research Parkway, Suite A
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Table 1 gives descriptions of the safety symbols used on the
Tester and in this manual.
Table 1. Safety Symbols
W
X
~
Warning or Caution: Risk of damage to or
destruction of equipment or software.
Warning: Risk of electrical shock.
This product complies with the WEEE Directive
marking requirements. The affixed
indicates that you must not discard this
electrical/electronic product in domestic
household waste.
Product Category: With reference to
equipment types in the WEEE Directive Annex I,
this product is classed as category 9
“Monitoring and Control Instrumentation”
product. Do not dispose of this product as
unsorted municipal waste.
label
the
3
WWarning X
Read all safety information before using this Product.
Carefully read all instructions.
Use the Product only as specified, or the protection
supplied by the Product can be compromised.
Use only manufacturer approved power adapters to
charge the battery.
Do not use the Product around explosive gas, vapor,
or in damp or wet environments.
Examine the case before you use the Product. Look
for cracks or missing plastic. Carefully look at the
insulation around the terminals.
Do not operate the Product with covers removed or
the case open. Hazardous voltage exposure is
possible if connected to a PoE source.
Batteries contain hazardous chemicals that can
cause burns or explode. If exposure to chemicals
occurs, clean with water and get medical aid.
Do not short the battery terminals together.
Do not disassemble or crush battery cells and battery
packs. Do not put battery cells and battery packs
near heat or fire. Do not put in sunlight.
WCautionW
If you use an external antenna, use only the antenna
made for the AirCheck G2 Tester. The Tester may not
operate correctly with other antennas and may
violate local regulations.
Any adjustment to the device’s controls or operation
must not violate your local regulations on lowpower-radio-wave emitting devices.
Any adjustments to the Product should be performed
by a technician with expertise on radio frequency
devices maintenance.
Do not attempt to open the unit or replace any
internal device components (ICs, transistors, etc.),
which may lead to violation of local regulations as
well as void the Product warranty.
U-NII devices operating in the 5.25-5.35 GHz and 5.47-
5.725 GHz band, without radar detection are
restricted to use indoors.
4
Package Contents
Internal Battery Charging and Life
The AirCheck G2 Wireless Tester comes with the accessories
in the list below. If something is damaged or missing, tell the
dealer where you purchased the product.
AirCheck G2 with internal rechargeable battery
AC adapter
USB cable for connecting the Tester to a PC
Carrying case
Quick Start Guide
Compliance Document
Charge the battery for 3 hours before you use it for the first
time. When the Tester is off, the battery charges in
approximately 7 hours. However, you can use the Tester
while you charge the battery.
To charge the battery, connect the AC adapter to the
Charging Port, shown in Figure 1 on page 6.
The battery life is approximately 4.5 hours during typical
operation.
The battery icon in the upper-right corner of the screen
visually displays the amount of charge remaining before the
internal battery is completely drained:
The battery is fully or almost fully charged.
The battery life is low. Connect the ac adapter
to the charging port to charge the battery and
ensure the Tester continues to operate.
The ac adapter is connected to the charging
port.
NOTE: The battery will not charge if the internal temperature
of the Tester is above 122ºF (50ºC).
5
2. AIRCHECK G2 TESTER PHYSICAL FEATURES
Touchscreen
Power Button
and LED
RJ-45 Ethernet
Port
10/100/1000 Mbps
External
Antenna
Connector
USB Port 1
Micro USB Port 2
USB Port 3
Charging
Port
Kensington
Lock
External
Antenna
Holder
Power Button: Turns
the Tester unit on or off.
When the Tester is off,
press this button to
power on.
When the Tester is on,
press for one second
to shut it down.
For “hard” power off,
without software
shutdown, press for
four seconds.
The Power LED glows
green when the unit is
on and glows red when
the battery is charging
but the unit is off.
Once the battery is fully
charged, the LED turns
off.
Charging Port:
Connects with the AC
adapter to charge the
unit’s internal battery.
External Antenna:
Sold separately.
USB Port 1: For
500mA of current (any
supported USB
peripheral)
Micro USB Port 2: For
communication with
AirCheck G2 Manager
over a USB Micro-toType-B cable
USB Port 3: For
200mA of current, e.g.,
thumb drives, etc.
AirCheck G2 Tester Physical Features
Figure 1. AirCheck G2 Physical Features
6
3. THE AIRCHECK G2 HOME SCREEN
Figure 2. AirCheck G2 Home Screen
The AirCheck G2 Home Screen
The AirCheck G2 Wireless Tester features a full color
touchscreen. Touch functions are noted in the following
descriptions of the Home Screen components:
Profile Name: This field displays the name of the Profile
the Tester is currently using. The Profile is Default if you
have not created a custom Profile. The name shows an
asterisk (*) if you have changed a Profile-related setting
on the Tester since you loaded or saved the Profile.
NOTE: Touch the profile name to open the Profiles
screen, where you can save, manage, load, and upload
your profiles to Link-Live. See “Using Profiles to Manage
Settings and Security Credentials,” page 50.
This Transmitting Indicator appears when the
Tester is actively transmitting packet data.
The Channel Indicator Shows the Wi-Fi
el that AirCheck G2 is scanning in real
chann
time.
The Battery Life Indicator visually displays the
amount of charge remaining.
Networks (#) : This function discovers wireless LANs
and displays the number of networks discovered in
parentheses. Touch this row to view the discovered
Networks list screen. See “Discovering Networks and
Access Points,” page 9.
7
The AirCheck G2 Home Screen
Channels : This function illustrates usage of WLAN
channels. Touch to view the Channel Utilization screen.
See “Viewing Channel Usage,” page 21.
Access Points (#) : This function discovers access
points and displays the number discover
view the discovered Access Points list. See “Discovering
Networks and Access Points,” page 9.
ed. Touch to
Clients (#) : This function discovers associated and
un-associated (e.g., probing) clients and displays the
number discovered. Touch to view the discovered
Clients li
st. See “Discovering Clients,” page 27.
Interferers (#) : This function discovers potential
interfering devices. Touch to view the Interferer Eve
list screen. See “Detecting Interferers,” page 32.
nts
AutoTest : This function automatically checks the
health of your network by measuring air quality (channel
usage and interference) and configured networks. Touch
to begin AutoTest and open the AutoTest screen. See
“Using AutoTest to Diagnose Your Network
page 36.
Health,”
Ethernet Test : This function runs a wired network
test across 10/100/1000 Mbps links and verifies Power
over Ethernet (PoE). Touch
test and open the Ethernet Test screen. See “Testing
Ethernet for Access Point Backhaul,” page 45.
this row to begin an Ethernet
Refresh: Touch this icon to clear the current
results and restart the discovery process.
Caution
Touching the Refresh button will
erase all unsaved results.
Save: Touch this icon to save your current
discovery and test results to a session file. See
“Saving Session Files and Packet Captures,”
page 86.
Settings: Touch this icon to manage your Tester’s
settings and files. See “All AirCheck G2 Settings,”
page 98.
Help: Touch this icon to open the relevant Help
topic for the screen.
To save a screen capture, hold your finger on the
icon for one second to save an image of the
current screen to internal storage on the Tester.
The Tester beeps once when a screenshot is
saved. See “Saving Screenshot Image Files,”
page 91.
Touch the Ho
from any other screen on the AirCheck G2 Tester.
Touch the Back button to return to the previous
screen from any screen except the Home Screen.
me button to return to the Home Screen
8
4. DISCOVERING NETWORKS AND ACCESS POINTS
Discovering Networks and Access Points
The Networks list and the Access Points list are populated
with SSIDs and access points that have been discovered by
the AirCheck G2 Tester in your location.
1
From the Home Screen, select Networks or Access
Points. The Tester shows the Networks list (Figure 3) or
Access Points li
2
To see details about a network or access point, touch its
row in the list to open the Network or AP Details screen.
NOTES:
By default, the Tester hears wireless signals on both the
2.4-GHz (b/g/n/ax) and 5-GHz (a/n/ac/ax) frequency
bands. To change thi
Settings > 802.11 Settings > Bands.
to
The Netwo
update with each scanning cycle.
An SSID is in bl
in range.
st (Figure 7).
s setting, from the Home Screen, go
rks and Access Points screens automatically
ack text if the network (or access point) is
By default, a device row’s
ackground turns gray to
b
indicate that a network or
device has not been detected for the last four scans, or is
now out of range
Screen, go to Settings > 802.11 Settings > Inaudible
Devices.
If a network name is shown as [H
does not broadcast its SSID.
If an SSID shows in square brackets, the Tester found the
en SSID in packets from other wireless clients.
hidd
Colored bars that indicate the status or rating of Signal
ength and Level, Noise, and SNR are controlled by
Str
Thresholds, which can be configured in
See “Adjusting the Test Thresholds,” page 56.
. To change this setting, from the Home
idden], the network
Settings.
9
Discovering Networks and Access Points
The Networks List Screen
Figure 3. Networks List Screen
The Netw
networks that the AirCheck G2 has discovered in your
environment. The networks are identified by SSID.
orks list screen provides an overview of the Wi-Fi
Networks (#): The screen title displays the number of
networks discovered by the Tester.
Sort (Option Field): This field shows the sort option that
is currently applied. In Figure 3, the sort option applied is
Signal Strength.
Touch the So
networks are listed. The value by which the list is sorted
shows prominently for each network. For example, if you
change to Sort by Client Count, the Networks list screen
displays the number of connected Clients on each
network (See Figure 5), instead of the SNR, as shown in
Figure 3.
This is the default.
rt: field to change the order in which
Sort Order Button: These arrows switch the list
order from ascending to descending, and vice versa.
SSID: Service Set Identifier; The name of the wireless
network.
Signal Strength Bar Graph: The signal strength in
dBm of the AP with the strongest signal strength
connected to the network.
Security status of the network:
Red open lock: The network does not have security
enabled.
10
Discovering Networks and Access Points
Yellow closed lock: One or more access points use
WEP or Cisco LEAP security protocol. These are less
secure than other protocols.
Green closed lock: All access points use security
protocols that are more secure than WEP, for example,
WPA or WPA2.
Gray closed lock: Access points on this network are
using multiple security protocols.
Access Points #: The number displayed next to the
icon is the number of access points near
your location.
Filter Button: Touch this field to add a filter for specific
network characteristics, such as SSID string, minimum
signal strength, or 802.11 media type.
NOTE: You can
set, the Networks list screen re-opens. The title of the
screen changes to “Networks (X of Y)”, such that
X = the number of networks filtered, and
Y = the total number of networks discovered.
This icon appears to the right of the active filter.
Touch the icon to remove the filter.
Touch the Help button on the Filter Networks By:
screen for more detail about each option.
set only one filter at a time. Once a filter is
SNR: Signal-to-Noise Ratio, a measure of signal strength
relative to noise. The ratio is measured in decibels (dB).
NOTE: For networks, the SNR of the strongest AP in the
network is displayed.
This is also a variable field, which changes based on the
Sort option currently applied. For example, if the list is
sorted by Client Count, the number of clients connected
to the network will appear in this space on the screen (as
shown in Figure 5).
For Networks, this space can also show the 802.11 Type,
Band, or time since the network was Last Seen.
Refresh: Touch this icon to clear the current
results and restart the current discovery
process.
Caution
Touching the Refresh button will
erase all unsaved test results.
Save: Touch this button to save a session file
containing the discovery and test results that
have been collected since the AirCheck G2
last refreshed. See “Saving Session Files and
Packet Captures,” page 86.
11
Discovering Networks and Access Points
How to: Search for Ad-Hoc networks
On the Networks list screen, look for networks with 0 APs
and 1 or more clients. These could be Ad-Hoc Networks.
Figure 4. Possible Ad-Hoc Network
For help searching, Sort the Networks list by Client Count to
be able to see the number of connected clients for each
discovered network on the list screen. Figure 5 shows the
Networks list sorted by Client Count:
The Network Details Screen
Touch any network’s row on the Networks list screen (Figure
3) to open the Network Details screen.
Figure 5. Networks Sorted by Client Count
Figure 6. Network Details Screen
12
Discovering Networks and Access Points
This triangle symbol in the top right corner of a field
indicates that you can touch the field to go to a new screen.
Touch functions are explained in the following descriptions:
Screen Title: The SSID of the network shown.
APs: The number of access points detected on this network
at your location. Touch this row to open the Access
Points list screen with the APs filtered for the selected
network.
Signal Strength: The signal strength of the strongest AP on
the network.
Signal Level: The signal level in dBm from the strongest AP.
Noise Level: The noise level in dBm from the environment.
SNR: Signal-to-Noise Ratio is a measure of signal strength
relative to noise; an indication of signal quality for a reliable
client’s connection. The ratio is measured in decibels (dB).
Security status of the network:
Red open lock: The network does not have security
enabled.
Yellow closed lock: One or more access points use
WEP or Cisco LEAP security protocol. These are less
secure than other protocols.
Green closed lock: All access points use security
protocols that are more secure than WEP, for example,
WPA or WPA2.
Gray closed lock: Access points on this network are
using multiple security protocols.
802.11 Types: The 802.11 standards that the access points in
the network use:
802.11a: Uses the 5-GHz band.
802.11b: Uses the 2.4-GHz band.
802.11g: Uses the 2.4-GHz band.
802.11n: Can be used in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands.
802.11ac: Uses the 5-GHz band.
802.11ax: Can be used in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz
bands.
Clients: The number of Wi-Fi clients discovered on the
network. Touch this row to open the Clients screen,
which shows all clients filtered for the selected network.
Band: The radio band used by the network: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz,
or both.
Channels: The Wi-Fi channels used by the network.
NOTES:
For 20-MHz channels, the Tester displays the channel
number.
For 40-, 80-, and 160-MHz channels, it displays the
primary channel number.
13
Discovering Networks and Access Points
For multiple channels, it displays all channel numbers
if space permits; otherwise, it truncates to what fits,
followed by "...".
Last Seen: The time since the last packet was detected from
the selected network.
Connect: Touch this button to connect to the Wi-Fi network
and run a Connection test. See “Running a Connect to
Network or Connect to AP Test,” page 60.
The Access Points List Screen
Touch Access Points on the Home Screen to open the list of
discovered APs.
NOTE: If Group Virtual APs is enabled in the Tester’s
Settings, virtual APs are grouped by BSSID, and the
Access Points list shows individual physical APs.
If the AP grouping setting is Off, each virtual access point
is shown as a single access point.
The Tester displays an access point that supports both
bands as two separate access points, regardless of AP
grouping settings.
See “802.11 Settings,” page 102.
14
Figure 7. Access Points List
Discovering Networks and Access Points
The Access Points list screen displays all the access points
that AirCheck G2 has discovered.
Access Points (#): The number of APs discovered by the
Tester.
Sort (Option Field): This field shows the sort option that
is currently applied. In Figure 7, the sort option applied is
Signal Strength.
Touch the So
points are listed. The value by which the list is sorted
shows prominently for each access point. For example, if
you change to Sort by Client Count, the Access Points
list screen displays the number of connected clients for
each AP, instead of the Channel, as shown in Figure 7.
This is the default.
rt field to change the order in which access
Sort Order Button: These arrows switch the list
order from ascending to descending, and vice versa.
BSSID: Basic Service Set Identifier; The MAC address of
the access point.
Signal Strength: The AP’s signal strength in dBm.
Security status of the AP:
Red open lock: The network does not have security
enabled.
Yellow closed lock: O
WEP or Cisco LEAP security protocol. These are less
secure than other protocols.
ne or more access points use
15
Discovering Networks and Access Points
Green closed lock: All access points use security
protocols that are more secure than WEP, for example,
WPA or WPA2.
Gray closed lock: Access points on this network are
using multiple security protocols.
SNR: The AP’s Signal-to-Noise Ratio, a measure of signal
strength relative to noise. The ratio is measured in
decibels (dB).
Filter Button: Touch here to filter for specific AP
characteristics, such as minimum signal strength, 802.11
type, or channel.
NOTE: You can
set, the Access Points screen re-opens. The title of the
screen changes to “Access Points (X of Y)”, such that
X = the number of access points filtered, and
Y = the total number of access points discovered.
This icon appears to the right of the active filter.
Touch the icon to remove the filter.
Touch the Help button on the Filter Access Points By:
screen for more detail about each option.
set only one filter at a time. Once a filter is
Channel: The channel used by the AP.
This is also a v
Sort option currently applied. For example, if the list is
sorted by Client Count, the number of clients connected
ariable field, which changes based on the
to the access point will appear in this space on the
screen.
For Access Points, this space can also show the SSID,
BSSID, Band, or time since the network was Last Seen.
Authorization Class Icon: If the AP has a user-assigned
authorization class saved to the current profile, an
authorization indicator appears to the left of the AP
name. Authorization Class can be assigned to individual
APs from the AP Details screen, and the default
Authorization can be set in
Settings.
Refresh: Touch this icon to clear the current
results and restart the discovery process.
Settings > 802.11
Caution
Touching the Refresh button will erase
all unsaved test results.
Save: Touch this button to save a session file
containing the discovery and test results that
have been collected since the AirCheck G2
last refreshed. See “Saving Session Files and
Packet Captures,” page 86.
16
The Access Point Details Screen
Touch an Access Point’s row on the Access Points list screen
to open the Details screen for that AP.
When Group Virtual APs is turned On, multiple SSIDs from
the same AP radio are shown and counted as one AP. If you
touch one of these access points to open its Details, the
Tester displays a list of BSSIDs for you to choose from.
Figure 8. Select BSSID to View AP Details
Discovering Networks and Access Points
17
Figure 9. Access Point Details Screen