Netscout aircheck G2 User Manual
Released 03/2016
Copyright © 2016 NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. 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
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NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to make changes at any time in its technical information, specifications,
service, and support programs.
Rev. 02/04/2016
Table of Contents
I. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................1
Link-Live Cloud Service ....................................................................................................................................................1
AirCheck G2 Manager ......................................................................................................................................................2
About this Manual ............................................................................................................................................................2
Register Your Product ......................................................................................................................................................2
The NETSCOUT/Fluke Networks Website ......................................................................................................................3
Contact NETSCOUT ...........................................................................................................................................................3
Safety Information ............................................................................................................................................................3
Package Contents .............................................................................................................................................................5
Internal Battery Charging and Life .................................................................................................................................5
II. AirCheck G2 Tester Physical Features ......................................................................................................6
III. The AirCheck G2 Home Screen .................................................................................................................7
IV. 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 ............................................................19
i
V. Viewing Channel Usage ............................................................................................................................. 20
The Channels Utilization Screen ....................................................................................................................................20
The Select Channel Screen ..............................................................................................................................................22
The Channel Details Screen ............................................................................................................................................23
VI. Discovering Clients ..................................................................................................................................... 24
The Client List Screen ......................................................................................................................................................24
The Client Details Screen ................................................................................................................................................ 26
Troubleshoot: If the Tester Does Not Discover a Client .............................................................................................. 28
VII. Using AutoTest to Diagnose Your Network Health ................................................................................ 29
AutoTest Air Quality .........................................................................................................................................................29
802.11 Utilization .................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Non-802.11 Utilization ........................................................................................................................................................... 30
Co-Channel Interference ....................................................................................................................................................... 31
Adjacent Channel Interference ............................................................................................................................................. 31
AutoTest Network Tests .................................................................................................................................................. 32
How to: Run Network Quality Tests as part of AutoTest .............................................................................................................32
Connection Test Results ........................................................................................................................................................ 33
IP and Target Test Results ..................................................................................................................................................... 34
VIII. Testing Ethernet for Access Point Backhaul ........................................................................................... 36
The Ethernet Test Results Screen .................................................................................................................................. 36
IX. Companion Services ..................................................................................................................................38
Getting Started in Link-Live Cloud Service ....................................................................................................................38
How to: Claim the AirCheck G2 to Link-Live .................................................................................................................................38
Getting Started with the AirCheck G2 Manager PC Application ................................................................................. 39
ii
X. Customizing the Tester for your Network .............................................................................................. 40
Changing the Location Settings and Language ............................................................................................................40
How to: Change the location settings ...........................................................................................................................................40
How to: Change the language on the Tester ................................................................................................................................40
Entering Network Security Credentials .........................................................................................................................41
How to: Enter credentials from the Networks or Access Points list ........................................................................................... 41
How to: Enter credentials in the Settings menu ..........................................................................................................................42
How to: Enter credentials in AirCheck G2 Manager ....................................................................................................................42
Using Profiles to Manage Settings and Security Credentials ...................................................................................... 43
How to: Save the current settings as a Profile on the AirCheck G2 Tester ................................................................................44
How to: Transfer a Profile from a PC to the Tester .....................................................................................................................45
How to: Load a Profile that is saved in the AirCheck G2 Tester .................................................................................................45
How to: Delete a Profile on the Tester ..........................................................................................................................................46
Adjusting the Test Thresholds ........................................................................................................................................47
How to: Change the test thresholds on the Tester ......................................................................................................................47
XI. Verifying Connectivity and Coverage ....................................................................................................... 48
Defining Ping and TCP Port Open Test Targets ............................................................................................................48
How to: Add a new network Test Target .......................................................................................................................................49
Running a Connect to Network or Connect to AP Test ............................................................................................... 50
Reviewing Connect to Network or AP Results ..............................................................................................................51
Connection Established ......................................................................................................................................................... 51
IP Address ................................................................................................................................................................................ 51
Target Tests ............................................................................................................................................................................. 52
Reviewing User-Defined Test Target Results ................................................................................................................53
Next Steps ......................................................................................................................................................................... 54
iii
XII. Locating an Access Point or a Client ........................................................................................................55
How to: Locate an AP or Client ......................................................................................................................................................55
How to: Search using the Internal Antennas ...............................................................................................................................56
The Locate AP Screen ......................................................................................................................................................57
The Locate Client Screen .................................................................................................................................................58
Using the External Directional Antenna ........................................................................................................................ 59
How to: Use the external antenna to locate ................................................................................................................................ 59
XIII. Performing a Network Roaming Test ...................................................................................................... 62
How to: Start a roaming test .........................................................................................................................................................62
How to: Select a custom test target ..............................................................................................................................................62
The Roaming Test Screen ................................................................................................................................................63
XIV. Performing an Access Point Range Test .................................................................................................. 66
How to: Start a Range Test .............................................................................................................................................................66
How to: Select a custom test target ..............................................................................................................................................66
The AP Range Test Screen ...............................................................................................................................................67
XV. Saving Test Sessions and Managing Files ................................................................................................ 69
Saving Sessions ................................................................................................................................................................69
How to: Save a test Session ............................................................................................................................................................69
Managing Files on the AirCheck G2 Tester ................................................................................................................... 70
How to: Rename and Delete a file .................................................................................................................................................70
How to: View available memory on the Tester ............................................................................................................................70
Using the Remote Interface ............................................................................................................................................71
Managing Profiles and Sessions on a PC using AirCheck G2 Manager ..................................................................... 71
How to: Transfer and view test sessions with AirCheck G2 Manager ........................................................................................71
iv
How to: Transfer and view Profiles with AirCheck G2 Manager ................................................................................................72
How to: Load the latest list of vendor prefixes into the Tester ..................................................................................................73
XVI. All AirCheck G2 Settings ............................................................................................................................ 74
Profiles ...............................................................................................................................................................................74
Networks ...........................................................................................................................................................................74
How to: Add a network ...................................................................................................................................................................74
How to: Edit a network ...................................................................................................................................................................75
How to: Delete a network ...............................................................................................................................................................75
Access Points .................................................................................................................................................................... 75
How to: Add an AP ..........................................................................................................................................................................75
How to: Edit an AP ..........................................................................................................................................................................75
How to: Delete an AP ......................................................................................................................................................................75
802.11 Settings .................................................................................................................................................................76
Ethernet Settings ..............................................................................................................................................................78
How to: Configure a Test Target for Ethernet Tests ..................................................................................................................... 78
Thresholds ........................................................................................................................................................................ 79
AutoTest Settings ............................................................................................................................................................. 81
How to: Configure AutoTest settings .............................................................................................................................................81
Test Targets ......................................................................................................................................................................81
How to: Add a User-Defined Test Target ......................................................................................................................................82
How to: Edit a user-defined Test Target .......................................................................................................................................82
How to: Delete a user-defined Test Target ................................................................................................................................... 82
Location Settings ..............................................................................................................................................................83
Device Settings ................................................................................................................................................................. 83
Link-Live Settings .................................................................................................................................................................... 84
v
About .................................................................................................................................................................................85
XVII. Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................... 86
Cleaning the Tester ..........................................................................................................................................................86
Updating the AirCheck G2 Firmware .............................................................................................................................87
Exporting a Troubleshooting Log ................................................................................................................................... 87
Restoring Factory Defaults ..............................................................................................................................................87
Viewing Device Information ............................................................................................................................................ 88
Troubleshoot: If the Tester Will Not Turn Off ...............................................................................................................88
XVIII.Specifications and Compliance ................................................................................................................ 89
Environmental Specifications .........................................................................................................................................89
General Specifications .....................................................................................................................................................90
Wireless Specifications ....................................................................................................................................................91
Wi-Fi Antennas ........................................................................................................................................................................ 92
Wi-Fi Adapter ........................................................................................................................................................................... 93
Certifications and Compliance .......................................................................................................................................96
Federal Communication Commission and Industry Canada Interference Statement ............................................97
Important Note: FCC and IC Radiation Exposure Statement ......................................................................................98
Exposure to RF Energy ..................................................................................................................................................... 98
Regulatory Statements ....................................................................................................................................................100
Appendix A: Quick Reference: Examining your Network Health ................................................................. 101
How is my Network Quality? ...........................................................................................................................................101
What is in the Wireless Environment? ...........................................................................................................................103
Can Devices Connect to My Network? ........................................................................................................................... 104
What is Causing Slow Network Performance or Dropped Connections? .................................................................106
Are There Security Risks in My Network? ...................................................................................................................... 106
vi
Where is an Access Point? ............................................................................................................................................... 107
What Networks or Access Points Come into Range as I Move? .................................................................................107
How Can I Document My Network and My Test Session? .......................................................................................... 107
vii
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........................................................................................................................................20
11. Select Channel Screen.................................................................................................................................................22
12. Channel Details Screen ...............................................................................................................................................23
13. Clients List Screen........................................................................................................................................................24
14. Client Details Screen....................................................................................................................................................27
15. AutoTest Air Quality Results Screen ..........................................................................................................................29
16. 802.11 Channel Utilization Results ............................................................................................................................30
17. Air Quality Co-Channel and Adjacent Channel Interference Results.....................................................................31
18. AutoTest Settings Screen ............................................................................................................................................32
19. AutoTest Results Screen..............................................................................................................................................32
viii
20. AutoTest Network Connection Test Results .............................................................................................................33
21. AutoTest Network Test IP and Test Targets..............................................................................................................34
22. Ethernet Test Screen ...................................................................................................................................................36
23. Successful Link-Live Upload Field ..............................................................................................................................38
24. Session Data > Networks in AirCheck G2 Manager .................................................................................................39
25. Settings Menu Screen..................................................................................................................................................40
26. Network Details Screen...............................................................................................................................................41
27. Configured Networks in Settings ...............................................................................................................................42
28. Setting > Profiles Menu ...............................................................................................................................................44
29. Profiles > Save As .........................................................................................................................................................44
30. AutoTest Air Quality Results Screen ..........................................................................................................................47
31. Thresholds Screen .......................................................................................................................................................47
32. Settings > Test Targets Screen ...................................................................................................................................49
33. Configure Target Screen .............................................................................................................................................49
34. The Connect to AP Test Screen (In Progress) ...........................................................................................................50
35. The Connect to AP Test Results..................................................................................................................................51
36. Completed AP Connect Test Screen ..........................................................................................................................52
37. Connection Test Target Results..................................................................................................................................53
38. Completed Network Connect Test Screen................................................................................................................54
39. Search Pattern for the Omni-directional Antennas in the Tester ..........................................................................56
40. Locate Access Point Screen ........................................................................................................................................57
41. Locate Client Screen ....................................................................................................................................................58
42. Search Pattern for the External Antenna..................................................................................................................60
43. How to Point the External Antenna ...........................................................................................................................61
44. Network Roaming Test Screen...................................................................................................................................63
45. Roaming Test Ping Stats..............................................................................................................................................64
46. Roaming Test Connection Range...............................................................................................................................65
47. AP Range Test Screen..................................................................................................................................................67
ix
48. AP Range Test Connection Range Graph ..................................................................................................................68
49. Save Session Screen ....................................................................................................................................................69
50. Manage Files Screen....................................................................................................................................................70
51. Transfer Sessions Button............................................................................................................................................71
52. Transfer Sessions Dialog Box .....................................................................................................................................72
53. oui_abbr.txt File............................................................................................................................................................73
54. Settings Menu Screen..................................................................................................................................................74
55. Test Targets Screen .....................................................................................................................................................81
56. Link-Live Settings Screen.............................................................................................................................................84
x
I. 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 networks in
the 2.4-GHz band and 802.11a/n/ac networks in the 5-GHz
band. It offers the following test types:
The high-level discovery screens for Networks, Access
Points, and Clients each 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 and clients.
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 “Getting Started in Link-Live Cloud Service,” page 38.
AirCheck G2 Manager
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://app.link-live.com/downloads
See “Getting Started with the AirCheck G2 Manager PC
Application,” page 39.
.
About this Manual
This User Manual co
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.
vers all AirCheck G2 Tester functionality,
Register Your Product
Registering your product with NETSCOUT gives you access
to valuable information on product updates,
troubleshooting procedures, and other services. To register,
fill out the online form on the NETSCOUT website at
http://enterprise.netscout.com/register.
2
The NETSCOUT/Fluke Networks Website
Safety Information
The NETSCOUT (formerly Fluke Networks) website provides
additional documentation, release notes, software updates,
and other resources.
Go to http://enterprise.netscout.com, and click Support.
Contact NETSCOUT
Online: http://enterprise.netscout.com
Email: CustomerCare@netscout.com
Phone: 1-844-833-3713
For more phone numbers, go to our website.
Table 1 gives descriptions of the safety symbols used on the
Tester and in this manual.
Table 1. Safety Symbols
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 r
indicates that you must not discard this
electrical/electronic product in domestic
household waste.
Product Category: With reference to the
equ
this product is classed as category 9
“Monitoring and Control Instrumentation”
product. Do not dispose of this product as
unsorted municipal waste.
This equipment contains a Class 2 radio.
equirements. The affixed label
ipment types in the WEEE Directive Annex I,
3
Warning
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.
Caution
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 in 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
II. AIRCHECK G2 TESTER PHYSICAL FEATURES
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.
RJ-45 Ethernet
Port
10/100/1000 Mbps
Touchscreen
Power Button
and LED
Figure 1. AirCheck G2 Physical Features
External
Antenna
Connector
USB Port 3
Micro USB Port 2
USB Port 1
Charging
Port
6
AirCheck G2 Tester Physical Features
Kensington
Lock
External
Antenna
Holder
III. 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.
See “Customizing the Tester fo
40.
This Transmitting Indicator appears when the
Tester is actively transmitting packet data.
The Channel Indicator Shows the Wi-Fi
channel that AirCheck G2 is scanning in real
time.
The Battery Life Indicator visually displays the
amount of charge remaining.
r your Network,” page
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 20.
Access Points (#) : This function discovers access
points and displays the number disco
view the discovered Access Points list. See “Discovering
Networks and Access Points,” page 9.
vered. 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 list. See “Discovering Clients,” page 24.
AutoTest : This function automatically checks the
health of your network by measuring air quality (channel
e and interference) and configured networks. Touch
usag
to begin AutoTest and open the AutoTest screen. See
“Using AutoTest to Diagnose Y
page 29.
our Network Health,”
Ethernet Test : This function runs a wired network
test across 10/100/1000 Mbps links and verifies Power
over Ethernet (PoE). Touch this row to begin an Ethernet
test and open the Ethernet Test screen. See “Testing
Ethernet for Access Point Backhaul,” page 36.
Refresh: Touch this icon to clear the current
results and restart the current discovery or
testing process.
Caution
Touching the Refresh button will
erase all unsaved test results.
Save: Touch this icon to save your current
test results to a session file. See “Saving
Sessions,” page 69.
Settings: Touch this icon to manage your
Tester’s settings and files. See “All AirCheck G2
Settings,” page 74.
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 three seconds to save an image
of the current screen to internal storage on
the Tester. The Tester beeps once when a
screenshot is saved.
Touch the Home button to return to the Home Screen
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.
8
IV. 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 list (Figure 7).
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) and
change this setting, from the Home Screen, go to
Settings > 802.11 Settings > Bands.
The Netwo
update with each update cycle.
An SSID is in bl
in range.
rks and Access Points screens automatically
5-GHz (a/n/ac) frequency bands. To
ack text if the network (or access point) is
An SSID’s row background
turns gr
network (or access point)
has not been heard for the last four scans, or is now ou t of
range
If a network name is shown as [H
does not broadcast its SSID.
If an SSID shows in square brackets, the Tester found the
hidd
Colored bars that indicate the status or rating of Signal
Str
Thresholds, which can be configured in
See “Adjusting the Test Thresholds,” page 47.
ay to indicate that a
.
idden], the network
en SSID in packets from other wireless clients.
ength and Level, Noise, and SNR are controlled by
Settings.
9
The Networks List Screen
Figure 3. Networks List Screen
Discovering Networks and Access Points
The Networks list screen provides an overview of the Wi-Fi
networks that the AirCheck G2 has discovered in your
environment. The networks are identified by SSID.
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
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 only one filter at a time. Once a filter is
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.
Discovering Networks and Access Points
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 soft 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 all discovered networks, APs,
channels, and clients. The session file will also
include all test results for any saved
AutoTests, connection tests, Ethernet tests,
and roaming and range tests. See “Saving
Sessions,” page 69.
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
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.
Discovering Networks and Access Points
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.
Two or more APs use different sets of 802.11 types.
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.
13
For 40-, 80-, and 160-MHz channels, it displays the
primary channel number.
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.
Save: Touch this button to save a session file containing
all discovered networks, APs, channels, and clients. The
session file will also include all test results for any saved
AutoTests, connection tests, Ethernet tests, and roaming and
range tests. See “Saving Sessions,” page 69.
Discovering Networks and Access Points
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 76.
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Figure 7. Access Points List
Discovering Networks and Access Points
The Access Points l
that AirCheck G2 has discovered.
ist screen displays all the access points
Access Points (#): The number of APs discovered by the
Tes ter.
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: One or more access points use
WEP or Cisco LEAP security protocol. These are less
secure than other protocols.
15
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 only one filter at a time. Once a filter is
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.
Channel: The channel used by the AP.
This is also soft 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
access point will appear in this space on the screen.
Discovering Networks and Access Points
For Access Points, this space can also show the SSID,
BSSID, 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 all discovered networks, APs,
channels, and clients. The session file will also
include all test results for any saved
AutoTests, connection tests, Ethernet tests,
and roaming and range tests. See “Saving
Sessions,” page 69.
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
Screen Title: The AP’s name (BSSID, Cisco AP name, or usercreated alias) is displayed at the top of the AP Details screen.
Signal Strength: The signal strength rating for the AP.
Signal Level: The AP’s signal level in dBm.
Noise Level: The noise level in dBm of the channel used.
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).
SSID: Service Set Identifier; The name of the wireless network
to which the AP is connected.
BSSID: The MAC address of the SSID. The address starts with
a vendor abbreviation prefix, if the prefix is available.
Security status of the AP:
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.
Discovering Networks and Access Points
802.11 Types: The 802.11 types that the access point
supports:
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.
Clients: The number of clients connected to the AP.
Touch this row to open the Clients list screen with the
clients filtered for the selected AP.
Band: The radio band the AP supports.
Channels: The channels that the access point is using.
Touch this row to open the Channels Utilization screen
for the primary channel.
Last Seen: The amount of time that has passed since the
Tester last detected the AP.
802.11n Capabilities: Select the down arrow to expand
for the AP's 802.11n capabilities.
NOTE: The "802.11n Capabilities” are taken from HT
Capabilities in the beacon and included for 802.11n and
802.11ac APs. This field is available only for 802.11n and
802.11ac APs.
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