Hardware manual

Recommended test program 11
Nov 98
Factors promoting ease of installation and management
(continued)
Factor Value Proxim
RangeLAN2
Proxim
RangeLAN802
Other
Vendor
Easy firmware downloads
from any AP across the
network to all other APs
The network manager needs to
physically upgrade only one
device and thus saves time
Yes Yes
Product operates equally on
all hardware platforms
Software tools support all major
operating systems; user does not
have to purchase additional
hardware
Yes Yes
Already tested on hundreds of
hardware platforms
Product will work regardless of
the hardware it is used in
Yes Not yet
Ease of operation
Decent management tools are easy to install, don't require additional information technology resources, but
offer most functions of larger packages. Web based management applications are very popular since they
allow to centrally manage wireless devices from any location and on practically every hardware platform.
Common interfaces also allow easy integration into the existing hardware and software environment, and the
ability to freely exchange data.
Special tests for wireless LAN products
Although you can measure the performance of wireless network in the same manner as a wired network, there
a number of considerations that are specific to wireless. These include the following:
1. Microwave interference
2. Near/far phenomenon
3. Hidden terminal
Microwave interference
Many microwave ovens operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. The ovens operate at 600-1000W of power.
Even though the units are shielded, a good amount of energy still can block the transmission of wireless LAN
products. With robust protocols, wireless LAN products can still communicate even in the presence of
microwave oven interference.
Near/far phenomenon
A phenomenon we refer to as "near/far" might be encountered during the review process. Each vendor tested
should be evaluated in this scenario. Assume that two units are attempting to communicate with one wireless
Access Point. Both units are within range of the Access Point but unit A is closer than unit B. The radio
signal received from unit A will be stronger than the signal from unit B. If both attempt to transmit at the