Hardware manual

Preparing the test 5
Nov 98
The link quality is a measurement from 0-5 recording roughly how many packets sent out by the site survey
tool are being received by the adapters within range. A reading of 5 means that most of the packets are being
received while a reading of 0 means that only a few packets are received (or that the remote node is in Doze
mode.) The received signal strength parameter measures the radio signal strength between the various LAN
adapters and the site survey machine. Although it might seem odd, the link quality and received signal strength
parameters do not always track each other. For example, the received signal strength might be 50% but the
link quality could still be 5. The link quality is the more important parameter to watch, since the received signal strength is
not necessarily indicative of the throughput on the link.
Note: Do not run the site survey tool during your throughput testing. The tool communicates with all units
within range decreasing the overall performance of the wireless LAN.
Directed link site survey
The directed link site survey tool allows the client to communicate with one particular adapter or Access Point
and measure the throughput in packets per second (PPS) using various packet sizes. Using the directed link
PPS measurements is the recommended method for determining where to place the Access Points and antennas
for your wireless network.
Apply power to the Access Point, but leave it disconnected from the network. Load the directed link site
survey tool using the actual client PC and wireless PC Card. Then move with the client to various locations in
your building to determine the coverage area based on the minimum PPS rate of your application. Record the
respective boundary on the building map. To optimize placement of your Access Point, move the unit to