User's Manual

Entering SITE SURVEY mode:
Start the RangeLAN2 program.
Select SITE SURVEY.
The Site Survey mode display provides three important pieces of information for testing a wireless
installation: Link Quality, Received Signal Strength, and data throughput via a Directed Link.
The Site Survey mode displays the Node Address of the radio. This Node Address (MAC address) is for
the wireless card and is not associated with the monitor’s Node ID number. This window also identifies
the WNI Master Name as SPACELABSM?. A flashing asterisk flashes indicates activity.
The LINK QUALITY is displayed on the main site survey screen as a number from 0 (out of range) to 5
(best). In the site survey mode, the higher the link quality, the better.
The RECEIVED SIGNAL STRENGTH (RSSI) is displayed as a bar graph from 0-100%. The RSSI is a
less desirable method of surveying, since it is possible that the radios may see an adequate RF signal,
yet the quality of the data may be lower than desired.
Note: Both Link Quality and RSSI are good first line tests. However for best determination of
signal quality, continue with the following tests using Directed Link.
The Site Survey screen also has a selection for Roaming Enabled. This feature allows the laptop to
“roam”, (switch masters as needed). In the site survey process, the roam enabled should not be
selected, since you want to stay synchronized to the WNI, and not switch to another master. To change
from roaming to non-roaming, use a mouse to de-select “roaming enabled” (see below).
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