Chapter 6. Rf Link Test; Basic Setup For The Rf Link Test - Intel 2011B - PRO/Wireless LAN Enterprise Access Point Configuration Manual

Chapter 6. RF Link Test

Chapter 6. RF Link Test
The RF Link Test is a site survey tool primarily for testing RF transmissions between access points
used for bridging Ethernet networks. It can also be used for checking RF paths to mobile units.
The RF Link Test is only available with an Intel PRO/Wireless 2011 LAN Access Point that has
been upgraded with the latest firmware. To obtain the latest firmware, go to the Intel support
website.
The example in Figure 6-1 shows two access points providing a wireless bridge between buildings.
The RF Link Test tests the quality of the wireless link so that you can position the directional
antennas for optimum signal transmission. This operation is covered later in 6.6: Using RF Link
Test to Align Directional Antennas.
Directional Antenna
Figure 6-1: Example of Using RF Link Test for Antenna Positioning
6.1

Basic Setup for the RF Link Test

The basic setup for running the RF Link Test is shown in Figure 6-2. It consists of two access points
communicating through a wireless access point link with one access point connected to a computer
through a serial connection. The RF Link Test displays a special screen called Connection Quality
Test that displays a bar graph showing the signal strength received from the remote access point.
The computer may also connect to the local access point through a Telnet connection. This is
covered in section 6.4.1: Running the RF Link Test with Telnet.
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Building A
Access Point
Portable
Computer
Configuring Access Point Bridging and Repeating (WLAP Mode)
Directional Antenna
Building B
Access Point
Portable
Computer