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Fluke AIRCHECK User Manual

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AirCheck
™
Wi-Fi Tester
Users Manual
01/2010, Rev. 5, 06/2014
©2010-2014 Fluke Corporation.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
®
Wi-Fi
is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

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Summary of Contents for Fluke AIRCHECK

  • Page 1 AirCheck ™ Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual 01/2010, Rev. 5, 06/2014 ©2010-2014 Fluke Corporation. All product names are trademarks of their respective companies. ® Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
  • Page 2 90 days, unless otherwise stated. Ni-Cad, Ni-MH and Li-Ion batteries, cables or other peripherals are all considered parts or accessories. The warranty extends only to the original buyer or end user customer of a Fluke Networks authorized reseller, and does not apply to any product which, in Fluke Networks’...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    AirCheck Frontline Troubleshooting Kit ........................6 Physical Features ................................... 8 Battery Charging and Life ..............................10 Use the AirCheck Manager PC Application for the Best Performance ................11 Profile Benefits ................................11 What You Can Learn About Your Network ........................12 What is the Health of My Network? ..........................
  • Page 4 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual How Can I Erase Everything on my AirCheck? ......................21 Where is an Access Point? .............................. 21 What Networks or Access Points Come into Range as I Move? .................. 21 The Home Screen ................................... 22 Using AutoTest to Diagnose Your Network Health ......................
  • Page 5 Contents Notes for Networks and Access Points ..........................58 If the Tester Does Not Discover an Access Point ......................... 62 Channel Usage ..................................62 Verify Connectivity ................................65 Connect to a Network or Access Point ......................... 65 Entering Security Credentials Using “Connect” ......................66 Review Connection Results ............................
  • Page 6 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual General Specifications ..............................96 Wireless Specifications ..............................97 Federal Communication Commission and Industry Canada Interference Statement ............101 Important Note: FCC and IC Radiation Exposure Statement ..................101 Europe-EU Declaration of Conformity .......................... 102...
  • Page 7 Figure Page Physical Features ..............................8 How to Remove the Battery..........................10 AutoTest Results Viewed in AirCheck Manager....................11 The Home Screen ..............................22 AutoTest Results Screen............................24 802.11 Channel Utilization Default Thresholds ....................24 Non-802.11 Channel Utilization Default Thresholds ..................25 Air Quality Co-channel Default Threshold ......................
  • Page 8 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Clients Screen ................................76 Client Details Screen .............................78 Locate Access Point Screen ...........................81 Locate Client Screen ..............................82 Search Pattern for the Omnidirectional Antenna in the Tester .................83 Search Pattern for the External Antenna ......................85 How to Point the External Antenna........................86...

  • Page 9: Introduction

    To register, The optional PoE detector shows you if Power over fill out the online form on the Fluke Networks website at Ethernet voltage from 802.3af and higher-power 802.3at www.flukenetworks.com/registration.

  • Page 10: The Fluke Networks Knowledge Base

    • Korea: 82 2 539-6311 The Fluke Networks Knowledge Base • Singapore: +65-6799-5566 The Fluke Networks Knowledge Base gives answers to common questions about Fluke Networks products and • Taiwan: (886) 2-227-83199 includes information on technology and procedures for •...
  • Page 11 Conforms to relevant European Union FCC Statement directives. Changes or modifications to the wireless radio not expressly approved by Fluke See radio information below. Corporation will void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 12 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual FCC Statement (continued) IC Statement This equipment generates, uses, and can The term “IC” before the radio certification number only signifies radiate radio frequency energy and, if the device meets Industry’s Canada not installed and used in accordance with technical specifications.
  • Page 13 • Do not touch voltages > 30 V AC rms, 42 V AC peak, or • Replace the batteries when the low battery indicator 60 V DC. • Use only Fluke approved power adapters to charge shows to prevent incorrect measurements. • Turn off the Product and disconnect all cables before the battery.

  • Page 14: Unpacking

    Unpacking packs. • Do not put battery cells and battery packs near heat The AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester comes with the accessories in the list below. If something is damaged or missing, tell the or fire. Do not put in sunlight.
  • Page 15 Unpacking • AC adapter • USB cable • Carrying case • Getting Started Guide • CD, User Manual and AirCheck Manager SW...

  • Page 16: Physical Features

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Physical Features SELECT ffy01.eps Figure 1. Physical Features...
  • Page 17  Connector for the ac adapter.  Shows the previous screen.  USB port for connection to a PC. AirCheck will appear  as a mass storage device. Softkeys. The function of the softkey is shown above the key. ...

  • Page 18: Battery Charging And Life

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Battery Charging and Life Charge the battery for 4 hours before you use it for the first time. To charge the battery, connect the AC adapter to the  battery connector ( in Figure 1). You can use the tester while you charge the battery.

  • Page 19: Use The Aircheck Manager Pc Application For The Best Performance

    Use the AirCheck Manager PC Application for the Best Performance Use the AirCheck Manager PC Application for the Best Performance To get the most performance from your tester, use AirCheck Manager to upgrade the AirCheck tester firmware, view measurement results saved as session files, generate reports on session files, setup the tester configuration and save it to a profile, and transfer the profile to the tester.

  • Page 20: What You Can Learn About Your Network

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual What You Can Learn About Your Network What is the Health of My Network? Select AutoTest - After the AutoTest has run, select Air Quality to view the How is my Wi-Fi Air Quality? Are my channels overloaded with results of 802.11 Channel Utilization, Non-802.11 Channel Utilization, and Co-...
  • Page 21 What You Can Learn About Your Network The Non-802.11 Channel Utilization results include the top three channels How is my Wi-Fi Air Quality? with the most non-802.11 interference and noise. The channel utilization Are my channels overloaded with value along with the rating of Pass, Warning, or Fail, is displayed.
  • Page 22 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Select AutoTest - After the AutoTest has run, select Network Quality to view How is my Wi-Fi Network Quality? Can I hear any access points that the results of Coverage, Co-Channel Interference, Security, and Connection support my networks? health assessment.

  • Page 23: What Is In The Wireless Lan

    What You Can Learn About Your Network What unauthorized or unknown The Rogue Access Points test, an optional part of AutoTest, indicates whether access points are connected to my Wi- unauthorized or unknown access points are detected with a rating of Pass, Fi network? Warning, or...
  • Page 24 Unknown. Alternatively, save the test session which includes the list of discovered access points. Use AirCheck Manager to compare the access point list to a previously saved session file to see if additional access points have been discovered. To specify a default device authorization of either unknown or authorized, select Tools >...

  • Page 25: Can Devices Connect To My Network

    What You Can Learn About Your Network Can Devices Connect to My Network? Use the tester to verify connectivity. Note To connect to a secure network, the tester must have a profile that includes security credentials. If credentials are not available, the softkey shows as ...

  • Page 26: What Causes Slow Network Performance Or Dropped Connections

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual What Causes Slow Network Performance or Dropped Connections? Is the signal strength sufficient? Select Access Points. The Access Points screen shows the signal strength for each access point. Select an access point to see more details about the signal strength and congestion.

  • Page 27: Are There Security Risks In My Network

    See page 48. Are there rogue access points in the AirCheck can be used to help track the authorization status of discovered access area? Where are they? points. By default, when access points are discovered, they are assigned an authorization status of Unknown.
  • Page 28 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Note AutoTest optionally includes a Rogue Access Point Test which detects and reports rogue access points. To enable this functionality, go to Tools > Thresholds/AutoTest Settings > Rogue Access Point AutoTest. For accurate and meaningful test results, you must configure access point ACLs prior to running AutoTest.

  • Page 29: How Can I Document My Network And My Test Session

    See page 49 or 53. How Can I Document My Network and My Test Session? Save the session (see page 80), then use AirCheck Manager software to transfer the data to a PC and make a report. See page 91.

  • Page 30: The Home Screen

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual The Home Screen Indicates that the external antenna is connected. Note AirCheck will not transmit or connect to an access point when the external antenna is connected.  Networks: Discovers wireless LANs. See page 46. ...

  • Page 31: Using Autotest To Diagnose Your Network Health

    If no SSIDs have been configured, i.e., added on Right: The number of access points the tester has AirCheck, AutoTest will run against all SSIDs. If SSIDs heard. This number is a count of physical access points have been added, only those SSIDs will be tested.

  • Page 32: Air Quality

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Save the profile so settings are not lost when the tester is ffy34.bmp  powered off. From the home screen, press Profiles, highlight and select Save profile. Alternately, save profiles in Tools > Manage profiles / network passwords > Save profile.

  • Page 33: Non-802.11 Channel Utilization

    Using AutoTest to Diagnose Your Network Health Change thresholds in Tools > Thresholds /AutoTest Settings screen. Non-802.11 Channel Utilization Note This feature may not be available in some countries. The Non-802.11 Channel Utilization results include the top three channels with the most non-802.11 interference, e.g., noise.

  • Page 34: Co-Channel Interference

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Co-Channel Interference The Co-Channel Interference results include the number of overlapping APs that exceed the signal quality threshold and is seen with a rating of Pass, Warning, or Fail. Thresholds for this test are set in the Tools >...

  • Page 35: Rogue Access Points

    Using AutoTest to Diagnose Your Network Health To set the ACL status, go to the home screen, and select the  Access Points screen. Then select ACL, and edit each Ad hoc client devices communicate directly with other clients, access point. Select Set all APs to Authorized to set the not through an access point.

  • Page 36: Network Quality

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Network Quality tests are run for each SSID in the current Network Quality profile with results reported on the Network Quality screen. The Network Quality measurements check for network All discovered SSIDs will be tested against if no SSIDs are set availability provided, the existence of interference from up in the profile.

  • Page 37: Set Up The Tester

    You can save the settings from the tester as a profile or use Note AirCheck Manager to make a profile on a PC. This feature may not be available in some countries. The home screen shows the name of the profile the tester Select Tools.
  • Page 38 To transfer a profile from a PC to the tester not “.ACP”, the tester shows the message “Unable to load selected profile”. Use the Profile Setup in AirCheck Manager to make a profile. Enter the password for the profile, if necessary.
  • Page 39 File names can have a maximum of 8 characters with an extension of 3 characters. The extension must be “.ACP” if you want to see the profile in AirCheck Manager. • To delete characters in the filename, press  Delete.

  • Page 40: Configure A Network (Ssid)

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual    To delete a profile To select individual letters, use navigate to a character, then press , repeat the Select Tools > Manage files. process for every character. To enable the Caps Lock, select either capitalized “A-Z”...

  • Page 41: Part 2- Setting Up Security Credentials

    Set Up the Tester  11 Repeat steps 9 and 10 to continue configuring a static 16 Use to navigate to your next option and press network’s Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, DNS1 Server, or a DNS2 Server. The tester will guide you through the various options Note depending on the selected authentication type.

  • Page 42: To Add A Tcp Connect Target

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Choose Manage profiles / network passwords. To Add a TCP Connect Target Follow the steps as outlined in the “To Add a Ping Select Edit targets. Target” procedure and also add a port number as follows.

  • Page 43: Settings

    Set Up the Tester Note all the available profiles. To save your settings in a profile, select > Tools Follow the steps in the procedures above. Manage profiles / network passwords > Save profile or press  Profile from the home screen and then Move the highlight to the checkbox of your desired The profile name is displayed in the Save profile.
  • Page 44 Settings on these thresholds. AutoTest does not connect to open SSIDs unless they are manually added in AirCheck Manager and saved into the AirCheck profile. Connect to networks in a profile - When checked, connectivity to SSIDs in the current profile will be tested as part of the Network Quality AutoTest.
  • Page 45 Set Up the Tester Table 2. Settings on the Tools Menu (continued) Thresholds /AutoTest Air Quality co-Channel Interference threshold - Multiple APs on same channel interfere. Seen in the Air Quality screen. Settings (continued) Network Quality co-channel threshold - APs matching SSID overlap on channel. Seen in the Network Quality screen under Connection Details.
  • Page 46 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Table 2. Settings on the Tools Menu (continued) Manage 802.11 settings Lets you set options for channels and access point lists. • Enable 2.4 GHz band, Enable 5 GHz band: Select one or both frequency bands to see Note networks and access points from one or both bands.
  • Page 47 The differences are caused mainly by differences in the antennas. To make the devices agree, you can add an offset to the AirCheck measurements in this screen.
  • Page 48 You have the ability to add your own IP targets. Select Add to provide a hostname or an IP address directly on the tester. See page 33. AirCheck Manager also allows you to add a your own target. See the AirCheck online help for additional information...
  • Page 49 This feature may not be available in some countries. Set language Sets the language for the user interface. Note This feature may not be available in some countries. View AirCheck information Displays the tester serial number, MAC address, software version, USB version, and radio version.
  • Page 50 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Table 2. Settings on the Tools Menu (continued) Brightness and Auto-Shutoff Dim display brightness - Allows you to set the display brightness for low light use. Check the  box and select Save to change the setting Auto-shutoff enabled - When enabled, the tester turns off automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity (no key pressed).

  • Page 51: 802.11D Operation

    Set Up the Tester Green bars: The tester received a country code from 802.11d Operation one or more access points. All country codes received are If an access point uses the 802.11d standard, it transmits an the same, and they all agree with the setting in Tools > Set ISO country code in its beacons and probe responses.

  • Page 52: Change The Thresholds For The Colors In Bar Graphs

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Change the Thresholds for the Colors in Bar Graphs The bar graphs show you if the signal strength, noise, Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), etc. are above or below specified thresholds. They are represented as red, yellow, or green.

  • Page 53: Give Access Points An Authorization Status

    Set Up the Tester Neighbor device: Discovered Access Points that are Give Access Points an Authorization Status owned by a neighboring business or individual. When you set the authorization status for each access point, you can quickly see if an access point is an authorized Unknown device: The access point has not been previously part of the network.

  • Page 54: Discover Networks And Access Points

    Note If an access point does not transmit, but you know Note its MAC address, you can use AirCheck Manager to An SSID is in black text if the network (or access give the access point an authorization status. Save point) is in range.

  • Page 55: Searching For A Specific Device

    To search for a specific client include in the SSID filter. On the home screen, highlight the Clients icon and press You can also enable SSID filtering from within the AirCheck  Search. Manager software. Search for “SSID Filtering” in its help system for instructions.

  • Page 56: Networks (Ssids) List

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual ffy03.eps Figure 13. Networks (SSIDs) List...
  • Page 57 Discover Networks and Access Points   : The time when the tester first heard the network. : The security status of the network: To see networks that come into range as you move Red open lock: The network does not have security through an area, sort the list in descending sequence for enabled.
  • Page 58 If an SSID shows in square brackets, the tester found the This wider channel gives the network higher hidden SSID in packets from other wireless clients. In throughput. AirCheck Manager, these SSIDs show without square brackets. (...): All access points in the network do not use the same 802.11 standard.
  • Page 59 Discover Networks and Access Points  To sort the list in ascending or descending sequence, use The number of access points the tester hears at    to highlight a column heading, then press your location. This number does not include virtual ...

  • Page 60: Access Points List

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual ffy02.eps Figure 14. Access Points List...
  • Page 61 Discover Networks and Access Points   : The time when the tester first heard the access Name/MAC: The name or MAC address of the access point. To see access points that come into range as you point. The address starts with a vendor abbreviation move through an area, sort the list in descending prefix, if the prefix is available.
  • Page 62 If an SSID shows in square brackets, the tester found the : 802.11g: Uses the 2.4 GHz band. hidden SSID in packets from other wireless clients. In AirCheck Manager, these SSIDs show without square : 802.11n: Can be used in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands. brackets.
  • Page 63 Discover Networks and Access Points   Notes: Press to scroll to the notes field. The tester page 68. adds notes automatically. See page 58. Access points To connect to a secure access point, the tester must have that have notes are purple. a profile that includes security credentials.

  • Page 64: Access Point Details Screen

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual  The channel and frequency of the access point. The number is red if the channel is illegal for the country selected in Tools > Set country. Note The “Set Country” selection may not be available in some countries.
  • Page 65 If the AP country setting does not agree See page 38. with the AirCheck country setting, the access point has red bars in the 802.11 column. See “802.11d Operation” Up to 500 access points can be stored in the tester’s on page 43.

  • Page 66: Notes For Networks And Access Points

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Notes for Networks and Access Points Tables 3 and 4 give descriptions for the notes that the tester can add to networks and access points. <c Table 3. Notes for Networks and Access Points Ad hoc network operating This SSID is an ad hoc network.
  • Page 67 Notes for Networks and Access Points Table 3. Notes for Networks and Access Points (continued) 40 MHz 802.11n is not You should not bond channels in the 2.4 GHz band because that band has only three recommended on 2.4 GHz channels that have no overlap with each other.
  • Page 68 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Table 4. 802.11n Capabilities (shown on the Access Points Details screen) (continued) AP accepts 802.11n Greenfield The access point can increase speed if it uses Greenfield packets. packets AP does not accept 802.11n The access point will not accept 802.11n Greenfield packets. The user has set the...
  • Page 69 Notes for Networks and Access Points Table 4. 802.11n Capabilities (shown on the Access Points Details screen) (continued) Max Rx Rate The maximum rate of data reception for the access point at this time. The rate can change as the access point adjusts for changes in wireless traffic in the area. •...

  • Page 70: If The Tester Does Not Discover An Access Point

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual To select the bands for this function, select Tools, then select If the Tester Does Not Discover an Manage 802.11 settings. See Table 2 on page 36. Access Point In some situations, the tester will not discover an access point: •...
  • Page 71 Channel Usage  Channels that do not have access points can show The number of access points that the tester 802.11 usage because of overlap from access points on hears at your location. This shows the number of adjacent channels. physical access points if Group virtual access points is selected.

  • Page 72: Channel Usage Details Screen

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual  A graph of the 802.11 usage and non-802.11 interference of the selected channel over time in seconds.The more the usage, the busier the channel. Very busy channels can make the network slow or affect connectivity.

  • Page 73: Verify Connectivity

    Verify Connectivity  The number of access points the tester hears at Verify Connectivity your location. This shows the number of physical access points if Group virtual access points is selected. See page Use connectivity tests to verify the operation of these wireless network functions: •...

  • Page 74: Entering Security Credentials Using "Connect

     Press Next. Depending on the authentication type using AirCheck Manager, you will need to transfer the that was selected, either the WEP > WEP Key Setup, profile to the tester and load it. See page 29. Legacy 802.1X > EAP Type Selection, or the WPA/WPA2 >...
  • Page 75 Verify Connectivity Note Highlight the EAP type and press Select. AirCheck can only use one set of security credentials Press Next. The Setup Username/Password screen is per SSID, even if a SSID has multiple Access Points displayed. with different security settings. Therefore, you may...
  • Page 76 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual From the home screen, select Tools, then select Manage Highlight the access point in the Access Points list, then profiles / network passwords. press  Connect. Select Load profile, highlight the correct profile, press To do a ping or a TCP Port Connect test ...

  • Page 77: Review Connection Results

    Verify Connectivity Review Connection Results  Once Connect is pressed, the process to connect to a network or a specific access point begins and the results are presented as they become available. ffy04.eps Figure 18. The Connection Screen...
  • Page 78 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual    SSID, BSSID: The name of the network and the MAC Press Start tests to do a ping or a TCP Port Connect address of the access point that the tester uses for the test, which includes the Connection range test.

  • Page 79: The Connection Log

    Verify Connectivity ffy10.bmp Figure 19. The Connection Log...

  • Page 80: Ping A Device Or Application Server

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual The ping screen (Figure 20) shows the results of the ping Ping a Device or Application Server  test. To ping a different address, press twice, then You can enter addresses to ping other devices or application select or enter a different address.

  • Page 81: The Ping Screen

    Verify Connectivity  The minimum (Min), average (avg), and maximum (max) periods of time for ping responses from the device and the number of packets sent, received, and lost during the ping test.  Connection range: The connection range shows the probability of the best possible connection to the access point from your location.

  • Page 82: Discover Clients

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual  Received: The ping response rate (pings responses When an associated client is highlighted in the test. Press  received divided by pings sent). Access Point Details to see the details of the associated Access Point.

  • Page 83: Discovering Clients Through Meru Aps

    Discover Clients To search for a specific client On the home screen, highlight the Clients icon and press  Search. Highlight and select BSSID/MAC or Vendor MAC.  Enter the information and press Search. If the search device has been discovered, the device will be highlighted on the Clients screen.

  • Page 84: Clients Screen

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual ffy12.eps Figure 21. Clients Screen...
  • Page 85 SSID in packets from other wireless clients. In of the column, then press  Sort 1. This puts AirCheck Manager, these SSIDs show without square the client with the strongest signal at the top of the list. brackets. To sort in a secondary sequence, highlight a different ...

  • Page 86: Client Details Screen

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual   Press Locate to locate the client. See page 80.  The MAC address of the client. The address starts with a vendor abbreviation prefix, if the prefix is available. See “oui_abbr.txt” on page 90.
  • Page 87 Discover Clients  The number of access points the tester hears at your location. This number does not include virtual access points if Group virtual access points is selected. See page 39.   Press Locate to locate the client. See page 80.

  • Page 88: If The Tester Does Not Discover A Client

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual If the Tester Does Not Discover a Client Locate an Access Point or a Client In some situations, the tester will not discover a client: To locate an access point: Select Access Points, then use ...

  • Page 89: Locate Access Point Screen

    Locate an Access Point or a Client Notes  Network name (SSID) and access point MAC address (BSSID). If you do not find the access point or client, look on the floor above or below you.  The strength of the signal from the access point. The display shows “---”...

  • Page 90: Locate Client Screen

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual   To change this channel, press  A graph of the signal strength over time. If the tester cannot hear the client, the line does not show.  A gauge that shows the signal strength at the current time.

  • Page 91: Search Pattern For The Omnidirectional Antenna In The Tester

    Locate an Access Point or a Client Make a note of the signal strength. Go to the first corner of the section that had the strongest signal. ffy16.eps Figure 25. Search Pattern for the Omnidirectional Antenna in the Tester...

  • Page 92: The External Directional Antenna

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual To locate an access point: Select Networks or Access The External Directional Antenna Points, then use  to go to the Access Point In large, open areas, the external directional antenna can Details screen for the access point you want to locate.

  • Page 93: Search Pattern For The External Antenna

    The External Directional Antenna The signal can be stronger above or below you. Go to the middle of the section that has the strongest signal until you find the access point. ffy17.eps Figure 26. Search Pattern for the External Antenna...

  • Page 94: How To Point The External Antenna

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual ffy13.eps Figure 27. How to Point the External Antenna...

  • Page 95: Adjust Signal Strength Measurements To Agree With Other Devices

    AirCheck Manager. Find the offset value: Caution Use the AirCheck tester and the other device to measure the signal strength in the same location. Record the To prevent inconsistent measurements later, be difference in the measurement for each channel that is sure to remember that you adjusted the offsets.

  • Page 96: Save A Test Session

    Done, then press  Save. To save the data from a test session To see the session file, open it in AirCheck Manager. See Press . The tester shows a default, sequential filename page 91. at the bottom of the screen.

  • Page 97: Manage Files On The Tester

    Sessions must have the extension “.ACS” and View Memory Used %. profiles must have the extension “.ACP” if you want to see them in AirCheck Manager. Use the USB cable supplied with the tester to connect the • To delete characters in the filename, press ...

  • Page 98: About Files On The Tester

    • DEVICE.XML: This file contains the information shown If there is a newer list on the Fluke Networks website that is when you select Tools > View AirCheck Information. not included in the latest version of AirCheck Manager, copy the file to the “VendorPrefix” folder under AirCheck •...

  • Page 99: Transfer Files To A Pc

    Maintenance Transfer Files to a PC Maintenance To use AirCheck Manager to look at test sessions or profiles Warning that are saved on the tester To prevent possible fire, electrical shock, personal Install the latest version of AirCheck Manager software injury, or damage to the tester: on your PC.

  • Page 100: Clean The Tester

    When the update is update by other means. Save the file to your hard disk. completed, the home screen shows on the tester. Get the latest version of AirCheck Manager from the Note Fluke Networks website.

  • Page 101: Restore Factory Defaults

    If the tester still does not turn off, remove the battery pack  press and install it again. To complete the process, press , and then turn the tester back on. Device Information To see information about the tester From the home screen, select Tools > View AirCheck information.

  • Page 102: Options And Accessories

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual For a complete list of options and accessories visit the Fluke Options and Accessories Networks website at www.flukenetworks.com. Table 5 shows options and accessories available for the AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester. Table 5. Options and Accessories...

  • Page 103: Specifications

    Specifications Specifications Environmental Specifications Operating temperature and relative 32ºF to 113ºF (0ºC to +45ºC) humidity Note The battery will not charge if the internal temperature of the tester is above 113 F (45ºC). º Operating relative humidity 90% (50ºF to 95ºF; 10ºC to 35ºC) (% RH without condensation) 75% (95ºF to 113ºF;...

  • Page 104: General Specifications

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual General Specifications Dimensions 3.5 in x 7.8 in x 1.9 in (8.9 cm x 19.8 cm x 4.8 cm) Weight 14 oz (0.4 kg) Battery Removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack (18.5 Watt-hrs) Battery life Typical operating life is 5.5 hours. Typical charge time is 3 hours.

  • Page 105: Wireless Specifications

    Specifications Wireless Specifications Specification compliance IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n Wi-Fi Connectivity 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac (802.11n rates or lower)
  • Page 106 These are the center frequencies 2.4 GHz band: 2.412 GHz to 2.484 GHz (channel 1 to channel 14) of the channels that the AirCheck tester supports. 5 GHz band: 5.170 GHz to 5.320 GHz, 5.500 GHz to 5.700 GHz, 5.745 GHz to 5.825 GHz...
  • Page 107 Specifications Frequencies of channels transmitted (continued) 5GHz band 802.11 a /n 20 MHz BW (HT20): 5.180 GHz to 5.320 GHz, 5.500 GHz to 5.700 GHz, 5.745 GHz to 5.825 GHz (channels 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 124, 128, 132, 1, 36, 140, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165) 802.11 n 40 MHz BW (HT40): 5.190 GHz to 5.310 GHz, 5.510 GHz to 5.670 GHz, 5.755 GHz to 5.795 GHz (includes all combinations of legal, bonded pairs of channels)
  • Page 108 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual -100 -100 -110 -110 -120 -120 -130 -130 -140 -140 -150 -150 -160 -160 -170 -170 2.400 GHz 4.900 GHz 2.450 GHz 5.200 GHz 2.500 GHz 5.500 GHz 5.700 GHz 5.875 GHz ffy20.eps Figure 29. Antenna Patterns for the External Antenna (magnitude (dBi)) vs. azimuth (degrees)

  • Page 109: Federal Communication Commission And Industry Canada Interference Statement

    Federal Communication Commission and Industry Canada Interference Statement • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or TV Federal Communication Commission technician for help. and Industry Canada Interference FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly Statement approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

  • Page 110: Europe-Eu Declaration Of Conformity

    AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual • The availability of some specific channels and/or EN 300328 V1.7.1: (2006-10) operational frequency bands are country dependent and Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum not accessible by the end user. Matters (ERM); Wideband Transmission systems; Data transmission equipment operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM...
  • Page 111 Federal Communication Commission and Industry Canada Interference Statement This device is a 2.4 GHz wideband transmission system (transceiver), intended for use in all EU member states and EFTA countries, except in France and Italy where restrictive use applies. In Italy the end-user should apply for a license at the national spectrum authorities in order to obtain authorization to use the device for setting up outdoor radio links and/or for supplying public access to...
  • Page 112 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual...
  • Page 113 Appendix A: Log Messages for Connections that Fail The connection log can help you understand why a device cannot connect to a network. This appendix gives reasons for log messages that show when a connection fails. Message Possible Reasons for the Connection Failure The access point is out of range, disabled, or someone changed the 802.11: Found no access points frequency band.
  • Page 114 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Message Possible Reasons for the Connection Failure The access control list and MAC filter on the access point rejected the Authentication failed MAC of the tester. The access point uses WEP security, and the low-level 802.11 authentication (open/shared) that the tester uses is different from the type of authentication that the access point uses.
  • Page 115 Ignore this message if you did not select the option Check Server 802.1X: Server certificate unverified Certificate in the profile in AirCheck Manager. The option Check Server Certificate was selected in the profile in AirCheck 802.1X: Server certificate is bad Manager, but an incorrect certificate was loaded into the tester.
  • Page 116 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual...
  • Page 117 Appendix B: Default Settings This appendix shows the default settings for the tester when Signal Level: Green -65 dBm you select Tools > Restore factory defaults. Noise Level: Red -65 dBm Function Default Setting Noise Level: Yellow -72 dBm Profile that the tester uses Default Noise Level: Green -80 dBm...
  • Page 118 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Non-802.11 Utilization level: Connected Packet Rate level: Red Green Connected Packet Rate level: Non-802.11 Utilization level: Yellow Yellow Connected Packet Rate level: Non-802.11 Utilization level: Red Green Air Quality Co-channel level: Minimum Signal Threshold -85dBm...
  • Page 119 Appendix B: Default Settings Individual Networks Sort 1 Name/MAC Sort 2 Name/MAC Access Points on a Channel Sort 1 Name/MAC Sort 2 Name/MAC Access Points List Sort 1 Name/MAC Sort 2 Name/MAC Virtual Access Points List Sort 1 SSID Sort 2 SSID Clients List Sort 1...
  • Page 120 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual...
  • Page 121 Appendix C: 802.11d Country Codes This appendix shows the countries for the country codes that Andorra the tester shows on the Access Point Details screen. United Arab Emirates Countries shown in bold text are the countries you can select in Tools > Set country. Afghanistan Antigua and Barbuda Anguilla...
  • Page 122 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual American Samoa Brunei Darussalam Austria Bolivia Australia Brazil Aruba Bahamas Aland Bhutan Burma (transitional) Azerbaijan Bouvet Island Bosnia and Herzegovina Barbados Botswana Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Belize Burkina Faso Canada Cocos Islands Bulgaria Congo, Democratic Republic of...
  • Page 123 Appendix C: 802.11d Country Codes Cook Islands Algeria Chile Ecuador Cameroon Estonia China Egypt Western Sahara Colombia Eritrea Costa Rica Serbia and Montenegro (transitional) Spain Cuba Ethiopia Cape Verde European Union Christmas Island Finland Fiji Cyprus Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Czech Republic Micronesia Germany Djibouti...
  • Page 124 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Guyana United Kingdom Grenada Hong Kong Heard and McDonald Islands Georgia French Guiana Honduras Guernsey Croatia Ghana Haiti Gibraltar Hungary Greenland Indonesia Gambia Ireland Guinea International (Cisco only) Guadeloupe Israel Equatorial Guinea Isle of Man...
  • Page 125 Appendix C: 802.11d Country Codes Italy Lebanon Jersey Saint Lucia Jamaica Liechtenstein Jordan Sri Lanka Liberia Japan Kenya Lesotho Kyrgyzstan Lithuania Cambodia Luxembourg Kiribati Latvia Comoros Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Saint Kitts and Nevis Morocco Korea, D.P.R. (north) Monaco Moldova, Republic of Korea, Republic (south) Montenegro Kuwait...
  • Page 126 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual No country is selected (special situation for Macedonia some access points) Mali New Caledonia Myanmar Niger Mongolia Norfolk Island Macau Nigeria Northern Mariana Islands Nicaragua Martinique Netherlands Mauritania Norway Montserrat Nepal Malta Nauru Mauritius Neutral Zone (transitional)
  • Page 127 Appendix C: 802.11d Country Codes French Polynesia Russian Federation Rwanda Papua New Guinea Philippines Saudi Arabia Solomon Islands Pakistan Seychelles Poland Saint Pierre and Miquelon Sudan Pitcairn Sweden Finland (unofficial) Puerto Rico Palestinian Territory Singapore United States (public safety) Saint Helena Portugal Slovenia Palau...
  • Page 128 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual Suriname East Timor (transitional) Sao Tome and Principe Turkey USSR (formerly) Trinidad and Tobago Tuvalu El Salvador Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan Swaziland Tanzania Turks and Caicos Islands Ukraine Chad Uganda French Southern Territories United Kingdom (unofficial) Togo U.S.
  • Page 129 Appendix C: 802.11d Country Codes Virgin Islands, U.S. Viet Nam Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna Is. Samoa Yemen Mayotte Yugoslavia (transitional) South Africa Zambia Zaire (transitional) Zimbabwe...
  • Page 130 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual...
  • Page 131 Index 802.11d, 43 Symbols 802.11n capabilities, 59 (...) access points list –A– 802.11, 54 ACL, 53 a, 50, 54 notes, 55 Access Point Details, 56, 58, 59 security, 54 access points networks list 802.11d country, 57 802.11, 50 ACL (authorization status), 45 ACL, 49 connect to an access point, 65 notes, 50...
  • Page 132 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual ad hoc device interference networks list, 27, 50 note, 58 AirCheck Manager on usage graph, 64 overview, 1 cleaning, 92 profile, 29 compliance statement, 101 transfer files to a PC, 91 connect to a network or access point, 65...
  • Page 133 Index –E– –H– enable 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, 38 help (contact Fluke Networks), 2 Hidden, 50, 54, 77 home screen, 22 –F– files –I– ACP, 90 ACS, 90 interference delete, 89 note, 58 profiles, 29 on usage graph, 64...
  • Page 134 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual any address, 72 –M– default addresses, 70 maintenance, 91 power Manage 802.11 settings, 36, 37, 38, 39 auto shutoff, 42 memory, 89 battery, 10 cannot turn off, 93 –N– power levels for transmission, 43 probe request frames...
  • Page 135 Index SNR, 70 –W– SNXXXXXX.ACS, 90 world mode, 43 software update, 92 sort a list, 51, 77 –X– specifications, 95 streams, 61 XML files, 90 –T– Thresholds, 15, 20, 26, 36, 37, 44 thresholds, 12, 14, 24, 25, 49, 53, 56, 70, 73, 77 thresholds for bar graph colors, 44 time, 41 timestamp...
  • Page 136 AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester Users Manual...

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