Viavi WiFi Advisor WFED-300AC User Manual
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Viavi WiFi Advisor WFED-300AC User Manual

Wireless lan analyzer
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WFED-300AC Wireless LAN Analyzer
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Summary of Contents for Viavi WiFi Advisor WFED-300AC

  • Page 1 WiFi Advisor WFED-300AC Wireless LAN Analyzer User’s Guide...
  • Page 2 Every effort was made to ensure that the information in this manual was accurate at the time of printing. However, information is subject to change without notice, and Viavi reserves the right to provide an addendum to this manual with information not available at the time that this manual was created.
  • Page 3 Viavi is not subject to third party licenses. Terms of the Viavi Software License different from applicable third party licenses are offered by Viavi alone. FCC Notice This product was tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 4 Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement. This equipment complies with Industry Canada radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
  • Page 5 In the European Union, all equipment and batteries purchased from Viavi after 2005-08-13 can be returned for disposal at the end of its useful life. Viavi will ensure that all waste equipment and batteries returned are reused, recycled, or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner, and in compliance with all applicable national and international waste legislation.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Contents About This Guide Purpose and scope ................x Assumptions .
  • Page 7 Contents Chapter 2 Managing Devices Connecting a WiFi Advisor for the first time ........... . . 13 Registering and unregistering devices .
  • Page 8 Contents Managing jobs................49 Creating a new job in Job Manager .

  • Page 9: About This Guide

    About This Guide This prefix explains how to use this manual. Topics discussed include the following: • “Purpose and scope” on page x • “Assumptions” on page x • “Safety and compliance information” on page x • “Conventions” on page x WiFi Advisor Wireless LAN Analyzer User’s Guide September 2015 22073751, Rev.

  • Page 10: Purpose And Scope

    About This Guide Purpose and scope Purpose and scope The purpose of this guide is to help you successfully use the WFED-300AC features and capabilities. This guide includes task- based instructions that describe how to install, configure, use, and troubleshoot the WFED-300AC. Assumptions This guide is intended for novice, intermediate, and experienced users who want to use the WiFi Advisor effectively and efficiently.
  • Page 11 About This Guide Conventions Table 1 Text formatting and other typographical conventions Item(s) Example(s) Buttons, keys, menu options, tabs, or fields Press the On button. that you press, click, or type information Press the Enter key. into. Click the Properties tab. Type the name of the probe in the Probe Name field.
  • Page 12 About This Guide Conventions Table 2 Symbol conventions (Continued) This symbol, located on the equipment, battery, or the packaging indicates that the equipment or battery must not be disposed of in a land-fill site or as municipal waste, and should be disposed of according to your national regu- lations.

  • Page 13: Wifi Advisor Overview

    WiFi Advisor Overview Chapter 1 This chapter provides a general description of theWFED-300AC WiFi Advisor. Topics discussed in this chapter include the following: • “About the Wireless LAN Analyzer” on page 2 • “Architecture” on page 2 • “About the WiFi Advisor” on page 3 •...

  • Page 14: About The Wireless Lan Analyzer

    Chapter 1 WiFi Advisor Overview About the Wireless LAN Analyzer About the Wireless LAN Analyzer The Wireless LAN Analyzer provides a complete, multi-dimensional map of real WiFi performance, highlighting margin and resil- iency of WiFi connections at multiple locations within a site (versus a simple signal strength icon). It includes intuitive tools to quickly optimize and troubleshoot the in-home WiFi network.

  • Page 15: About The Wifi Advisor

    Chapter 1 WiFi Advisor Overview About the WiFi Advisor About the WiFi Advisor The WiFi Advisor, shown in Figure 1, is a portable WiFi analysis solution that efficiently optimizes and troubleshoots 802.11 WiFi networks, provides a whole-home view of real WiFi performance / margin, and generates valuable information that can be given to the end user.

  • Page 16: Quick Tour

    Powerful network processor – WiFi and Ethernet test interfaces – Battery powered Quick tour This section describes the buttons, indicators, and connectors for the WiFi Advisor WFED-300AC. Top view The top view is shown in Figure Figure 2 WiFi Advisor top view...
  • Page 17 Chapter 1 WiFi Advisor Overview About the WiFi Advisor Power The power button is the green button on the top of the instrument. Press and hold the button to power up or power down the instru- ment. When the unit is powered up, the LED just above the button indicates the battery status. •...

  • Page 18: Front View

    Chapter 1 WiFi Advisor Overview About the WiFi Advisor Status The Status LED indicates the status of the test. • Blinking amber indicates a test is in progress at that location • Solid green indicates the test is complete at that location and the test passed •...
  • Page 19 Chapter 1 WiFi Advisor Overview About the WiFi Advisor There are two USB connectors. They are used to connect host devices to the WiFi Advisor and as an alternative path for firmware download. • The standard USB connector is a master/host interface. •...

  • Page 20: Back View

    Chapter 1 WiFi Advisor Overview About the WiFi Advisor Back view The back view is shown in Figure Figure 4 WiFi Advisor back view Battery charge LED DC Power input DC Power input The DC Power input, located on the back of the instrument, is used to connect the AC adapter. Battery charge LED The LED located next to the power input indicates that the adapter is connected.

  • Page 21: About The Wifi Advisor Application

    Chapter 1 WiFi Advisor Overview About the WiFi Advisor application About the WiFi Advisor application The WiFi Advisor iPad host application communicates with the WiFi Advisor instrument to run tests and manage devices. The application allows the user to set up WiFi tests, communicates test setups to the WFED-300AC WiFi Advisor test device(s) over Bluetooth, manages test execution, displays test results, and enables administration of job or work ticket related information.
  • Page 22 Chapter 1 WiFi Advisor Overview About the WiFi Advisor application The Home screen appears, as shown in Figure Figure 6 WiFi Advisor application Home screen The application provides the following functions: • WiFi Advisor Home – The main application that includes four selections: –...
  • Page 23 Chapter 1 WiFi Advisor Overview About the WiFi Advisor application – Single-Ended Troubleshooting (examine the surrounding 802.11 environment using a single test device) see “WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application” Chapter 3 “Testing”. – Device Management (used to register devices, view device status, and manage firmware updates) see Chapter 2 “Managing Devices”.

  • Page 24: Chapter 2 Managing Devices

    Managing Devices Chapter 2 This chapter describes the Device Management menu which is used to register devices, view device status, and manage firm- ware updates. NOTE The WiFi Advisor iOS application must be installed on your iPad Topics discussed in this chapter include the following: •...

  • Page 25: Connecting A Wifi Advisor For The First Time

    Chapter 2 Managing Devices Connecting a WiFi Advisor for the first time Connecting a WiFi Advisor for the first time Before any testing can begin, each WiFi Advisor must be paired with the iPad. Pairing devices On the iPad, select the Settings icon. Verify that Bluetooth is set to On.

  • Page 26: Registering And Unregistering Devices

    Chapter 2 Managing Devices Registering and unregistering devices Registering and unregistering devices After pairing the device(s) with the iPad, they must be registered with the WiFi Advisor application, especially if this is the first time using this WiFi Advisor with this iPad. To register WiFi Advisor devices with the iPad From the WiFi Advisor application, select Device Management.

  • Page 27: Changing The Power Off Delay

    Chapter 2 Managing Devices Changing the power off delay Changing the power off delay The power off delay values associated with each registered WiFi Advisor are shown within the Registered Devices section of the Device Manager screen. These values define the amount of idle time that must transpire before the test device will automatically power down.

  • Page 28: Updating The Ipad Application Software

    Chapter 2 Managing Devices Updating the iPad application software Find the WiFi Advisor you wish to update, and click on icon of the device with a down arrow. A confirmation screen appears. Select Yes. The update begins. The status bar at the top indicates the update progress. NOTE: If you experience trouble, look at the number of Bluetooth devices in the area.
  • Page 29 Chapter 2 Managing Devices Updating the iPad application software As the process runs, the application icon has a circle inside that rotates. When the update is finished, the rotating circle disappears and the icon has a “badge” (a blue dot in the upper left). The host application software is updated.

  • Page 30: Testing

    Testing Chapter 3 This chapter provides task-based instructions for using the WiFi Advisor features. Topics discussed in this chapter are as follows: • “Smart Channel Wizard” on page 19 • “WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application” on page 23 •...

  • Page 31: Smart Channel Wizard

    Chapter 3 Testing Smart Channel Wizard Smart Channel Wizard The SmartChannel Wizard provides a guided path to optimizing the WiFi environment.It assumes that the customer has installed and turned on their AP, and that they wish to optimize its network settings. To run the wizard From the WiFi Advisor application, select SmartChannel Wizard.
  • Page 32 Chapter 3 Testing Smart Channel Wizard Figure 7 Example of SmartChannel Wizard Summary results screen The summary screen provides the following • BSSID and Channel health – the upper area with Channel Width, Channel Utilization, Noise, SNR, and so on. •...
  • Page 33 Chapter 3 Testing Smart Channel Wizard The Device List (Figure 8) provides information such as – Which stations are connected to my RG? – Which stations that have the highest channel utilization? – Do my stations have weak signal? – Which stations are using old, legacy PHY rates / standards? –...
  • Page 34 Chapter 3 Testing Smart Channel Wizard The Trend Graphs provide visibility into the key WiFi parameters as you move through a site. Figure 9 Example of SmartChannel Wizard Trend Graphs The utilization graph shows both the Channel Utilization (blue line) and the actual utilization due to noise (red line). WiFi Advisor Wireless LAN Analyzer User’s Guide Page 22 22073751, Rev.

  • Page 35: Wifi Troubleshooting Using A Single Ended Application

    Chapter 3 Testing WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application The Spectral Graph displays any spikes that may occur (which helps find the source of interference). Figure 10 Example of SmartChannel Wizard Spectral Graph Microwave signature WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application The single-ended troubleshooting test includes the following: •...
  • Page 36 Chapter 3 Testing WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application • Expert recommendations helps minimize the time spent to effectively optimize the network and reduces likelihood of repeat calls Figure 11 Single ended test The following procedure describes how to troubleshoot a single connection on a network.This test is typically run if the service is not working properly.

  • Page 37: Bssid Results

    Chapter 3 Testing WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application BSSID results The BSSID results provide quick visibility into the wireless networks active in the current environment. The BSSID results report the RSSI per channel. Results are available for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi bands. Use the 2.4GHz/5GHz box in the upper left to select the band that you wish to view.
  • Page 38 Chapter 3 Testing WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application The graph area shows each visible BSSID by channel and signal strength. This view is useful for understanding an existing Access Point’s channel configuration and signal strength. This helps determine which channel to select for a new access point. The BSSID List view in the right pane provides a listing of all detected BSSIDs along with their channel setting, current signal strength, and MAC address.
  • Page 39 Chapter 3 Testing WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application From the BSSID Details menu, touch Trend Graphs. Trend graphs show RSSI, Noise, and Channel Utilization over time for the selected BSSID. A sample graph is shown in Figure Figure 13 Trend Graphs WiFi Advisor Wireless LAN Analyzer User’s Guide September 2015...

  • Page 40: Channel View

    Chapter 3 Testing WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application Channel view The Channel view, shown in Figure 14, shows utilization and noise per 802.11 channel in addition to co-channel or adjacent channel interference. You can view the best channels per band, best channels per channel width, or overall channel score. This allows you to select the best channels available in the current environment.
  • Page 41 Chapter 3 Testing WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application The Utilization graph in the top pane shows the channel utilization for all channels in the selected band. Touching a bar within the graph highlights the bar for that channel (the blue bar will turn green) and the “BSSID List” changes to the Channel Summary which includes values associated with that particular channel.
  • Page 42 Chapter 3 Testing WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application If the channel view shows utilization in the wrong channels, the likely issue is that a high energy 802.11 transmitter is very close to the WiFi Advisor. In Figure 15 a high energy 802.11ac transmitter is using channels 149, 153, 157, and 161.

  • Page 43: Spectral Results

    Chapter 3 Testing WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application Spectral results The Spectral results, shown in Figure 16, provide a real-time spectral analyzer configurable by 802.11 band, channel, and channel width. It is helpful for finding signals that interfere with 802.11 networks by showing both 802.11 and non-802.11 RF signals within a given channel of interest.

  • Page 44: Navigating The Spectral Result Screen

    Chapter 3 Testing WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application The Spectral results screen has 3 main areas: • The spectral graph area, where the real-time spectral data is displayed • The controls area, where the user can configure the spectrum analyzer ranges and modes •...
  • Page 45 Chapter 3 Testing WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application The Spectrum Analyzer controls, located across the top of the graph, consist of the following: Band toggle switch – selects 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands for analysis. Channel bandwidth selector – selects the width of the spectrum analyzer: –...

  • Page 46: Troubleshooting Spectral Measurements

    Chapter 3 Testing WiFi Troubleshooting using a single ended application Troubleshooting Spectral measurements The following are some common interferences that could show up in a spectral measurement. Microwave ovens can interfere with an 802.11 signal. They are most prevalent in channels 10 and 11. If possible, it is a good idea to look at the spectral response while the microwave is running to determine it’s impact.

  • Page 47: Assessing Wifi Performance Throughout A Site

    Chapter 3 Testing Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site The general procedure for a Site Assessment test is: Either place one WiFi Advisor in close proximity to where the Wireless Access Point (or Residential Gateway) will be installed or connect one WiFi Advisor to the Access Point.
  • Page 48 Chapter 3 Testing Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site Figure 18 Site Assessment test The two-ended site assessment test includes the following features: • Innovative TrueMargin™ performance test which thoroughly and simultaneously evaluates the physical layer, the 802.11 transport layer and the packet layer. WiFi Advisor Wireless LAN Analyzer User’s Guide Page 36 22073751, Rev.

  • Page 49: Getting Started

    Chapter 3 Testing Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site • BSSID / AP view snapshot for each test location • Spectral snapshots at both ends of the wireless link • Best Channel recommendations for 2.4G / 5G for the given test profile •...

  • Page 50: Step 1: Selecting Devices

    Choose the WiFi network to test. Enter the password for that network. A Site Assessment-capable Viavi device (such as a second WiFi Advisor) should then be connected to the Ethernet port of the Access Point. Specify which device will function as a Station.

  • Page 51: Step 2: Specifying The Broadband Service Rate

    Chapter 3 Testing Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site Step 2: Specifying the Broadband Service Rate This setting specifies the broadband service rate that the customer is receiving from their internet provider. If not specified (left blank), the setting is ignored. To specify the Broadband Service Rate From the Site Assessment page, select Broadband Service.
  • Page 52 Chapter 3 Testing Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site If no predefined configuration matches your needs, touch either Add Configuration for WiFi Advisor as AP or Add Configuration for Through Customer AP. The Edit Configuration page appears. Specify the equipment, test profiles, and other settings as needed.
  • Page 53 Chapter 3 Testing Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site Figure 19 WiFi Advisor as AP profile WiFi Advisor Wireless LAN Analyzer User’s Guide September 2015 22073751, Rev. 003 Page 41...
  • Page 54 Chapter 3 Testing Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site Figure 20 Through the customer AP profile Touch Profile Name and then enter a name for the profile. Touch Profile AP and then do one of the following: – Select from the predefined devices that is operating as the access point. When a WiFi Advisor Test Device is being used as the Access Point, select “Recommend Channels”...
  • Page 55 Chapter 3 Testing Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site When “Customer Access Point” has been selected as the Access Point, select “Recommend Channels” to display a pop-up box that provides information and notifications relevant to the selected WiFi network and test configuration. –...

  • Page 56: Step 4: Specifying The Ap And Station Location

    Chapter 3 Testing Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site Step 4: Specifying the AP and Station Location These settings specify the room where each WiFi Advisor is located. To specify the AP and Station location From the Site Assessment page, select AP Location. Select the room where the Access Point is located.
  • Page 57 Chapter 3 Testing Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site After the first location is tested, a green check mark or red “X” (a Go/No Go result) appears next to the access point and station. Do one of the following: – If you have another station, select Next Station Location.
  • Page 58 Chapter 3 Testing Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site Interpret the results While the Site Assessment test is in progress, results for any completed profile test can be viewed by touching the completed profile in the Test Progress pane. When a profile name is selected, the Site Assessment Results screen appears. This screen displays results for both the AP-to-Station direction and Station-to-AP direction.
  • Page 59 Chapter 3 Testing Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site An example of the Summary Results is shown in Figure Figure 21 Example of Site Assessment Summary Results To return to the Site Assessment test, touch Site Assessment in the upper left. WiFi Advisor Wireless LAN Analyzer User’s Guide September 2015 22073751, Rev.
  • Page 60 Chapter 3 Testing Assessing WiFi performance throughout a site – View the Location Results At the beginning of each location test, a BSSID graph is captured at both the Station and the AP, for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. These location graphs apply to all profile tests at the location and are viewable by pressing the Location name in the Test Progress bar (the left pane) and then pressing “Location Graphs”...

  • Page 61: Managing Jobs

    When test results are associated with a job, the jobs are stored on the iPad. The last 50 jobs are stored; if you have more than 50 jobs, the oldest job is deleted automatically. Viavi recommends that jobs be exported to your external database before they are automatically deleted.

  • Page 62: Saving To A New Job In The Site Assessment Test

    Chapter 3 Testing Managing jobs Saving to a new job in the Site Assessment test Within the Site Assessment test application, you can save results to a new job. To save results to a new job After running the test, select Save to New Job. Go to the Job Manager and select the new job.

  • Page 63: Viewing Job Results

    Chapter 3 Testing Managing jobs Viewing job results After running tests, you can view the job details. To view job results From the main Job Manager screen, touch the job that you are interested in viewing. The results can be viewed in several ways. –...
  • Page 64 Chapter 3 Testing Managing jobs Figure 22 Customer Report example WiFi Advisor Wireless LAN Analyzer User’s Guide Page 52 22073751, Rev. 003 September 2015...
  • Page 65 Chapter 3 Testing Managing jobs Figure 23 Customer Report example WiFi Advisor Wireless LAN Analyzer User’s Guide September 2015 22073751, Rev. 003 Page 53...

  • Page 66: Exporting Jobs

    Chapter 3 Testing Managing jobs Exporting jobs Jobs can be exported from the iPad to an external database using either FTP or HTTPS (if available). To export a job From the main Job Manager screen, touch Manage. Active jobs are listed. Choose the desired job by selecting the box next to the job.

  • Page 67: Deleting Jobs

    From the main Job Manager screen, touch Manage. Active jobs are listed. Choose the desired job by selecting the box next to the job Touch Delete. Troubleshooting If you require technical assistance, call 1-844-GO-VIAVI. For the latest TAC information, go to http://www.viavisolutions.com/en/ services-and-support/support/technical-assistance. Table 5 Table 6 provide some typical issues and resolutions.
  • Page 68 Chapter 3 Testing Troubleshooting Table 5 Typical WiFi related problems (Continued) Problem Action 802.11 interference sources Look for < 4 co-channel interferers and < 3 adjacent channel – Co-channel interference (forces your AP to share the channel) – Adjacent channel interference (looks like noise to your AP) Non 802.11 Interference sources Observe spectrum for interferers in the channel of interest...
  • Page 69 Maintenance and Specifications Appendix A This chapter describes how to maintain your unit. Topics discussed in this chapter include the following: • “Charging the battery” on page 58 • “Replacing the battery pack” on page 59 • “Cleaning the instrument” on page 60 •...

  • Page 70: Appendix A Maintenance And Specifications

    Appendix A Maintenance and Specifications Charging the battery Charging the battery When the Battery LED lights red, the battery pack should be charged or replaced. NOTE: You can test a circuit and recharge the battery at the same time. If you do not want to interrupt the current test, you may leave the power on and connect the AC power adapter.

  • Page 71: Replacing The Battery Pack

    The battery compartment is located on the bottom of the unit. The following procedure describes how to replace the battery pack. Before replacing the battery pack, verify that the replacement battery pack is Viavi part number 21108524. To replace the battery pack Turn the power off.

  • Page 72: Cleaning The Instrument

    The instrument itself does not require any specialized cleaning. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth is sufficient. NOTE: When cleaning the instrument, Viavi recommends a damp cloth and water only. Cleaning with chemicals could cause damage to the plastic case, buttons, or removal of markings.
  • Page 73 Appendix A Maintenance and Specifications Specifications Table 8 Operating and storage environment Parameter Specification Operating Temperature 32 to 104F (0 to +40C) Storage Temperature -22 to 140 C (-30 to 60 C) Humidity 10%-90% RH non-condensing Vibration 3-Axis Vibration Shock ±3 half-sinusoidal shock, 3-Axis Shock "Este produto não é...

  • Page 74: Glossary

    Glossary CPE — Customer Premise Equipment AP — Access Point. The 802.11 device which allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network (in general) DSSS — Digital Sequence Spread Spectrum. A type of Modula- Adjacent channel interference — neighboring channels “bleed tion.
  • Page 75 Glossary Spectral — A spectrum analyzer is used to measure signal ampli- tude (strength) as it varies by signal frequency. The frequency OFDM — Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing appears on the horizontal axis, and the amplitude is displayed on the vertical axis. A spectrum analyzer can be used to determine whether or not a wireless transmitter is working according to federally defined stan- Phy —...

  • Page 76: Index

    Index Firmware, updating Application, iPad Host software update 16–17 Battery recharging replacement Indicators replacing Interpreting messages Battery pack Buttons Maintenance battery replacement Cleaning the instrument charging the battery cleaning the instrument Compliance information updating firmware Configuration, site assessment Messages, interpreting Connectors Mobile application Features...
  • Page 77 Index Pairing devices with the iPad Testing single-ended site assessment two-ended Quick tour Updating host software 16–17 Recharging the battery unit firmware Registering devices on the iPad Replacing the batteries Replacing the battery WiFi Advisor iPad application Safety information ZigBee 26, Single-ended test Site assessment configuring...
  • Page 78 Viavi Solutions North America: 1.844.GO VIAVI / 1.844.468.4284 Latin America +52 55 5543 6644 EMEA +49 7121 862273 APAC +1 512 201 6534 All Other Regions: viavisolutions.com/contacts email TAC@viavisolutions.com 22073751 Rev. 003, September 2015, English...

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