Optimizing Roamabout Access Point Placement; Using Site Monitor - Cabletron Systems RoamAbout Access Point Manual

Optimizing RoamAbout Access Point Placement

Optimizing RoamAbout Access Point Placement
The RoamAbout AP Manager and RoamAbout Client Utility provide diagnostic tools to
determine the coverage area of an Access Point. If you have multiple Access Points in a
wireless network, the client utility can help determine where the coverage areas overlap.
You may need to use these tools after you initially install the Access Points, and on a
regular basis to determine if the coverage areas change due to new obstructions or new
sources of radio interference.

Using Site Monitor

This procedure requires the RoamAbout Client Utility on a RoamAbout client. For
information about a client utility window, press <F1> while in that window.
This procedure is best performed on a mobile client that you can use to walk through the
coverage area of the Access Point.
1. Start the RoamAbout Client Utility by clicking Start from the Taskbar then selecting
Programs → RoamAbout → RoamAbout Client Utility. Click the More button if the
Status/Functions window is not displayed.
2. Select Site Monitor from the Status/Functions window. If the Site Monitor button is
not available, click the Options button and enable Enhanced mode.
3. Select the network in the Selection tab if you have multiple wireless networks.
4. For best results, display the AP Name, MAC Address, SNR, and Channel in the Site
Monitor window.
5. Walk through the wireless network environment with Site Monitor running. Watch the
Site Monitor display to verify that each location is covered by at least one Access Point
that provides an Adequate (Yellow) or Good (Green) communications quality.
If you see a poor SNR in any area that you want to be covered, change the columns to
display the AP Name, Signal Level, and Noise Level.
A low signal level indicates that the Access Points may be too far apart. Relocate or add
Access Points to create a contiguous wireless coverage area, where communications
quality is Adequate or better.
If the noise level is high, walk through the area monitoring the Noise Level indicator to
determine the location of the source of interference. If possible, switch off the source of
interference or relocate it to minimize the impact of interference on the wireless network.
6-6 Maintaining the Wireless Network