Running An Rf Link Test - Cisco AIR-PCM340 Installation And Configuration Manual

Diagnostic Tools for Mac OS 9.x
The Link Status Meter screen provides a graphical display of the following:
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The combined result of the signal strength and signal quality is represented by a moving bull's-eye (see
Figure 7-5). Where the bull's-eye falls on the graphical display determines the quality of the RF link
between your client adapter and its associated access point. Differences in the quality of the RF link are
indicated by the following colors: green (excellent), yellow (good), orange (fair), and red (poor).
This information can be used to determine the optimum number and placement of access points in your
RF network. By using LSM to assess the RF link at various locations, you can avoid areas where
performance is weak and eliminate the risk of losing the connection between your client adapter and the
access point.
Selecting the Show History check box causes the graphical display to show a recent history of the RF
performance between your client adapter and its associated access point. Black dots on the graphical
display show the performance of the last 50 signals. These black dots can be cleared from the display by
clicking the Clear History button.
Note The access point that is associated to your client adapter and its IP address are indicated at the bottom
of the display.

Running an RF Link Test

The pcm3x0PPC client utility's link test tool sends out pings to assess the performance of the RF link.
The test is designed to be performed multiple times at various locations throughout your area and is run
at the data rate set in the Edit Properties - RF Network Parameters section of the utility (see the Data
Rate parameter in the
test can be used to determine RF network coverage and ultimately the required number and placement
of access points in your network. The test also helps you to avoid areas where performance is weak,
thereby eliminating the risk of losing the connection between your client adapter and its associated
access point.
Because the link test operates above the RF level, it does more than test the RF link between two network
devices. It also checks the status of wired sections of the network and verifies that TCP/IP and the proper
drivers have been loaded.
A link test can also be run from an access point through a Telnet session. Refer to Chapter 4 of the
Note
Cisco Aironet Access Point Software Configuration Guide for information.
The following prerequisites are required before you can run an RF link test:
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Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapters Installation and Configuration Guide for Mac OS
7-12
Signal strength – The strength of the client adapter's radio signal at the time packets are being
received. It is displayed as a percentage along the vertical axis.
Signal quality – The quality of the client adapter's radio signal at the time packets are being
received. It is displayed as a percentage along the horizontal axis.
"Setting RF Network Parameters"
The TCP/IP protocol must be installed on your system.
An IP address must be configured for the access point.
Chapter 7
section on page 5-11). The results of the link
Performing Diagnostics
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