Chapter 7 Spectrum Monitor; Creating Spectrum Monitors And Hybrid Aps; Converting Iaps Into Hybrid Iaps - Dell PowerConnect W-IAP3WN User Manual

Wireless networks operate in environments with electrical and radio frequency devices that can interfere with
network communications. Microwave ovens, cordless phones, and even adjacent Wi-Fi networks are all potential
sources of continuous or intermittent interference. The spectrum monitor software modules on IAPs that support
this feature are able to examine the radio frequency (RF) environment in which the Wi-Fi network is operating,
identify interference and classify its sources. An analysis of the results can then be used to quickly isolate issues
with packet transmission, channel quality, and traffic congestion caused by contention with other devices
operating in the same band or channel.
Spectrum monitors (SMs) are IAP radios that gather spectrum data but do not service clients. Each SM scans and
analyzes the spectrum band used by the SM's radio (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). An AP radio in hybrid AP mode
continues to serve clients as an access point while it analyzes spectrum analysis data for the channel the radio uses
to serve clients. You can record data for both types of spectrum monitor devices. However, the recorded spectrum
is not reported to the Virtual Controller. A spectrum alert is sent to the VC when a non-Wi-Fi interference device
is detected.
The spectrum monitor is supported on W-IAP104, W-IAP105, W-IAP134, and W-IAP135 radios.

Creating Spectrum Monitors and Hybrid APs

An IAP can be provisioned to function as a spectrum monitor or as a hybrid IAP. The radios on groups of APs can
be converted to dedicated spectrum monitors or hybrid APs via the AP group's 802.11a and 802.11g radio profiles.

Converting IAPs into Hybrid IAPs

You can convert all IAPs in an Instant network into a hybrid IAPs by selecting the Background spectrum
monitoring option in the Dell Instant network's 802.11a and 802.11g radio profiles. APs in Access Mode continue
to provide normal access service to clients, while providing the additional function of monitoring RF interference.
If any IAP in the Instant network does not support the spectrum monitoring feature, that AP continues to
function as a standard IAP, rather than a hybrid IAP. By default, the background spectrum monitoring option is
disabled. In the hybrid mode, spectrum monitoring is performed only on the home channel.
Follow the procedure below to convert IAPs in an Dell Instant network to hybrid mode:
1. Click the RF link at the top right corner of the Instant WebUI.
2. Click Show advanced options to view the Radio tab.
Dell PowerConnect W-Series Instant Access Point 6.1.3.4-3.1.0.0 | User Guide
Chapter 7
Spectrum Monitor
Spectrum Monitor | 97