Wi-Fi hotspots and access points are everywhere, and their number
is still increasing. Most new and replacement hotspots will incorporate
the IEEE's new 802.11n wireless local-area network (WLAN) standard,
which incorporates multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas
and other new technologies to boost the wireless data rate to more
than 100 Mbits/s.
The new equipment is based on the pre-n draft 2.0 version of the
standard, which isn't expected to be ratified until next year at the earliest.
In the meantime, chip manufacturers and WLAN makers are
rolling out preliminary versions to get a head start in the market. To
meet the need to test these devices, AirMagnet's Laptop Analyzer 7.5
targets pre-deployment and post-deployment of WLAN hardware (see
the figure).
While the Laptop Analyzer 7.5 is fully backwards compatible with all
previous standards (802.11a/b/g), its main feature is its 11n functionality.
It can monitor and analyze all 802.11n traffic and differentiate
between pre-standard and standard compliant devices. The heart of
the software, the AirWISE engine, automatically detects the causes of
dozens of Wi-Fi problems and issues.
Users don't have to interpret complex packet formats to figure out
what is going on. The AirWISE detects and decodes the packets automatically
and displays the results so users can quickly and easily identify
and explain hundreds of different threats and performance issues.
The software lets users set alarms. It provides access to diagnostic
data and offers advice on corrective measures as well.
The Laptop Analyzer 7.5 is great at zeroing in on security problems. It
supports virtually all the major security protocols, making it invaluable
in pinpointing attacks and rogue devices. It also supports the monitoring
of the standard 20-MHz channels as well as the new standard with
40-MHz channels that give the protocol its higher speeds.
Furthermore, the Laptop Analyzer 7.5 will measure the higher data
rates possible with 11n products. Its more than 15 troubleshooting tools
include connectivity testing, throughput measurement, and roaming
capabilities to help users discover and solve wireless network problems.
A special version of the software called AirMagnet Laptop Analyzer
PRO has all of the above functionality but also can monitor the U.S.
4.9-GHz public safety band. It includes a spectrum analyzer function
where fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis provides a different view of
the wireless traffic and lets users identify interference from other
sources in the shared 2.4-GHz band.
AirMagnet Inc. www.airmagnet.com
