Cisco Systems Network Card OL 1377 03 User Manual

C H A P T E R  
7
Performing Diagnostics  
This chapter describes the client utility tools that you use to assess the operation and performance of the  
client adapter and the wireless network.  
The following topics are covered in this chapter:  
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Diagnostic Tools for Mac OS 9  
Assessing the Wireless and Wired Links  
You can determine the performance of the RF link between your client adapter and its associated access  
point in two different ways:  
You can use the link status meter (LSM) to view a graphical display of the signal strength and quality  
of the client adapter’s radio signal. Go to the “Viewing the Link Status Meter” section below.  
You can run a link test that allows you to set the number and size of the packets to be transmitted  
and then to determine the success or failure of those packets. Go to the “Running a Link Test”  
Viewing the Link Status Meter  
To access the Link Status Meter screen, select Link Status Meter on the advanced properties screen.  
The Link Status Meter screen appears (see Figure 7-2).  
Figure 7-2 Link Status Meter Screen  
The Link Status Meter screen provides a graphical display of the following:  
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.  
The combined result of the signal strength and signal quality is represented by a moving bull’s-eye (see  
Figure 7-2). 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).  
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Chapter 7 Performing Diagnostics  
Diagnostic Tools for Mac OS 9  
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 20 measurements. 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 a Link Test  
The client utility’s link test tool evaluates the operation of the RF link between your client adapter and  
the associated access point. The test can also be used to check the operation of the wired link connected  
to the access point. The link test sends out Ping packets to assess the operation of the link (RF link and  
wired link) between your client adapter and the destination device specified by the IP address. The test  
is usually performed multiple times at various locations throughout your area and is run at the data rate  
displayed in the RF Settings section of the advanced screen (see the Data Rate parameter in the “Setting  
RF Parameters” section on page 6-14). You can use the results of the link test 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.  
Note  
A link test can also be run from an access point through a Telnet session. Refer to Chapter 4 of the Cisco  
Aironet Access Point Software Configuration Guide for information.  
The following prerequisites are required before you can run an RF link test:  
The TCP/IP protocol must be installed on your system.  
Your computer and the access point must have an IP address.  
Your computer must be configured to use the client adapter as its network interface.  
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Chapter 7 Performing Diagnostics  
Diagnostic Tools for Mac OS 9  
Follow the steps below to run a link test.  
Step 1  
Select the Link Test tab on the advanced properties screen. The Link Test screen appears (see  
Figure 7-3 Link Test Screen  
Step 2  
In the IP Address of access point field, enter the IP address of the access point or wired device with which  
you want to test the link.  
Note  
You can specify the IP address of a device on the wired link connected to the access point. This  
allows the link test to check both the wireless and wired links.  
Step 3  
You can set the link test to run until it has attempted to send a specific number of packets or to run until  
you stop it. Follow one of the steps below to determine how long the link test will run:  
Type the number of packets that the link test should attempt to send in the Number of Packets field.  
(The Number of Packets parameter is ignored if the Continuous Link Test check box is selected.)  
Range: 1 to 1000  
Default: 1  
Select the Continuous Link Test check box to allow the link test to run continuously.  
Default: Deselected  
Step 4  
Type the size of the data packet that is to be sent to the access point in the Packet Size field.  
Range: 64 to 1514  
Default: 64  
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Step 5  
Click the Start button to run the link test. While the test is running, statistics are displayed and updated  
periodically.  
Figure 7-4 shows the Link Test screen while it is running.  
Figure 7-4 Link Test Screen (While Running)  
Table 7-1 interprets the statistics that are displayed on the Link Test screen while the link test is running.  
Table 7-1  
Link Test Statistics  
Link Test Statistic  
Description  
Packets Transmitted  
The number of packets of the specified size that were transmitted  
successfully.  
Packets Received  
Packets Lost  
Status  
The number of packets of the specified size that were received  
successfully.  
The number of packets of the specified size that were not received  
successfully.  
The operational mode of your client adapter.  
Value: Error, Configured, Associated, Not Associated, or  
Ad Hoc Mode  
Name  
The name of the access point to which your client adapter is  
associated. It is shown only if the access point was configured  
with a name and you are in infrastructure mode.  
MAC Address  
The MAC address of the access point to which your client adapter  
is associated. It is shown only if you are in infrastructure mode.  
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Table 7-1  
Link Test Statistics (continued)  
Link Test Statistic  
Description  
Signal Strength  
The current signal strength. The higher the value and the more  
green the bar graph is, the stronger the signal.  
Range: 0 to 100%  
Beacons Received  
The percentage of beacon packets received versus those expected  
to be received. The higher the value and the more green the bar  
graph is, the better the quality of the signal.  
Example: The access point sends out 10 beacons per second, so  
you would expect the client adapter to receive 50 beacon packets  
in 5 seconds. If it receives only 40 packets, the percentage of  
beacons received would be 80%.  
Range: 0 to 100%  
Overall Link Quality  
The client adapter’s ability to communicate with the access point,  
which is determined by the combined result of the adapter’s  
signal strength and signal quality.  
Value: Not Associated, Poor, Fair, Good, Excellent  
Step 6  
If you did not set the link test to run continuously, the test ends after the specified number of packets is  
sent, and the Stop button changes back to the Start button. To stop the link test at any time, click Stop.  
Determining Local Access Points  
The client utility detects local access points two ways:  
Scanner tab  
LSM scanner  
This section describes how to use these two tools.  
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Scanner Tab  
Click the Scanner tab on the client utility advanced properties screen to display the Scanner Screen (see  
Figure 7-5 Scanner Screen  
The scanner screen displays information on the detected access points, which can be used to configure  
your client adapter to associate to an access point.  
Note  
The client utility scanner displays only local access points that are configured for broadcast SSID.  
Typically, broadcast SSID is deactivated on access points configured for security.  
Table 7-2 lists and describes the parameters on the scanner details screen.  
Table 7-2  
Scanner Screen Param eters  
Parameter  
Description  
Network Name  
Signal Strength  
The network name or SSID of the access point.  
The signal strength of received signals from the access point. On the  
Details screen format, the longer the bar graph is, the stronger the  
signal.  
Data Rates  
MAC Address  
Channel  
The data rates supported by the access point.  
The MAC address of the access point.  
The operating frequency and channel that the access point is using for  
communications.  
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Note  
Use the scroll bar at the bottom of the Scanner Summary Screen to view the fields not in view.  
LSM Scanner  
Checking the scanner check box on the bottom of the scanner screen provides a graphical scanner display  
that shows the signal strength of detected access points on a diagonal line. Access points with strong  
signals are displayed in the green area; those with weak signals are displayed in the red area. Each access  
point is identified by network name or SSID. If the network name is not available, only the access point  
MAC address is displayed. The graphical scanner display provides a quick visual indication of the access  
points and their signal strengths (see Figure 7-6).  
Note  
The LSM scanner only displays access points configured for broadcast SSID. Typically, broadcast SSID  
is deactivated on access points that are configured for security.  
Figure 7-6 LSM Scanner Screen  
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Chapter 7 Performing Diagnostics  
Diagnostic Tools for Mac OS X  
Diagnostic Tools for Mac OS X  
In addition to allowing you to configure your client adapter for use in various types of networks, the  
client utility provides tools that allow you to assess the operation of the client adapter and other devices  
on the wireless network. The client utility’s diagnostic tools to perform the following functions:  
Display your client adapter’s current status and configured settings  
Run a link test to assess the operation of the RF link between your client adapter and its associated  
access point  
Run a link test to assess the operation of the wired link between your access point and a wired device  
Obtain information about local access points (configured for broadcast SSID)  
Viewing the Current Status of Your Client Adapter  
To view your client adapter’s status, select the Status tab on the advanced properties screen. The status  
screen is displayed (see Figure 7-7).  
Figure 7-7 Client Utility Advanced Properties Status Screen  
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Table 7-3 describes the parameters on the status screen.  
Table 7-3  
Client Adapter Status Screen Param eters  
Parameter  
Description  
Firmware Version  
The version of the radio firmware that is currently running on your  
client adapter.  
Channel  
Specifies which frequency your client adapter will use as the channel  
for communications. These channels conform to the IEEE 802.11  
Standard for your regulatory domain.  
In infrastructure mode, this parameter is set automatically and  
cannot be changed. The client adapter listens to the entire  
spectrum, selects the best access point to associate to, and uses the  
same frequency as that access point.  
In ad hoc mode, the channel of the client adapter must be set to  
match the channel used by the other clients with which you wish to  
communicate.  
Range: Dependent on client adapter radio and regulatory domain  
Example for 2.4-GHz client adapters:  
1 to 11 (2412 to 2462 MHz) in North America  
Example for 5-GHz client adapters:  
36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, and 64 (5180, 5200, 5220, 5240,  
5260, 5280, 5300, and 5320 MHz) in North America  
Note  
Refer to Appendix D, “Channels, Power Levels, and Antenna  
Gains,” for a list of channel identifiers, channel center  
frequencies, and regulatory domains for each channel.  
World Mode Domain  
Product Name  
When world mode is enabled and your client adapter has associated to  
an access point, this is the channel set adopted by the adapter from the  
access point.  
Value: Disabled, Unknown, North America, Europe, Japan, Spain,  
France, Belgium, Israel, Canada, Australia  
Identifies the type of client adapter you are using.  
Value: 340 series, 350 series, or AIR-CB20 series  
The MAC address assigned to your client adapter at the factory.  
MAC Address  
Data Rate  
The rate at which your client adapter is currently transmitting data  
packets.  
802.11a Values: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54 Mbps  
802.11b Values: 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, or 11 Mbps  
The number of bytes that were transmitted successfully.  
The number of bytes that were received successfully.  
The total number of that were received with errors.  
Transmitted  
Received  
Receive Errors  
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Table 7-3  
Client Adapter Status Screen Param eters (continued)  
Parameter  
Description  
Using MIC  
Indicates whether your client adapter is using message integrity check  
(MIC) to protect bit-flip attacks on encrypted packets. During a bit-flip  
attack, an intruder intercepts an encrypted message, alters it slightly,  
and retransmits it, and the receiver accepts the retransmitted message as  
legitimate. The following drivers support MIC:  
Mac OS 9—version 1.0.3 or greater  
Mac OS X—version 1.0.1 or greater  
MIC is used only if it is enabled on the access point.  
Note  
If the access point is using MIC, your client adapter’s driver and  
firmware must support MIC; otherwise, the client cannot  
associate.  
Values:  
Yes—client adapter radio is MIC capable, MIC is enabled on  
the access point, and MIC is being used.  
No—client adapter radio is MIC capable, MIC is enabled on  
the access point, but MIC is not being used.  
N/A—client adapter radio is not MIC capable.  
Disabled—client adapter radio is MIC capable, but MIC is  
disabled.  
MIC Errors  
Indicates the total number of MIC errors that have occurred.  
Signal Strength  
The signal strength for received packets. The longer the bar graph is, the  
stronger the signal.  
Signal Quality  
Network Name  
The signal quality for received packets. The longer the bar graph is, the  
better the signal quality.  
The network name or SSID of your wireless network.  
Note  
Refer to Table 6-1 for information on setting your wireless  
network’s network name.  
Name  
The name of the access point to which your client adapter is associated.  
It is shown only if the access point was configured with a name and you  
are in infrastructure mode.  
MAC Address  
The MAC address of the access point or wireless device to which your  
client adapter is associated.  
Assessing the Wireless and Wired Links  
You can determine the operation of the wireless and wired links from your client adapter in two different  
ways:  
You can use the link status meter to view a graphical display of the signal strength and quality of the  
radio signals from the local access points (configured for broadcast SSID). Go to the “Viewing the  
Link Status Meter” section below.  
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You can run a link test with an access point or a wired device. Go to the “Running a Link Test”  
Viewing the Link Status Meter  
To access the Link Status Meter (LSM) screen, click the LSM icon on the upper left of the Client Utility  
Advanced Properties Screen (see Figure 7-8).  
Figure 7-8 LSM Icon on Client Utility Advanced Properties Screen  
When you click the LSM icon, the LSM screen typically appears on the right side of the client utility  
screen. If there is insufficient space on the right side of the client utility screen, the LSM screen appears  
on the left side.  
The LSM screen is shown in Figure 7-9.  
Figure 7-9 Status Screen w ith LSM Screen Displayed  
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The LSM screen provides a graphical display of the following:  
Signal quality—The quality of the access point’s radio signal at the time packets are being received.  
It is displayed as a percentage along the vertical axis.  
Signal strength—The strength of the radio signal received from the associated access point. It is  
displayed as a percentage along the horizontal axis.  
The combined result of the signal strength and signal quality is represented by a moving mark (see  
Figure 7-9). Where the mark 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 20 measurements.  
Selecting the scanner check box causes the graphical display to show the signal strength of detected  
access points on a diagonal line. Each access point is identified by Network Name or SSID. If the  
Network Name is not available, the access point MAC address is displayed. The graphical scanner  
display provides a quick visual indication of the access point signals.  
Note  
When the scanner check box is checked, only access points configured for broadcast SSID are displayed.  
Typically, access points configured for security are not shown.  
Running a Link Test  
The client utility’s link test tool evaluates the operation of the RF link between your client adapter and  
the associated access point. The test can also be used to check the operation of the wired link connected  
to the access point. The link test sends out Ping packets to assess the operation of the link (RF link and  
wired link) between your client adapter and the destination device specified by the IP address. Initially,  
the IP address of the associated access point is automatically placed in the IP address field.  
The link test does more than test the link between two network devices. It verifies that TCP/IP software  
and the proper drivers have been loaded and are operating properly.  
The following prerequisites are required before you can run a link test:  
The TCP/IP protocol must be installed and operational on your Macintosh computer.  
Your Macintosh computer and the access point must have an IP address.  
Your computer must be configured to use the client adapter as its network interface.  
Follow the steps below to run a link test:  
Step 1  
Step 2  
Click the LSM icon on the upper left of the Client Utility Advanced Properties Screen (see Figure 7-8).  
The LSM screen appears (see Figure 7-9).  
In the IP Address field, you can enter a device IP address or use the IP address of the associated access  
point that is automatically placed in the field.  
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Note  
You can specify the IP address of a device on the wired link connected to the access point. This  
allows the link test to check both the wireless and wired links.  
Step 3  
You can set the link test to run until it has completed a specific number of packets or to continuously run  
until you stop it. Follow one of the steps below to determine how long the link test will run:  
Specify the number of packets (from 1 to 1000) that the link test sends by typing the number in the  
Number of Packets field. (The Number of Packets parameter is ignored if the Continuous check box  
is checked.)  
Check the Continuous check box to allow the link test to run continuously.  
Step 4  
Step 5  
Click the Start button to run the link test. While the test is running, statistics are displayed and updated  
periodically. For additional information, see Table 7-4.  
If you did not set the link test to run continuously, the test ends after the specified number of packets is  
sent, and the Stop button changes back to the Start button. To stop the link test at any time, click Stop.  
Table 7-4 interprets the statistics that are displayed on the LSM screen while the link test is running.  
Table 7-4  
Link Test Statistics  
Link Test Statistic  
Transmitted Packets  
Received Packets  
Description  
The number of packets that were transmitted successfully.  
The number of packets that were received successfully and the  
percentage of the total transmitted.  
Determining Local Access Points  
The client utility detect local access points two ways:  
Scanner tab  
LSM scanner  
Scanner Tab  
When you click the Scanner tab on the client utility advanced properties screen, the Scanner Details  
Screen is displayed (see Figure 7-10).  
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Figure 7-10 Client Utility Scanner Details Screen  
The scanner function displays information on the detected access points, which can be used to configure  
your client adapter to associate to an access point.  
Note  
The client utility scanner displays only local access points that are configured for broadcast SSID.  
Typically, broadcast SSID is deactivated on access points configured for security.  
Table 7-5 lists and describes the parameters on the scanner details screen.  
Table 7-5  
Scanner Details Screen Param eters  
Parameter  
Description  
Screen Format  
Selects the scanner screen format. Two options are supported: Details  
or Summary. The Details option displays information on a single access  
point. The Summary option displays a tabular list of all detected access  
points (see Figure 7-11). Use the up and down arrows on the right of the  
field to select the screen format options.  
Range: Details or Summary  
Default: Details  
Detected Access Points  
Network Name  
Selects an access point from a drop-down list of detected access points.  
Use the up and down arrows on the right of the field to display the  
drop-down list of access points. Only available in the Details screen  
format.  
The network name or SSID of the access point.  
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Table 7-5  
Scanner Details Screen Param eters (continued)  
Parameter  
Description  
MAC Address  
The MAC address of the access point.  
Capabilities  
The detected capabilities of the access point, such as network type,  
encrypted cell, and short header. Only available in the Details screen  
format.  
Channel  
The operating frequency and channel that the access point is using for  
communications.  
Transfer Rates  
Radio Type  
The data rates supported by the access point.  
The type of radio used by the access point.  
Signal Strength  
The signal strength of received signals from the access point. On the  
Details screen format, the longer the bar graph is, the stronger the  
signal.  
When you select the scanner summary screen format option, the client utility provides scanner  
information in a list format (see Figure 7-11).  
Figure 7-11 Client Utility Scanner Sum m ary Screen  
Note  
You can use the scroll bar at the bottom of the Scanner Summary Screen to view the other fields.  
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The scanner summary screen provides the following information fields:  
Network Name  
Mac Address  
Signal Strength  
Channel  
Data Rates  
Radio Type  
See Table 7-5 for a description of the parameters displayed on the Scanner Summary Screen.  
LSM Scanner  
Checking the scanner check box on the bottom of the scanner screen provides a graphical scanner display  
that shows the signal strength of detected access points on a diagonal line. Access points with strong  
signals are displayed in the green area; those with weak signals are displayed in the red area. Each access  
point is identified by network name or SSID. If the network name is not available, only the access point  
MAC address is displayed. The graphical scanner display provides a quick visual indication of the access  
points and their signal strengths (see Figure 7-12).  
Note  
The LSM scanner only displays access points configured for broadcast SSID. Typically, broadcast SSID  
is deactivated on access points that are configured for security.  
Figure 7-12 Status Screen With LSM Scanner Screen Displayed  
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Chapter 7 Performing Diagnostics  
Site Survey  
Site Survey  
Because of differences in component configuration, placement, and physical environment, every  
network application is a unique installation. You perform a site survey to determine the optimum  
utilization of networking components and to maximize range, coverage, and network performance.  
Consider the following operating and environmental conditions when performing a site survey:  
Data rates—Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. The maximum radio  
range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. A decrease in receiver threshold sensitivity occurs  
as the radio data increases.  
Antenna type and placement—Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in maximizing  
radio range. As a general rule, range increases in proportion to antenna height.  
Physical environment—Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled areas.  
Also, the less cluttered the work environment, the greater the range.  
Obstructions—A physical obstruction such as metal shelving or a steel pillar can hinder  
performance of the client adapter. Avoid locating the workstation in a location where there is a metal  
barrier between the sending and receiving antennas.  
Building materials—Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building material used in  
construction. For example, drywall construction allows greater range than concrete blocks. Metal or  
steel construction is a barrier to radio signals.  
Site Survey Guidelines  
Keep the following guidelines in mind when preparing to perform a site survey:  
Perform the site survey when the RF link is functioning with all other systems and noise sources  
operational.  
Set your client adapter’s RF Transmit level at different settings to determine the minimum level  
required to cover the wireless cell.  
Execute the site survey entirely from a mobile station. Move the mobile computer to the locations  
where you plan to use wireless devices and record signal strength and signal quality information.  
Site Survey Diagnostic Tools  
The following diagnostic tools can be used to perform a site survey:  
Advanced parameters status screen—provides signal strength, signal quality, and data rate of the  
access point signal.  
Advanced parameters scanner screen—displays a list of detected access points configured for  
broadcast SSID and provides the signal strength and the transfer rates supported by the selected  
access point.  
LSM scanner tool—provides a graphical display that shows the signal strength of all detected access  
points configured for broadcast SSID.  
For more information about using diagnostic tools, refer to the corresponding sections in this chapter.  
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Chapter 7 Performing Diagnostics  
Site Survey  
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters Installation and Configuration Guide for Mac OS  
OL-1377-03  
7 -2 0  
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