Motorola AirDefense - Network Assurance Solutions

SPECTRUM ANALYSIS MODULE: Physical Layer Troubleshooting

Wireless networks share the same 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum used by devices such as cordless phones, Bluetooth headsets, wireless cameras and microwave ovens. These devices may cause minor to severe interference to your WLAN infrastructure and may impact network performance. Quite often, interference sources are introduced unknowingly and problems are intermittent, so troubleshooting is particularly difficult and is most effectively performed in real time. The Motorola AirDefense Spectrum Analysis module allows you to cost-effectively identify, classify, and resolve interference issues the limit the effectiveness of your WLAN.

Troubleshooting from your Desk
The Spectrum Analysis module utilizes your Motorola WLAN infrastructure (dedicated sensors or access points) to troubleshoot interference problems without the need to dispatch a technician to a physical location. Unique to the industry, the Spectrum Analysis Module is a software only solution that allows you to view the physical layer of your wireless network without the need for specialized hardware.

With Spectrum Analysis, you can identify and classify possible sources of interference and view the impact to the wireless network. With its easy-to-use graphical interface the Spectrum Analysis module lets you monitor and troubleshoot even the most elusive, intermittent interference sources. With the ability to view real-time spectrograms you can easily identify possible issues and immediately take necessary steps to improve wireless performance. The tool runs in the background of the AirDefense console and provides alerts to network administrators when an interference source is detected. Performance issues can be proactively addressed before critical wireless applications are affected. Detection is done from a central console, avoiding the need for IT staff to make on-site visits to determine the cause of interference issues.

Advanced Spectrum analysis
Starting with ADSP Release 8.1.1, the remote interference capabilities of the Spectrum Analysis module have been enhanced to support higher resolution analysis which in turn provides more accurate and granular interference detection. In addition, the Advanced Spectrum Analysis capabilities include continuous interference detection, a customizable user-interface with enhanced visualization and sophisticated data correlation which allows you to focus only on interference sources impacting your production WLAN.

Advanced Spectrum Analysis requires WiNG 5.1 or newer running on next-generation Motorola AP platforms and for the 8.1.1 release will be supported by Motorola AP6511, AP621 and AP6521 platforms only. Outside of the AP’s identified, all existing Motorola AP and sensor platforms will continue to support only the Standard Spectrum Analysis option.

BENEFITS
• Troubleshoot the physical layer of your WLAN in real-time at remote locations
• Maintain WLAN performance by proactively identifying sources of interference
• Perform Spectrum Analysis without dedicated hardware, utilizing your existing Services Platform infrastructure

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