transmitted data packets. “Signal Strength” directly measures the amount of RF energy received relative to a “maximum” expected for the best condition. The two measures are related, but could differ due to various reasons. In general, as a first step toward maximizing Link Quality, one should try to maximize the Signal Strength by moving the radio around. If the radio’s role is AP, the “Link Quality” and “Signal Strength” are not displayed (Screen Shot #14).
View Packet Statistics
In addition to the “Link Quality” on the “Link Info” tab, which is available only
Screen-Shot #16
when the radio is set as a Station, several statistics on the packet (frame) traffic through the radio, either as a Station or as an AP, are displayed on the “WLAN Statistics” tab. From the “Total Transmitted Frames” and the “Total Transmitted Retry Frames”, one can get a picture of the transmission frame-error-rate. Similarly, from the “Total Received Frames” and the “Total Received Error Frames”, one can get a picture of the receiving frame-error-rate. The “Total Transmitted Octets” and “Total Received Octets” provide a measure of the total traffic through the radio during the “Refresh Time Interval”. The calculated traffic is displayed in KB/Sec. Note that these traffic numbers are a measure of the amount of data passing through the radio at a given moment, and it should not be confused with the “throughput capability” of the radio. To automatically display these statistics on a regular interval, simply enter the desired “Refresh Time Interval” and then press the Go button. Notice that in this mode the Refresh button at the bottom of the tab is dimmed and unavailable (Screen Shot#15). If the “Refresh Time Interval” is left empty, the Refresh button at the bottom of the tab is undimmed (Screen Shot#16) and can be pressed to display the statistics accumulated inside the radio up to that point. Clicking the Refresh button at this point also clears, upon the completion of the retrieval of, the statistics inside the radio. The display stays unchanged until the Refresh button is pressed again.
16