Using the Site Survey Tool

39

 

■ At the end of the testing, use the results from the Site Survey tool to help you

 

decide on the best location for the access point.

 

Based on the tests, the Site Survey tool lists the locations in descending order

 

from best to worst. For more information, see “Interpreting Test Results” on

 

page 40.

 

 

Using the

If you have set up more than one access point, make sure that only the access

Site Survey Tool

point you are testing is powered on, or make sure that each access point has a

 

unique WLAN Service Area.

Setting up Equipment

Place the access point in the first test location and connect it to power.

 

When the access point receives power, the LEDs light.

 

Place the wireless client computer in the first test location and turn on the

 

computer. Make sure the client has the 3Com Site Survey tool installed and that it

 

is associating with the access point that you want to test.

 

Find the IP address of the access point and make a note of it. You can use the

 

device manager tool that came with your 3Com access point or another network

 

management tool to find the IP address. If the access point is configured with a

 

static IP address, you only need to make note of it one time. If the access point

 

gets its IP address from a DHCP server, you will need to find it each time you move

 

the access point while conducting the survey.

Launching the Tool

Launch the tool from the Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11

 

Mbps Wireless LAN Administrator Utilities/3Com Site Survey.

 

The 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Site Survey window and the Site Survey dialog

 

box appear.

Configuring the Survey In the Site Survey Configuration dialog box:

1Enter the IP address of the test access point.

2Select one or more tests to perform:

Ping Currently Associated AP—Finds the average round trip value (in milliseconds) of a ping to the access point.

Throughput (UDP Test)—Finds the value (in kilobytes per second) of a transmission between the client and the access point. This value is only meaningful for the test; it does not reflect throughput with a network.

For the most accurate results, select both tests.

3Click OK.

Running the Tests In the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Site Survey window:

1In the AP Test Location field, type the location of the access point. For example, if you are testing the access point located on a desk, type Desk.

2In the PC Test Location field, type the location of the wireless client. For example, if you are in office number 1, type Office1.

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3Com 11 Mbps manual Site Survey Tool, Setting up Equipment, Launching the Tool
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11 Mbps specifications

3Com 11 Mbps was a pivotal product in the evolution of networking technology, paving the way for wireless communications as we know them today. Introduced in the late 1990s, this wireless LAN (Local Area Network) product utilized the IEEE 802.11 standard, which defined the protocols for wireless networking. Operating at a maximum data rate of 11 megabits per second, it offered users a revolutionary means of connecting devices without the constraints of physical cabling.

One of the main features of the 3Com 11 Mbps solution was its simplicity and ease of installation. Unlike traditional wired networks that involved intricate setups of cabling and switches, 3Com facilitated a swift deployment process. Users could set up a wireless network in minutes, allowing organizations to enhance their productivity without extensive infrastructure.

The technology behind 3Com 11 Mbps was based on Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) modulation. This approach spread the signal over a wider frequency range, which improved resistance to interference from other devices. The 2.4 GHz frequency band used by this network supported compatibility with various devices, making it a flexible option for businesses and homes alike.

In terms of security, 3Com incorporated Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), which aimed to provide a level of data confidentiality comparable to that found in wired networks. However, WEP was later found to have vulnerabilities, leading to the development of more secure protocols like WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 in subsequent technologies.

Another characteristic that distinguished the 3Com 11 Mbps system was its ability to support multiple devices simultaneously. With the emergence of wireless laptops, printers, and other peripherals, a single access point could service several users without significant performance degradation.

Ultimately, the 3Com 11 Mbps was a significant stepping stone in the development of wireless technology. It showcased the potential of wireless networking and set the standard for future innovations. Although much faster and more secure wireless technologies have since emerged, the legacy of 3Com 11 Mbps resides in the fundamental advancements it brought to the realm of connectivity, making it easier and more accessible for users around the globe.
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