Interference Detection to Isolate and Locate Network Interference

Dec 10,2006 00:00 by admin
Another common problem in WLAN implementation is the detection and elimination
of RF interference.This is typically done via an initial site survey where any
pre-existing interference is detected and removed, if possible, followed by periodic
follow-up surveys. Besides being time consuming, these surveys often do not catch
the interference when it is actually occurring so the WLAN appears to have intermittent
connectivity or latency issues in areas and a cause is unidentified. Since RF
interference can be caused by something as simple as a cordless phone operating in
the 2.4 GHz range, these problems can be difficult to track down.
With the Cisco wireless-aware LAN, the entire WLAN (consisting of APs
and client wireless adapters) are scanning for RF interference along with their
normal scanning for rogue APs. Because of this, causes for interference can be
identified the moment they occur.This can help a great deal in providing a
higher QOS throughout a WLAN environment. All information from the APs
and client wireless adapters are sent to the WLSE where the information is centrally
available for the network administrator.The WLSE can show the administrator
the type of interference detected, the location of the interference, and
whether it is caused by a rogue AP or some other wireless broadcast.