Introduction to Wireless LAN Analysis
What is Wireless LAN Analysis?
Wireless LAN analysis entails the inspection of a wireless LAN and the
assessment of performance, security, RF coverage, and root causes of
problems. The steps of analysis include measuring, interpreting, and
reporting. A wireless LAN analyst uses protocol analyzers, RF
analyzers, and simulation in order to produce data that will enable a
better understanding of the network. With this information, IT staff
and system integrators are able to effectively interpret and report
underlying issues and solutions.
In the early 1990s, wireless LANs were proprietary, standalone systems
that someone from operations, such as the warehouse manager or
manufacturing VP, would purchase directly from the vendor. Most of
these earlier wireless solutions would include bar code-based
applications. For example, a warehouse would commonly install an
inventory management system or a retail store would deploy a price
marking application. The only data traffic on these networks would be
the occasional transmission of tiny bar codes that consume little
bandwidth. As a result, there was no critical need for analysis of the
wireless LANs because very seldom did anything go wrong.
Wireless LANs, though, have been evolving rapidly over the past
decade, especially within the past few years. Wireless LANs now
operate at much higher data rates and simultaneously support a
multitude of applications, such as web browsing, large file transfers,
custom applications, voice communications, and video streaming.
Some companies are even deploying wireless LANs to support both
public and private users, which significantly complicates the
implementation. With these demands on the wireless LAN, problems
will inevitably occur. Consequently, it has become very important for
IT professionals to become proficient at analyzing wireless LANs.
Why Analyze Wireless LANs?
Any good business will continually analyze its operations. Tiger
Woods is constantly analyzing his golf swing. Shaquille O’Neal
