When deploying wireless networks, most installers will make use of signal measuring equipment to verify that signal strengths and noise levels are sufficient for providing adequate signal coverage. In addition to merely verifying signal coverage, I’ve found significant benefits in also running a protocol analyzer that determines whether communications is working properly. When deploying wireless networks, most installers will make use of signal measuring equipment to verify that signal strengths and noise levels are sufficient for providing adequate signal coverage. In addition to merely verifying signal coverage, I’ve found significant benefits in also running a protocol analyzer that determines whether communications is working properly.
A protocol analyzer is capable of decoding packets applicable to the specific technology you’re implementing. Also, as more WiMAX networks are deployed, there will be greater needs for troubleshooting WiMAX networks. WiMAX protocol analysis comes in handy because it lets you see the actual communications taking place. I’ve used protocol analysis as an aid when troubleshooting networks in the past. Without it, I’ve found that you often can’t resolve pesky issues, such as interoperability problems. I’m extremely grateful to see several companies, such as Tektronix and NetHawk, already offering test tools that provide WiMAX analysis functions. We had to wait much longer after WiFi deployments picked up pace before any tools such as these were available!
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