Aruba Networks Enterprise Analyzer software identifies, identifies, and classifies unauthorized devices, sources of radio interference, or jammers in wireless LANs. Together with the manufacturer’s “Adaptive Radio Management” (ARM) and access points, the tool helps detect and resolve problems.
Aruba Networks has developed the Enterprise Analyzer in partnership with Airmagnet, a manufacturer of wifi jammer security solutions. The software simplifies, for example, the construction of new installations, as interference sources can already be considered in the planning phase.
The system uses existing Aruba access points to capture data packets. This allows the quality of the wirelessly transmitted voice services to be documented. In addition, the skilled person can detect overloaded radio channels in this way.
Sensors from Airmagnet capture radio signals of all kinds
The analysis of the frequency spectrum is carried out with the aid of “Airmagnet Smart Edge” sensors. They capture all signals within a WLAN frequency band, regardless of whether it is a WLAN transmitter.
Corresponding sources may be, for example, Bluetooth, Zigbee devices, microwave ovens, older frequency-changing components, or access points that spark on non-standard frequencies.
The ARM technology configures the radio channels of the wireless LAN so that the interference sources no longer affect the access points. The user interface of the Enterprise Analyzer displays the radio spectrum and localization information in graphical form.
“Dirty-Air” affects WLANs
»Overloaded radio bands, competing signals, and frequency overlays affect the performance and integrity of mission-critical wireless networks. We call it Dirty-Air, “says Rajeev Shah, Aruba’s Product Manager for Wireless IDS (Intrusion Detection System). »Enterprise Analyzer helps network administrators troubleshoot WLAN-specific network issues.«
New Wi-Fi technologies will exacerbate the situation, says Stan Schatt, vice president and wifi research director at consultancy ABI Research. »The WLAN frequency spectrum is now as crowded as the airspace over a major airport. It’s going to get worse with the devices for the upcoming 802.11n standard that are entering the market. ”
Spectrum analysis is therefore a must when planning radio networks. It will also become an integral part of WLAN management. “Dirty-Air requires constant vigilance,” says Schatt