WiFi testers are WiFi testing equipment that measures network performance, such as network availability, connectivity, utilization, noise levels, and interferences. WiFi testers are designed to test the most common WiFi standards, including the IEEE 802.11AX. Some popular WiFi testers are manufactured by NetScout Systems, NetAlly, and Fluke Networks.
WiFi Test Equipment
WiFi testing indicates the condition of a wireless environment and identifies signal strength or speed issues, providing quick access to detailed wireless network information and expediting dispatched troubleshooting processes.
WiFi Test Equipment Features
- Channel usage: determine if the issues are rooted in overloaded Wi-Fi traffic or interference. Some WiFi testers can verify channel-usage patterns/overlap or flag illegal use of channels.
- Access points:
- Find configuration and coverage problems as well as rogue APs
- Quickly identify AP configuration problems
- Identify AP’s not listed in the profile
- Regulatory domain: A regulatory domain profile in a WiFi tester offers configurations of country code, calibration channel, and calibration bandwidth for an access point.
- Frequency: WiFi networks are broadcasted on the 2.4 or the 5 GHz frequency band. Each frequency band is divided into several channels, providing a degree of separation of individual networks.
- Auto testing: An auto testing function provides simple results, offering a pass/fail indication of the wireless environment.
- Compatibility with WiFi standards: 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n and 802.11p
How To Test WiFi Strength
The two most important components of WiFi strength are speed and signal. To understand the process of testing WiFi strength, it is crucial to know the difference between internet speed and wifi speed. A WiFi network is a wireless connection to the router that connects to a modem and the Internet. If the WiFi speed is slower than the Internet speed, wireless devices would not be able to receive the full Internet speed. A weak WiFi signal leads to slower WiFi speeds and dropouts. Thicker walls made of denser materials, such as concrete, will block a Wi-Fi signal and result in total disconnection. When testing WiFi strength, consider the situation such as router distance, signal obstacle, and connection traffic.
Choosing The Right WiFi Tester Rental
When choosing a WiFi tester, it is important to make sure it has the functions needed for your testing requirements. A WiFi tester should be able to find common configurations, APs, and encryption methods (WEP / WPA) of the network. To achieve comprehensive WiFi testing, a compatible tester that supports the latest 802.11 variants, including Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and 802.11ad/ay would be ideal.
Ideal WiFi Tester Functions
- Channel
- Signal level
- AP name or MAC address
- SSID name
- Wireless security or encryption
- Type of network
Rent Wifi Testers from ATEC.