WifiMETRIX

Wi-Fi Channel Analyzer

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WIFIMETRIX USER GUIDE

 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  1. Prior to initial use, please use the USB cable that was provided with the device and charge for 6 hours using a regular wall outlet.
  2. Do not rapidly toggle the power switch ON/OFF -- otherwise the initial LCD menu display may "hang".  Once powered OFF, wait 10 seconds before powering ON.
  3. DFS Testing -- if you are too close to the AP then it may be necessary to use the 20 dB attenuator (included).  The optimum distance between the device and the AP under test is greater than 7-10 feet.

  • Introduction
  • WifiMETRIX — Introduction
  • Main Features
  • WifiMETRIX — Main Features
  • Menus
  • WifiMETRIX — Menus
  • WifiMETRIX — Short-cut Keys
  • Operational Modes
  • WifiMETRIX — Operational Modes
  • Additional Features And Notes
  • WifiMETRIX — Additional Features And Notes
  • Interpreting Results
  • WifiMETRIX — Interpreting Results
  • Calibration
  • WifiMETRIX — Calibration
  • Firmware Updates
  • WifiMETRIX — Firmware Updates
  • Diagnostics
  • WifiMETRIX — Diagnostics
  • Acknowledgements
  • WifiMETRIX — Acknowledgements
  • FCC and CE Regulation
  • WifiMETRIX — FCC Regulation, CE And RoHS Compliance
  • Licensing
  • WifiMETRIX — Licensing

Introduction

WifiMETRIX — Introduction

WifiMETRIX is a new type of diagnostic tool that uses a 6 GHz radio module to simulate radar pulses and a dual-band Wi-Fi chip to monitor and troubleshoot Wi-Fi networks. It implements three important features — DFS testing (patent pending), AirHORN and WifiPROBE (patented). The 6 GHz radio module has been programmed to simulate radar patterns (DFS testing), and the built-in Wi-Fi chip can perform both signal generation (AirHORN) and throughput diagnostics (WifiPROBE) on each channel.

WifiMETRIX Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

The DFS Testing function employs a 6 GHz radio module, amplifier and filters — it performs as an RF signal generator that simulates radar signal patterns. When an AP that is currently configured to use a DFS channel detects a radar signal it is then required to jump to another channel. Validation of an AP’s ability to detect and respond to radar events is the primary goal of WifiMETRIX’s DFS testing feature.

The AirHORN function is an RF signal / channel generator that transmits stable and accurate RF signals for each of the Wi-Fi channels, and aids in testing Wi-Fi antennas, RF shields and wireless networks.

The WifiPROBE function traverses each channel and measures the available transmit time. When the goal is to choose the best channel — the one with the highest available throughput — then WifiPROBE is the tool of choice.

WifiMETRIX operates in stand-alone mode and does not need to associate with an access point in order to perform its functions. It is a truly unique device that is tailored for troubleshooting Wi-Fi problems and computing the best channel.

WifiMETRIX has been designed to be intuitive and easy to use — no need to study large user manuals. The best way to become familiar with the device and its capabilities is by experimenting — so, power it on and give it a go.

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Main Features

WifiMETRIX — Main Features

The following are the main hardware features of WifiMETRIX (the following section describes more about functional features).

Hardware features:

  • Handheld device
  • 6 GHz radio module, amplifier & filters
  • Dual-band 802.11 Wi-Fi chip
  • DFS Tester — simulate radar signal patterns
  • AirHORN channel / signal generator functionality (packet injection)
  • WifiPROBE channel analyzer functionality
  • Solid aluminum case plus silicon rubber boot protector
  • Standard 50 ohm SMA antenna connector
  • 128×64 built-in LCD screen
  • Includes dual-band antenna for 2.4x and 5.x GHz ISM bands
  • Includes micro-USB cable for recharging
  • Includes 50 ohm SMA terminator to protect antenna connection
  • SMA terminator (dummy load) also used for calibrating the device
  • Includes 6 GHz, 50 ohm 20 dB SMA attenuator (Male-to-Female)

WifiMETRIX Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

The unit includes a 50 ohm impedance RF connector (standard female SMA format). This is used for attaching the dual-band antenna that we include with the device. Feel free to substitute your own antenna — the only constraints are you adhere to the 50 ohm requirement and your antenna includes a standard male SMA connector.

When a compatible micro-USB cable is connected then the unit will begin charging (regardless of the position of the power switch). With the micro-USB cable attached then the device’s power will come from that USB connection. When the micro-USB cable is not attached, then the device draws power from its internal, lithium battery.

Assuming the device is powered-off it will take approximately 3 hours to fully recharge. This is based on the chip manufacturer’s specification. The discharge time for the battery depends on how the device is being used. When running in AirHORN mode and transmitting at full power, the device will run for about 2 hours. When sitting idle (but powered-on) the device will fully discharge in about 5 hours. When the device is stored and not being used, the internal battery should hold its charge for a few months.

When storing or transporting the unit we recommend attaching the 50 ohm SMA terminator (included) to protect internal components from strong electric fields.

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Menus

WifiMETRIX — Menus

WifiMETRIX uses the LCD screen and keyboard to access menus and features. It’s really pretty simple to use, though we’ve summarized a few of the menus below. In general, you would use the UP / DOWN arrow keys to highlight a menu option and then press the ENTER key to move to the next screen. You can always return to the top-level main menu by pressing the MENU key.

WifiMETRIX -- DFS Tester / Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

When the device is powered-on it will display the main menu. Use the UP / DOWN arrow keys to highlight an option and then press the ENTER key to move to the next screen. You can always return to this top-level menu by pressing the MENU key. From this main menu you would select one of the following functionalities: AirHORN, WifiPROBE, or Radar Simulation (DFS Testing).

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

This is the primary menu for Radar Simulation (DFS Testing). Here you can select which DFS channel to test, the radar type (i.e. pulse pattern / waveform), and whether to transmit just the selected radar type or sequentially traverse all of them. We recommend starting-off with ‘Radar Type: FCC 2 (or FCC 3)’.  Also, though the traverse mode seems like a good idea but, in practice, doesn’t work as well. So, stick with ‘Single Radar Type’.

‘

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

This is the primary menu for AirHORN. Here you can select which Wi-Fi band to use, output power and which AirHORN mode to use.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

This is the primary menu for WifiPROBE. Here you can select which Wi-Fi band to use, and which WifiPROBE mode to use.

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WifiMETRIX — Short-cut Keys

Below is a list of “short-cut” keys. However, due to the small keyboard, please be aware that certain key-presses behave differently depending on the context menu. Feel free to experiment and familiarize yourself with the keyboard’s layout.

[MENU] Key

Return to the main menu — i.e. OPERATIONAL MODE

[ENTER] Key

Depending on the context, used to select highlighted menu option or toggle between ACTIVE and PAUSED.

[RETURN] Key

Depending on the context, used to toggle between 2.4x and 5x GHz bands or return to previous menu.

[UP] and [DOWN] Keys

Depending on the context, used to cycle through power output.

[LEFT] and [RIGHT] Keys

Depending on the context, used to cycle through channels.

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Operational Modes

WifiMETRIX — Operational Modes

WifiMETRIX features three “operational” modes — DFS Testing, AirHORN and WifiPROBE. In DFS Testing mode the device performs as an RF signal generator that simulates radar signal patterns. Validation of an AP’s ability to detect and respond to radar events is the primary goal of the DFS testing feature. In AirHORN mode the device is used as an RF channel / signal generator. Using 802.11 packet injection, AirHORN transmits stable and accurate RF signals for each of the 802.11 (Wi-Fi) channels. In WifiPROBE mode the device provides unprecedented visibility into the performance of a wireless network. The information collected and displayed helps to simplify troubleshooting of interference-related problems and predicts the throughput performance of each 802.11 channel.


DFS Testing Mode (Simulate Radar Events)

Here we show DFS Testing Is Easy.

WifiMETRIX -- DFS Tester / Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

When the device is powered-on it will display the main menu. Use the UP / DOWN arrow keys to highlight the ‘RADAR SIM (DFS)’ option and then press the ENTER key to move to the next screen.

WifiMETRIX -- DFS Testing / Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

This is the primary menu for DFS Testing. Here you can select which DFS channel to test, the radar type (i.e. pulse pattern / waveform), and whether to transmit just the selected radar type or sequentially traverse all of them. We recommend starting-off with ‘Radar Type: FCC 2 (or FCC 3)’. Also, though the traverse mode seems like a good idea but, in practice, doesn’t work as well. So, stick with ‘Single Radar Type’.

WifiMETRIX -- DFS Testing / Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
WifiMETRIX -- DFS Testing / Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
Single Radar Type

Here is an example of using ‘Single Radar Type’ mode. At first the transmitter is ‘PAUSED’ (see upper-right corner). When the ENTER button is pressed the device transmits a pulsing waveform and ‘ACTIVE’ is displayed in the upper-right corner. Pressing ENTER again will pause the transmission.


AirHORN Mode (Channel / Signal Generator)
WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

When the device is powered-on it will display the main menu. Use the UP / DOWN arrow keys to highlight the ‘AirHORN’ option and then press the ENTER key to move to the next screen.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

This is the primary menu for AirHORN. Here you can select which Wi-Fi band to use, output power and which AirHORN mode to use. To change which Wi-Fi band to use, use the UP / DOWN arrow keys to select ‘WiFi Band’ and press the ENTER key to toggle between the 2.4x GHz and 5x GHz ISM bands. To change the output power, select ‘Power’ and press the ENTER key to cycle through available power outputs — 2 dBm through 18 dBm.

Also, in AirHORN mode there are 3 available ‘transmit’ modes — ‘Single’, ‘Traverse’ and ‘Pulse’ modes. Select one of the transmit modes and press the ENTER key.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
Single Mode

Here is an example of using ‘Single’ mode — where you can select a channel in either the 2.4x or 5x GHz band and achieve close to 100% duty cycle on that channel (at the normal 22 MHz-wide channel width). When using the 2.4x GHz radio module you can choose from Wi-Fi channels 1 – 13. When using the 5x GHz radio module you can choose from Wi-Fi channels 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165. There is also a TX mode option — the radio can transmit either 802.11 packets or raw RF energy. When transmitting packets, 802.11g is used by the 2.4x radio module and 802.11a is used by the 5x radio module. After specifying the channel and TX mode select NEXT and press ENTER.

The image below shows AirHORN in Single mode, using the channel 6 in the 2.4x GHz band and the power output set at 11 dBm. Pressing the ENTER key toggles transmission between PAUSED and ACTIVE. In the image below you can see that AirHORN is transmitting on channel 6.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

Traverse Mode

Here is an example of using ‘Traverse’ mode — where you can automatically scan through the set of 2.4x GHz or 5x GHz channels. When using the 2.4x GHz radio module this mode will automatically traverse channels 1 – 13. When using the 5x GHz radio module this mode with automatically traverse Wi-Fi channels 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165. There is also a ‘Speed’ option — when ‘Slow’ is selected then AirHORN will transmit for 30 seconds before moving on to the next channel. When ‘Fast’ is selected then AirHORN will transmit for 5 seconds before moving on to the next channel. After specifying the ‘Speed’ NEXT and press ENTER. As with Single mode, the next screen displays the current band, channel and output power. Pressing the ENTER key toggles transmission between PAUSED and ACTIVE.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

Pulse Mode

Here is an example of using ‘Pulse’ mode — where you “burst” on a specific channel, and then ‘off’ for a set interval. Here the options are channel, burst duration (in seconds) and ‘off’ interval (in seconds). As with the other AirHORN modes, the next screen displays the current band, channel and output power. Pressing the ENTER key toggles transmission between PAUSED and ACTIVE.


WifiPROBE Mode (Channel Analyzer)
WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

When the device is powered-on it will display the main menu. Use the UP / DOWN arrow keys to highlight the ‘WifiPROBE’ option and then press the ENTER key to move to the next screen.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

This is the primary menu for WifiPROBE. Here you can select which Wi-Fi band to use and how the channel analysis results will be displayed. To change which Wi-Fi band to use, use the UP / DOWN arrow keys to select ‘Band’ and press the ENTER key to toggle between the 2.4x GHz and 5x GHz ISM bands.

In WifiPROBE mode there a 3 ways the channel analysis results can be displayed — ‘Traverse Channel Bars’, ‘Traverse Channel Table’ and ‘Selected Channels’. Select one of the analysis modes and press the ENTER key.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

Traverse Channel Bars

Here is an example of using ‘Traverse Channel Bars’ — pressing the ENTER key toggles scanning between PAUSED and ACTIVE.. When using the 2.4x GHz radio module then WifiPROBE will traverse Wi-Fi channels 1 – 13. When using the 5x GHz radio module WifiPROBE will traverse Wi-Fi channels 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165. As scanning occurs, WifiPROBE will compute the metric “% Available TX Time” for each channel. The higher the percentage the “healthier” the channel.

Pressing the ENTER key toggles transmission between PAUSED and ACTIVE. In the image below you can see that a narrow peak of RF interference at 2415 MHz blocks channels 1, 2, 3 — that is, causing their “% Available TX Time” to drop to 0%.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

Traverse Channel Table

Here is an example of using ‘Traverse Channel Table’. This is similar to ‘Traverse Channel Bars’ above, except the results are presented in the form of a table (as compared to a bar graph).

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

Selected Channels

Here is an example of using ‘Selected Channels’. This mode differs from ‘Traverse Channel Bars’ and ‘Traverse Channel Table’ in that you specify which channels to traverse. It takes approximately 2 seconds to compute the “% Available TX Time” metric for each channel — i.e. close to 30 seconds to scan an entire band. But suppose you are really only interested in channels 1, 6, 11 — then specifying only these 3 channels can significantly shorten the refresh time between scans.

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Additional Features And Notes

WifiMETRIX — Additional Features And Notes

AirHORN Single Mode — Two TX Modes:

When using the AirHORN feature in Single Mode there are two types of TX modes you can choose from: RAW and Packets. ‘RAW’ TX mode does not actually transmit 802.11 packets but, rather, a modulated, continuous, 22 MHz-wide channel shape. It should be unaffected by external RF activity, unless it is very strong and in close proximity to the unit. ‘Packets’ TX mode does transmit 802.11 packets and is affected by external RF activity.

WifiPROBE — Detecting Different Types of Interferers: RAW, ACI (Adjacent Channel Interference), CCC (Co-Channel Congestion)

When trouble-shooting a poorly performing Wi-Fi network it is often the case that RF interference from another wireless transmitter is the culprit. In order to better understand the problem and come up with a solution it helps if you can make the distinction between interference and congestion. There are 4 possible scenarios — 3 types of interference and one type of congestion:

[1] One type of interference occurs when a non-802.11 transmitter causes your Wi-Fi device to back-off. Included in the 802.11 standard is a sensing mechanism. Before attempting to transmit, a Wi-Fi device will check if the coast is clear – if not, then it will delay a random period before checking again. Interference from a non-802.11 transmitter is referred to as RAW (RF energy).

[2] Another type of interference occurs when an 802.11 device on an adjacent, overlapping channel, again causes your Wi-Fi device to back-off. This is referred to as Adjacent Channel Interference (or ACI) and is similar to [1]. By the way, ACI occurs in the 2.4 GHz ISM band since adjacent channels overlap, but not in the 5.x GHz ISM band (since channels do not overlap). ACI differs from RAW in that the Wi-Fi chip knows the interference comes from packets on an adjacent channel, but it can not decode those packets.

[3] The third type of interference occurs when a non-802.11 transmitter causes packets to be corrupted at the receiver – which may be referred to as the hidden node problem. For example, suppose you have an interferer that is far away from an AP – so, the AP thinks the coast is clear and continues to transmit. But the interferer may be close enough to the receiving client device and cause packets to be corrupted. This is another form of RAW interference since the culprit is a non-802.11 device.

[4] Congestion occurs when two or more Wi-Fi devices are using the same channel and have to take turns transmitting because the channel’s bandwidth is full. This is called Co-Channel Congestion (CCC). To be clear – there is nothing wrong with multiple Wi-Fi devices using the same channel. However, when the traffic exceeds that channel’s bandwidth, then the Wi-Fi devices have to arbitrate use of the channel – that is, take turns — and this causes performance to suffer.

Of these four scenarios, [3] is probably the worst. This is because it forces the 802.11 protocol and the transmitting device to re-transmit packets. Re-transmitting packets is a very inefficient use of the transmitter’s time, resources and CPU.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

To demonstrate this feature we used two WifiMETRIX devices — one transmitting in AirHORN mode (packets on channel 6) and the other performing channel analysis in WifiPROBE mode. The image above comes from the WifiPROBE screen. It shows Co-Channel Congestion (CCC) on channel 6 and Adjacent Channel Interference (ACI) on adjacent channels. This helps a lot because now we know that channel 6 is affected by another 802.11 device (as opposed to a non-802.11 device).

WifiPROBE — Bar Decorations:

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

When WifiPROBE cycles through all the channels, the channel that is currently being measured is filled-in (e.g. channel 2, in this case). Also, the High and Low values are shown for each bar for the current session.

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Interpreting Results

WifiMETRIX — Interpreting Results

AirHORN

When operating in AirHORN mode, WifiMETRIX uses its 802.11 chip to promiscuously transmit without having to first associate with an access point. Furthermore, when transmitting in Single mode, the transmission can be in the form of 802.11 packets or RAW energy (a modulated, continuous, 22 MHz-wide channel shape). When transmitting in Traverse and Pulse modes, the transmission is always in the form of 802.11 packets. Below we show examples of what the Single, Traverse and Pulse mode transmissions look like when monitored by an RF spectrum analyzer.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
The above image shows AirHORN transmitting in Single Mode where ‘TX Mode’ is PACKETS.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
The above image shows AirHORN transmitting in Single Mode where ‘TX Mode’ is RAW.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
The above image shows AirHORN transmitting in Traverse Mode.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
The above image shows AirHORN transmitting in Pulse Mode — where Duration is 5 seconds, and Interval is 10 seconds.


WifiPROBE

The WifiPROBE function traverses each channel, measuring its available transmit (TX) time. This is reported as ‘% Available TX’, compared to a baseline reference. This metric — % Available TX — is a measure of a channel’s “health”. The higher this value then the more bandwidth is available for transmitting data packets. Using this metric, WifiPROBE can be used to rank channels from best-to-worst. However, a few more points should be clarified:

  • Should you always use the channel with the highest ‘% Available TX’? For example, suppose your 802.11N channel has a theoretical bandwidth of 100 Mbps, but because of interference and congestion that has decreased to 40 Mbps — i.e. the ‘%
    Available TX’ is 40%. Should you avoid using that channel at all costs? The answer is ‘not necessarily’. If your current bandwidth needs are only 5 Mbps — which is much less than the available 40 Mbps — then it is perfectly fine to continue using that channel because it still has plenty of capacity to handle your current traffic load. Only when your traffic load begins to approach the bandwidth ceiling is it then necessary to consider a different channel. WifiPROBE can tell you what that ceiling is, but it does not tell you the current traffic load.
  • When monitoring the 2.4x GHz band you should always choose either channel 1, 6, or 11 — even if other channels have a higher ‘% Available TX’ value. There are few exceptions to this rule — and here’s why…

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
The image above shows the results of WifiPROBE scanning all the 2.4x GHz channels in a typical office environment. As WifiPROBE cycles through all the channels, the channel currently being measured is filled-in (e.g. channel 2 in this example). We see that some channels are higher than others — but all are greater than 50%. Since this is the 2.4x GHz band, we really should focus just on channels 1, 6, and 11. We would interpret this result to mean it is okay to use channels 1, 6, 11 for your AP.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
In the image above we’ve used another WifiMETRIX in AirHORN mode transmitting on channel 6. As you can see, the AirHORN transmission significantly affects channel 6, along with adjacent channels. In this scenario or similar ones, it would then be best to use either channel 1 or 11.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
In the image above we’ve again used another WifiMETRIX in AirHORN mode transmitting on channel 6. In this table view you can again see that channel 6 and adjacent channels are severely affected. Furthermore, the ‘CCC’ and ‘ACI’ tags give you a clue that the problem is caused by an 802.11 device (i.e. AirHORN). If we didn’t see those tags, then the problem probably is caused by a non-802.11 device.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
In the image above we’ve again used another WifiMETRIX in AirHORN mode transmitting on channel 6. In this Selected Channels view you can again see that channel 6 is severely affected by the congestion caused by AirHORN transmitting on channel 6.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
In the image above we’ve used an RF signal generator, transmitting at frequency 2440 MHz, which is near the center of channel 6 (2437 MHz). As you can see, even though this is a very narrow band interferer, it affects not only channel 6 but also neighboring channels.

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Calibration

WifiMETRIX — Calibration

The metric that WifiPROBE uses to compute the best channel requires that ‘% Available TX’ be compared against a baseline reference measurement for each channel. This baseline represents 100% Available TX — that is, no RF interference (or, as close as possible). To achieve this we’ve included a 50 ohm SMA terminator to be attached to the antenna connector. Furthermore, if you have a microwave oven available, we recommend placing the unit in the microwave oven during the duration of the calibration procedure (approximately 1 minute). And, of course, DO NOT use the microwave oven during this period. The microwave oven serves as a “poor man’s” Faraday cage. The combination of using the SMA terminator plus microwave oven closely approximates an RF environment with no RF interference — which will define our baseline of 100% Available TX. During the calibration procedure the unit will traverse all the 2.4x and 5x GHz Wi-Fi channels and record a baseline value for each channel. When you later use the device for WifiPROBE channel analysis, the value it measures will be compared to the corresponding baseline value and the ‘% Available TX’ can then be computed and displayed on the screen.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

The calibration feature can be accessed by selecting ‘Configuration’ from the main menu, followed by ‘Re-calibrate’ in the CONFIG MENU.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

For the next step, the menu reminds you to ATTACH THE 50-OHM SMA TERMINATOR (“DUMMY LOAD”). Also, if you have a microwave oven available, we suggest you place the unit in the microwave oven during the duration of the calibration procedure (approximately 1 minute). The goal of the calibration step is to approximate 100% Available TX time, and the combination of dummy load plus microwave oven serves as a “poor man’s” Faraday cage.

Once you press the UP key there is a delay of 5 seconds before the calibration process begins. This allows a few seconds to place the device in a microwave oven before the calibration procedure begins traversing channels and recording their baseline reference values.

Once calibration has completed, remember to replace the SMA terminator with the dual-band antenna.

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Firmware Updates

WifiMETRIX — Firmware Updates

From time-to-time we make available updates to the firmware that runs on your WifiMETRIX device. However, before updating, please make sure the version you will be updating to is more recent than the one currently running on your device. To check the current firmware version, select ‘About’ from the main menu (see image below).

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

The latest available firmware with DFS Testing version is: 3.08
PLEASE NOTE: If you own an older model of WifiMETRIX that does not include DFS Testing then the last available firmware version is 1.05.

To upgrade the firmware running on your WifiMETRIX device from a Windows OS, you will need the following:

  • The “WifiMETRIX Firmware Update Loader” tool, which can be downloaded from here: WifiMETRIX Firmware Update Loader
  • The latest firmware file (*.bin) that will be used for the update — available here: Firmware Binary File
  • Your WifiMETRIX device and a micro-USB cable. As a general rule, please use a quality USB cable (e.g. the one that shipped with the device) and attach it directly to the PC (and not through a USB hub).
  • A compatible PC, running Windows 7 or higher.

Please follow the step-by-step guide below to update to the latest firmware version that you just downloaded.

1. Using the updater tool, load the latest firmware version that you just downloaded and press the ‘Load’ button.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

2. Select the second CheckBox that begins: “If you have a WifiMetrix Unit running…”.

3. Select the third CheckBox that begins: “In WifiMetrix press buttons…”.

4. With the power switch in the OFF position, use the micro-USB cable to attach the device to your Windows PC.

5. This is the important step — press and hold the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] arrow keys, and at the same time switch the power ON. You should see the screen below:

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

6. On the updater tool, press the ‘Connect’ button. A dialog box show appear that confirms the connection. Read the message and confirm you are updating a WifiMETRIX device. This is important because a similar updater tool is used to update RF Explorer devices. Click the button that says ‘Device OK. Click to Upgrade’.

7. Using WifiMETRIX’s keyboard, press the [UP] arrow key to begin the update. You should see the message “Writing block” and the block numbers increasing.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

8. When the update is done you will briefly see a screen that reports the update is ‘Done’ and the device is resetting.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

9. And finally, after updating the firmware and resetting the device, it is necessary to run the calibration procedure again.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

Performing the calibration is a simple process — here is the link:
Calibration

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Diagnostics

WifiMETRIX — Diagnostics

There is a hidden diagnostic screen that is only accessible using a special key combination. We suggest you ignore this for now. However, in the event you need to contact our technical support, they may request this additional information. So, we present the procedure here. Just to be clear, in case you are curious there is no harm in accessing this hidden screen, but the results are intended solely for the technical support team.

WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator
WifiMETRIX -- Channel Analyzer / Signal Generator

To enable the diagnostics screen, power ‘on’ the unit and while the splash screen displays then press and hold the RIGHT arrow key. When powered ‘on’ this way a new ‘Diagnostics’ menu option appears at the bottom of the screen.

While in Diagnostics mode, the following short-cut keys are in effect:
[RETURN] key: Change Wi-Fi band
[LEFT] and [RIGHT] keys: Change channel
[UP] and [DOWN] keys: Change output power level
[ENTER] key: Toggle Start / Stop
[MENU] key: Return to main menu

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Acknowledgements

WifiMETRIX — Acknowledgements

This product would not be possible without the SeeedStudio Team who manufactures and tests WifiMETRIX devices.

The WifiMETRIX device is a reality due to the engineering excellence of Ariel Rocholl and his RF Explorer team in Spain. As with the development of most products of this complexity, there were many unexpected technical hurdles that we encountered along the way. We are especially indebted to Mr. Rocholl — there is no finer engineer on this planet.

We also wish to thank Devin Akin and David Coleman for their expertise and guidance during the course of developing the DFS Testing feature. We couldn’t have had two better men in our corner.

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FCC and CE Regulation

WifiMETRIX — FCC Regulation, CE And RoHS Compliance

WifiMETRIX is a Test and Measurement device, compatible with US FCC regulation 47 CFR Part 15.103(c).

WifiMETRIX is certified for CE compliance under EU regulations EN/IEC61236 and EN/IEC61000.

WifiMETRIX is certified for RoHS compliance under EU directive 2002/95/EC.


WifiMETRIX FCC / CE / RoHS Compliance

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Licensing

WifiMETRIX — Licensing

WifiMETRIX’s embedded firmware is copyrighted © by Ariel Rocholl, 2010-2017.

WifiMETRIX and WifiPROBE are registered trademarks in the USA and all EU Countries.

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