WLAN analyzers come of age

In 2004 we tested several wireless LAN protocol analyzers and found two distinct characteristics: Those dedicated and built from the ground up for WLANs, and those that were modest add-ons to what were then labeled classic protocol analyzer products.

Three years later, much has changed, but much has remained the same. The products have grown, some more than others. After subjecting the latest products to several problem-identification tests, we found that AirMagnet Laptop is still the one to beat, as it excels at 802.11-specific analysis. Its rapid analysis and accuracy is clearly at the top of the list. But AirMagnet has considerable and highly evolved competition, so it's going to be difficult for the company to maintain its lead in this area.

We asked for tactical WLAN protocol analyzers, with an emphasis on portability as well as the ability to do spectrum analysis. Three of the four products tested (Fluke's OptiView III, WildPackets' OmniPeek Enterprise and AirMagnet Laptop) use the same card, running the WLAN/Wi-Fi spectrum analysis with largely the same application. None of the vendors that submitted this card (a great one from Cognio) did anything special to relate spectrum analysis to their application.

It's like having a drill and a circular saw in the toolbox; they're important but unrelated to the core WLAN protocol-analysis applications tested. The fourth product tested, Sniffer Portable from Network General, did not provide spectrum analysis.

Product AirMagnet Laptop 7.2 OmniPeek Workgroup Pro OptiView III (with wireless option) Sniffer Portable Vendor AirMagnet WildPackets Fluke Networks Network General Price as tested $3,500 $2,495 (includes two OmniEngines) with additional OmniEngines ranging from $395 to $4,995 $22,995 (Spectrum Analyzer Option $3,995) $2,950 for Sniffer Portable, plus yearly support. Pros Outstanding user interface and alarm identification/ notification; excellent reporting. Very good usability and user interface. Very good tactical/ field service tool. Improved analysis of wireless LAN conditions. Cons Not as useful for a tactical tool; better for distributed monitoring. Reporting weak in this version; requires setting filters. Not useful for stationary monitoring or distributed analysis; inarticulate alarms. Ancient and difficult to use user interface; weak communication of alarms. Score 4.5 4.25 3.88 3.75 The breakdown  AirMagnet WildPackets Fluke Network General Features 25% 4.5 4.5 4 4 Reporting/alarms/documentation 25% 4.5 4.5 3 4 Management/ease of use 25% 4.5 4 4 3.5 Installation/setup 25% 4.5 4 4.5 3.5 TOTAL SCORE 4.5 4.25 3.88 3.75 Scoring Key: 5: Exceptional; 4: Very good; 3: Average; 2: Below average; 1: Subpar or not available

Click to see: Results of 4 product tests