A series of videos, actually the first three produced under the Farpoint Focus brand, illustrates the core troubleshooting functions of key products from AirMagnet and Fluke Networks, clarifying both application and audience.
As I mentioned some time ago, we’ve begun producing a video series called Farpoint Focus that explores new products and applications in the wireless and mobile space. The genesis of this project was actually in a question we hear all the time regarding products from AirMagnet, part of Fluke Networks: which product from this company is the right one for my needs? AirMagnet is one of oldest and most venerable names in Wi-Fi analysis and assurance tools; even their very first Pocket PC-based analyzer, little more than a discovery tool when first announced, was a smack-yourself-in-the-forehead kind of innovation that spawned an entire industry.
Over time, as is always the case, the AirMagnet product line broadened and deepened, creating questions in the mind of users as to what to use when. The series of videos we produced were done to answer this question, as well as (from a purely selfish perspective) to learn more about what can be done in video production today. If I do say so myself, these videos are informative and fun to watch, and I think you will enjoy them.
But to answer the question in brief, each video covers the basic troubleshooting capabilities of AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer Pro, AirMagnet Enterprise, and the Fluke Networks AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester. It’s clear that most of the confusion over which to use and when relates to the fact that there is significant functional overlap between the three. But the audience for each is truly separate and distinct.
AirCheck (I’ll post the link to that video shortly) is one of those pry-from-my-cold-dead-hands kind of products. Literally – it’s a convenient, handheld tool with an amazing range of function, including discovery, connection testing, and even interference analysis. But, to be fair, the screen is small and it’s best applied by first-line techs and installers who need a quick check of what’s happening. Still, I don’t think I could live without this one, and it’s very cost effective – solving a single problem can quite literally pay for it.
Larger and/or ongoing analysis and assurance activities, however, need a more comprehensive tool, like Analyzer Pro (video here). This software runs (typically) on a laptop PC, which could be unwieldy in many field situations. But put this tool down on a table somewhere, and you’ll quickly have a remarkably broad range of capabilities at your fingertips. I use Analyzer Pro in conjunction with AirMagnet Spectrum XT all the time when diagnosing complex interference problems, but, as you can see in the video, there is much more to the product than that. Regardless, Analyzer Pro is perfect for ongoing monitoring in smaller shops, and for field techs that support larger installations even on a regular basis.
But one limitation to Analyzer Pro is that, especially in larger installations, sending an engineer out with a laptop can get time-consuming and expensive, especially if travel is involved. That’s where AirMagnet Enterprise (video here) comes in – using the associated sensors, one can continually monitor an arbitrarily large area and even multiple sites for IDS/IPS, interference, and a broad range of other conditions all from the comfort of a single console. You can also send a sensor to a remote location when needed, which is much cheaper, easier, and productive than putting someone on a plane.
All three of these products, then, have their place, and I hope these videos serve to clarify the question as to which to use when in your particular setting.
Oh, yes – Interop is next week in Las Vegas. I hope to see you there – the Wireless and Mobility track is among the best we’ve ever produced (if I do say so myself). My schedule is packed, so I probably won’t have time to post any analysis next week, but I’ll undoubtedly have some commentary for you the week of the 14 May.
