WO2003103219A1 - Wireless local access network test device - Google Patents
Wireless local access network test device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2003103219A1 WO2003103219A1 PCT/FR2003/001597 FR0301597W WO03103219A1 WO 2003103219 A1 WO2003103219 A1 WO 2003103219A1 FR 0301597 W FR0301597 W FR 0301597W WO 03103219 A1 WO03103219 A1 WO 03103219A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- network
- test apparatus
- access point
- equipment
- card
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
- H04W24/06—Testing, supervising or monitoring using simulated traffic
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
- H04L43/50—Testing arrangements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
Definitions
- the invention relates to the field of wireless computer networks. It relates more specifically to a test device which can be used to optimize and or validate the configuration of a wireless local area network, in particular with regard to the equipment used, and the locations of the various access points to the network.
- the invention makes it possible in particular to test the radio links meeting the standards IEEE 802.11, HomeRF and HiperLAN.
- WLAN Wireless Local Area Network
- the various computer equipment such as workstations, printers or other peripherals, are connected to the rest of the network by a radio link.
- This radio link therefore makes it possible to connect each item of equipment with a network access terminal, equipment called "access point”, or "bridge".
- the various access points to the network are linked together, either by a radio link, or by wired links.
- the quality of the radio link between IT equipment and the corresponding access point is decisive for the proper functioning of the network, and in particular for access to the network equipment with sufficient speed.
- the quality of this radio link depends in particular on the type of equipment used, and especially on the location of access points, and the locations intended to accommodate computer equipment. This is why, during the installation of a wireless local area network, it is necessary to carry out a certain number of checks in order to ensure the quality of the connection to the various access points from the premises. likely to host IT equipment.
- the quality of the connections can be checked using a laptop computer, which is equipped with test software.
- This test software for example that marketed by the company AVAYA under the reference "Orinoco Client Manager” makes it possible to determine the value of the gain between a signal emitted by an access point and the portable computer, which is equipped with a wireless communication card.
- a third method is known for testing the quality of the connection, which uses specific test devices, such as in particular those sold by the company Berkeley Naritronic System, under the reference LOCUST.
- Such a device is in the form of a box which, comprises a transmitter of radio waves, capable of transmitting in the frequency range corresponding to the local network.
- This device makes it possible to display a certain amount of information relating to the quality of the connection, and in particular the gain and the signal to noise ratio.
- This type of device has several drawbacks, and in particular the fact that it does not allow the network to be loaded and to verify what the actual bit rate that the network can withstand.
- the radio transmitter uses proprietary communication software, and the results obtained are therefore not representative of those obtained with the products installed definitively since they too use other proprietary software. This type of transmitter therefore does not have the same characteristics as on the communication cards associated with the various computer equipment, intended to be connected to the network.
- a first problem which the invention proposes to solve is that of allowing as complete an analysis as possible of the quality of the radio link with the access point to the network, in particular by determining throughput values corresponding to load situations. of the network.
- Another problem which the invention proposes to solve is that of allowing an analysis of the connection quality which takes into account the type of hardware which will be used on the computer equipment intended to be connected to the network, with the great diversity that the 'we know.
- the invention therefore relates to a test device, making it possible to analyze the quality of the connection to an access point of a wireless local area network, from a place capable of accommodating computer equipment including a card. wireless communication.
- the test apparatus is characterized in that it is in the form of a housing, comprising: a housing adapted to receive interchangeably a wireless communication card; means for processing the signals transmitted and / or received to and / or from the network access point; means for displaying information relating to said signals;
- the device according to the invention can receive different communication cards, which are advantageously chosen to have properties similar to those which are mounted on the equipment intended to be installed at the site of the test.
- the housing of the device can be configured to receive wireless communication cards of the PCMCIA type (for "Personal Computer Memory Card International Association").
- the communication card mounted in the test apparatus may be an identical card, or whose the transmitting part has identical or equivalent properties and characteristics.
- the user can integrate into the device a PCMCIA card of manufacturer and reference identical to those used definitively on the site tested.
- a PCMCIA card to be inserted in the test device will be chosen, a card of which the transmitting / receiving part proper has the same characteristics and properties.
- the processing means associated with the test device are capable of controlling the operation of the associated communication card according to a program or pilot, selected from a predetermined list.
- test device contains the various configuration files or drivers, which allow the communication card to operate.
- the test apparatus also comprises means for updating the predetermined list of pilots, so as to be able to use the latest versions of pilots, or more generally, versions corresponding to those installed on the equipment. computer, intended to be connected to the network.
- the test device also includes means for recording information relating to the signals transmitted and / or received to and / or from the network access point, so as to be able to to establish a certain number of statistics, concerning this connection.
- test device may also include means of transfer to a computer, various data relating to the signals exchanged with the network access point.
- the test device is programmed so that the processing means are capable of transmitting data packets or frames according to a protocol compatible with the wireless local area network.
- the processing means are capable of transmitting frames of different length, in order to determine the evolution of the bit rate as a function of the type of frame transmitted.
- the length of the frames can be configurable by the user, so as to allow him to perform different types of tests, corresponding to different situations of network use.
- the frame sending tasks can be scheduled to be performed repeatedly, and for predetermined durations, corresponding to other types of network use.
- Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating part of a wireless local area network.
- Figure 2 is a summary perspective view of the test apparatus according to the invention.
- the invention relates to a test device intended to analyze the quality of radio links for connection to a wireless local area network.
- the local network (1) is represented by a number of bridges (2) connected together by wire connections (3), and also connected for example, to a server (4).
- this is a schematic representation, and the invention makes it possible to analyze the properties of the type of wireless networks of very varied architectures, which can be particularly complex.
- each bridge (2) constitutes an access point to the network, and is equipped with transmission and reception means including in particular an antenna (6).
- bridges (2) are arranged in appropriate places in the premises in which the network is deployed. This or these bridges can be the existing equipment on the market, and intended to be physically implanted in the network being deployed.
- network access points can be simulated by specific equipment, commonly called “beacons”, used only during the installation phase. These "beacons” are equipment playing the role of bridges, but with limited performance. They therefore have the same components ensuring the communication functions as the bridges they simulate.
- the objective of the invention is to make it possible to determine the quality of radio link between a bridge (2) forming a network access point, and computer equipment (10) located at a determined location.
- this equipment is represented in the form of a computer (10), on which is mounted a wireless communication card (11).
- This card (11) can be of the plug-in and extractable type, according to the PCMCIA standard. It may more commonly be an expansion card of the PCI type (known as a cradle card), permanently mounted in the central unit of the computer (10) and supporting a PCMCIA card.
- each tag has a wireless communication card allowing it to be connected to the network via the bridge (2), or a bridge with limited performance, formed by a tag. In this way, a network comprising several linked computer equipment can be realistically simulated, even before the final installation.
- the invention therefore relates to a test device (15), as illustrated in FIG. 2, which makes it possible to analyze the quality of the radio link with respect to the wireless network.
- This portable device (15) can be moved within the range of the bridge (2). It may in particular be arranged at the future locations of the various pieces of equipment which will be intended to be connected to the network (1).
- this test device (15) is in the form of a box, which includes a microcontroller, intended to provide a data processing function, a radio link card, as well as an interface ( 17,18) to display the calculated data and enter the instructions.
- This microcontroller allows quick start-up and quick stop of the box.
- the box can operate either connected directly to the mains via an integrated power input (22) or with rechargeable batteries, possibly via the input (22), or not.
- the microcontroller can be mounted on a card, for example on the PC 104 or ETX / ENCORE fo ⁇ nat or on a card developed specifically for the application.
- This card is associated with an additional card, compatible with the microcontroller card, and arranged to receive a PCMCIA type wireless communication card (16).
- this additional card (16) can receive several cards of the PCMCIA type, one of which is used for the radio link, the other can be used for ancillary functions, such as in particular data backup.
- An important characteristic of the invention resides in the possibility of interchanging the wireless communication card (16) in order to use a card identical or analogous to that which equips the computer hardware intended to be connected to the network.
- the PCMCIA card (16) chosen to be inserted in the test box will be the same as the PCMCIA card inserted in the PCI cradle card.
- the PCMCIA card (16) chosen to be inserted in the test box will be a card whose transmit / receive module (20) is analogous, i.e. has properties and characteristics identical or extremely close to that (11) mounted in the computer (if possible from the same manufacturer).
- test box ensures the operation of the communication card, as well as the exchange of information, according to a pilot which is dedicated to the card, and which can advantageously be the same as that which will be mounted in IT equipment in connection with the network.
- the housing comprises memory means, including a set of drivers corresponding to each of the communication cards which can be inserted into the housing.
- This driver can be loaded automatically depending on the type of card inserted in the box, or even be chosen precisely and on demand by the user by access via a menu.
- drivers can also be downloaded within the box, either via a wired link, connected for example by a serial link to the box, or by any other type of link, in particular parallel or USB.
- the downloading can also be carried out by the intermediary of the hertzian link, via the communication card (16) or via an integrated memory card reader (23) of the COMPACTFLASH type.
- the box can integrate communication functionalities according to a TFTP protocol allowing in particular the dialogue with the beacons simulating the computer equipment of the network, or the bridge with limited performances.
- the processing means including the box make it possible to calculate and display different quantities relating to the operation of the network.
- these quantities we can notably cite the signal level received both from the bridge (2) and from the card (11), as well as the noise level, and therefore, the signal to noise ratio.
- the quality of the link can also be characterized by the link speed and the gain. These parameters will therefore be analyzed and can be saved, bi-directionally, either at the level of the bridge (2) or of the card (11).
- the fact that the link is encrypted or not can also be determined by the processing means.
- the box (15) is configured to send data sets, also called frames, to the bridge, to verify the proper functioning of the network under load.
- These frames can, for example, be configured according to the Internet Protocol (LP), and conventionally include information relating to the address of the transmitter, the address of the receiver, the type of data transmitted, as well as CRC type verification codes.
- LP Internet Protocol
- the processing means are capable of transmitting frames of different lengths, corresponding to different load states of the network, these lengths being able to range from a few hundred to a few thousand bytes.
- Frame trains of identical or variable lengths can be sent, either on an ad hoc basis or continuously, so as to verify their correct transmission to the bridge, by analyzing the acknowledgment frame sent by the bridge. Adjustments to the duration of the test as well as the length of the frames can be made by the user.
- keyboard at his disposal on the housing.
- This keyboard can include different keys as in the form illustrated in FIG. 2, or even include a number of lower keys, making it possible to navigate in menus displayed on the screen (17) of LCD type for example.
- the keyboard can also include levers (or “joy sticks"), or even devices of the integrated touch mouse type, or touch screen zones.
- the processing means are configured to authorize the modification of the transmission power, as well as the frequency in the range accessible by the communication card.
- the processing means are also configured to authorize rates corresponding to the IEEE 802.11 standard. These bit rates can adopt values of 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 megabits / second, but the processing means are configured to adapt to different bit rates if necessary, for example the values of 54, 36, 24, 12 and 6 megabits / second for standard 802. a
- the processing means are configured to display a certain number of information at the level of the screen (17) installed on the housing.
- the list of information displayed corresponds to that mentioned above. This list can possibly be configured according to the user's wishes and according to the evolution of standards and drivers associated with the cards.
- the data relating to the different links, as well as to the different load test operations, can be saved within the box, or else transmitted either by a wired link or by a radio link intended for a remote computer, which allows statistics, but also backups or other iterative analyzes.
- These backups may, for example, be carried out using a reader / writer of memory cards of the COMPACTFLASH type integrated into the housing (23).
- connection of the box (15) with any computer equipment makes it possible to download at the same time the most recent version of the software intended to operate the processing means, as well as the various updates of drivers or drivers. communication cards that can be installed in the test device.
- test apparatus has multiple advantages, and in particular: a possibility of receiving communication cards corresponding in their hardware and software part, to those which will be used in the materials subsequently connected wireless network; the possibility of carrying out flow and load gain tests, by sending the different types of frame, of variable length; the possibility of recording and personalizing the tests carried out; the possibility of downloading software or drivers for updating the software internal to the box; the possibility of starting and extinguishing quickly.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP03756010A EP1510040A1 (en) | 2002-05-30 | 2003-05-27 | Wireless local access network test device |
AU2003251107A AU2003251107A1 (en) | 2002-05-30 | 2003-05-27 | Wireless local access network test device |
US10/995,680 US20050101257A1 (en) | 2002-05-30 | 2004-11-23 | Wireless local area network test device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR0206617A FR2840481B1 (en) | 2002-05-30 | 2002-05-30 | WIRELESS LOCAL AREA TEST APPARATUS |
FR02.06617 | 2002-05-30 |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/995,680 Continuation US20050101257A1 (en) | 2002-05-30 | 2004-11-23 | Wireless local area network test device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2003103219A1 true WO2003103219A1 (en) | 2003-12-11 |
Family
ID=29558836
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/FR2003/001597 WO2003103219A1 (en) | 2002-05-30 | 2003-05-27 | Wireless local access network test device |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1510040A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003251107A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2840481B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003103219A1 (en) |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20010041566A1 (en) * | 2000-03-20 | 2001-11-15 | James Xanthos | Bitwise monitoring of network performance |
-
2002
- 2002-05-30 FR FR0206617A patent/FR2840481B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-05-27 EP EP03756010A patent/EP1510040A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-05-27 WO PCT/FR2003/001597 patent/WO2003103219A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-05-27 AU AU2003251107A patent/AU2003251107A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20010041566A1 (en) * | 2000-03-20 | 2001-11-15 | James Xanthos | Bitwise monitoring of network performance |
Non-Patent Citations (3)
Title |
---|
GANZ A ET AL: "Converged voice, video and data wired-wireless LANs testbed", MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS, 1999. MILCOM 1999. IEEE ATLANTIC CITY, NJ, USA 31 OCT.-3 NOV. 1999, PISCATAWAY, NJ, USA,IEEE, US, 31 October 1999 (1999-10-31), pages 1297 - 1301, XP010369757, ISBN: 0-7803-5538-5 * |
JACKSON A: "Hand-held devices for avionics system maintenance", AEROSPACE CONFERENCE, 1997. PROCEEDINGS., IEEE SNOWMASS AT ASPEN, CO, USA 1-8 FEB. 1997, NEW YORK, NY, USA,IEEE, US, 1 February 1997 (1997-02-01), pages 489 - 502, XP010214721, ISBN: 0-7803-3741-7 * |
XYLOMENOS G ET AL: "TCP and UDP performance over a wireless LAN", INFOCOM '99. EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL JOINT CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE COMPUTER AND COMMUNICATIONS SOCIETIES. PROCEEDINGS. IEEE NEW YORK, NY, USA 21-25 MARCH 1999, PISCATAWAY, NJ, USA,IEEE, US, 21 March 1999 (1999-03-21), pages 439 - 446, XP010323830, ISBN: 0-7803-5417-6 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR2840481B1 (en) | 2004-07-16 |
AU2003251107A1 (en) | 2003-12-19 |
EP1510040A1 (en) | 2005-03-02 |
FR2840481A1 (en) | 2003-12-05 |
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