TamoGraph

Predictive Wi-Fi Surveys

TamoGraph can be used for planning WLANs that have not been deployed yet. This type of survey is called "predictive" or "virtual," because Wi-Fi characteristics are predicted for the virtual environment model created by the user. The process of creating and adjusting the virtual environment, selection and placement of simulated APs, and analysis of the resulting WLAN is commonly referred to as "RF planning. To create a virtual model of the environment, the user needs to "tell" the application about the position, size, and type of the physical objects that affect radio wave propagation.

Passive Wi-Fi Surveys

Passive surveys are the most comprehensive , providing the most important WLAN characteristics and metrics. Tamograph passively listens for packets from the WLAn/s under test and does not attempt to connect to any Access Points.

During a possive survey the following metrics are collected and displayed.

• Signal Level
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio
• Signal-to-Interference Ratio
• AP Coverage Areas
• Number of APs
• Expected PHY Rate
• Frame Format
• Channel Bandwidth Requirements

Active Wi-Fi Surveys

Active Wi-Fi surveys provide you with measurements of of real-world performance characteristics of your WLAN. Tamograph connects to your Wi-Fi adapter and to the wireless network(s) that you choose to measure actual throughput rates and other metrics.

Using an active survey the following metrics are collected and displayed.

• Actual PHY Rate
• TCP Upstream Rate *
• TCP Downstream Rate *
• UDP Upstream Rate *
• UDP Downstream Rate *
• UDP Upstream Loss *
• UDP Downstream Loss *
• Round-trip Time
• Associated AP Requirements

* When using advanced mode with a throughput server utility connection.

Spectrum Analysis in TamoGraph

TamoGraph can perform spectrum analysis simultaneously with passive surveys by interfacing with the MetaGeek Wi-Spy DBx, a USB-based spectrum analyer. Spectrum analysis involves the use of special RF equipment designed to listen to and analyze the frequency bands utilized by Wi-Fi devices. When Wi-Spy is plugged in, a live spectrum picture is displayed on the central pane of the main TamoGraph window.