CNET324 Lab 1 - Analysis of WiFi Spectrum (1)[1]

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Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum Lab 1: Analysis of WiFi Spectrum Prepared by: Dr. Sattar Hussain, @ Centennial College, 2022 Name Student ID Signature* Komalpreet 301295913 K Alphin Felix 301309019 AF Navami Krishna Chelekkat 301247209 NC Sinu Babu 301299098 SB 1 School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science (SETAS) Information and Computing Engineering Technology (ICET) CNET324 - Wireless Networks Course Lead: Dr. Sattar Hussain Section No. 004 Obtained Mark (out of 20) Due Date
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum *By signing above, you attest that you have contributed to this submission and confirm that all work you have contributed to this submission is your work. Any suspicion of copying or plagiarism in this work will result in an investigation of Academic Misconduct and may result in a “0” on the work, Overview Determining minimum signal strength requirements in the coverage area is the most important part of the network requirements list. Desired signal strength for optimal performance varies based on many factors, such as background noise in the environment, the number of clients on the network, the desired data rates, and what applications will be used. An open channel will always be best when deploying a wireless network, but if you have to share a channel between two or more networks, adjacent channel congestion is the one you’ll want to avoid if at all possible. When deploying a WiFi network, make sure there is at least 20 dB between the RSSI level of your network and other neighbor’s networks, as illustrated below: Chanalyzer software is a tool that helps plan, deploy, manage, test, and troubleshoot Wi-Fi and other RF systems. It detects frequency spectrums and the strength of RF signals in the air and passes that information to Chanalyzer software for recording and visual analysis of your wireless environment. Chanalyzer turns RF spectrum data collected from Wi-Spy into highly interactive charts and graphs, allowing you to visualize your wireless landscape. It displays wireless access points and other transmitters as they appear in the spectrum, giving quick insight into whether interference is WiFi or non-WiFi related. Wi-Spy devices cover different frequency bands used by WiFi and many other non-WiFi devices (900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5 GHz ISM bands). This lab is designed to help you observe, analyze, and understand WiFi and non-WiFi spectrum signatures, identifying 802.11channels and patterns, bandwidth utilization, and signal strength. It helps to collect all the necessary data to test WiFi network performance and track down nearby interferers and transmitters. The software also offers tools to prepare a professional report to summarize channel traffic, network performance, and bandwidth utilization at a given interval of time. 2
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum Objective Upon completion of this lab, students will be able to: Identify WiFi and non-Wi Fi signature patterns Identify detectable networks Tracking down transmitters and interference Examine the spectrum footprint of common sources of interference Identify bandwidth utilization for different WiFi channels Build a professional report from the collected data Determine the best channels to deploy WLAN Hardware/Software Requirements: 3 Lenovo laptops with Windows 7 or 10 One Wi-Spy DBx USB-connected spectrum analysis hardware adapter Wi Spy Chanalyzer visualization software Important Notes: read the following notes before starting your lab Handle lab equipment with extra care. Dropping or misusing equipment may damage them. Ask your professor if you are not sure about any step of the lab procedure Return all equipment and accessories to the cabinet in a neat and organize way otherwise 5 marks will deducted from your lab mark. Tied up all cables, adapter and return them to their storage box. Procedure a. All screenshots must show the time stamp at the right-bottom corner. b. Note: You are required to print your name and your lab partner's name on every single screenshot submitted within this lab. c. Throughout this lab, student groups will be assigned different numerical values for some of the analyzed parameters. The lab instructions use the letter x to refer to a certain parameter value. Whenever you see an x, replace this x with the group number. Task 1: Standalone Network Setup with Open Authentication 1. Disable all security and firewall capabilities on the laptops. Make sure to disconnect from Centennial WiFi networks. 2. Set up a wireless network using a single WAP321 access point and two PCs. Refer to CNET304 lab review for the detailed procedure on how to set up a single access point network. 3. Enable wireless radio and Single Access Point Setup. Change the wireless channel from auto mode and select a channel number as follow: Group # Channel # 1 and 2 2 3
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Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum 3 and 4 4 5 and 6 7 7 and 8 9 4. Establish WiFi connection between two laptops. 5. Change the SSID Name to XXYYZZGRx, where x is your group number. 6. Ping the two laptops to test the network’s connectivity. Wi-Spy DBx Set Up 1. Attach the Omnidirectional antenna to the Wi-Spy DBx adapter. Connect the Wi-Spy DBx to a USB hub on the 3rd laptop. 2. Locate the Chanalyzer shortcut on the desktop or at the start menu and run the program. Wi-Spy should immediately begin to capture signal patterns. 3. If the Chanalyzer does not detect the wireless card in your computer automatically, click “Wi-Fi” in the menu bar at the top, and select the wireless card you’d like to use. NOTE: Wi-Spy is a spectrum analyzer. It is not capable of reading at the WiFi packet layer. Therefore, Wi-Spy will not appear in the WiFi card drop-down list. 4. In the menu bar, select “ View >> Wi-Fi Channels ”. This will change the x-axis to display the WiFi channels instead of the specific frequency range. Make sure the 2.4 GHz band is selected. Getting Familiar with Chanlyzer 1. In the top left corner, you can see the frequency range the Wi-Spy is currently examining – this is the session that is being recorded. Chanalyzer, by default, displays the 2.4 GHz range. Rename the session by clicking on the pencil icon to CNET324Gx, where x is your group number. 2. The top graph is the OVERVIEW Pane. This displays actual real-time radio capture data. In the toolbar above the pane, you will find different display options for WiFi network overlays and interferers. The Density View displays the data in a range of colors from the blue for infrequent transmissions to red for constant 4
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum utilization (and high risk of interference). The left graph is the Waterfall View – it is a historical picture of the radio capture. You can adjust the size of the graphs by grabbing and dragging the bottom of the graphs. Enlarge both graphs a little. 5
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum 3. The DETAILS pane contains several tabs with more in-depth information about WiFi networks and their channels. 4. At any time hover the mouse over the Overview Pane . This creates a hovering box above the cursor that displays specific numbers regarding a particular frequency amplitude point as shown below. 5. Select the Density view from the menu at the top of the Overview Pane 6. In the DETAILS Pane , select Networks Table, identify your network SSID, and check the box at the left to the network name. Uncheck all other networks. In the Overview Pane, 6
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Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum Chanalyzer will draw an overlay in the Density view labeled with your network name similar to the screenshot shown below: [1 mark] Take a screenshot and paste it below 7. For channel bandwidth, switch to frequency view. Channel # Number of APs Associated with your SSID (BSSID Count) Signal Strength (dBm) Max. Rate (Mbps) 802.11 Standard(s) Channel Bandwidth (MHz) Interferers (Other SSID Utilizing Same Channel) 7
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum 7 4 -25 144.4 b.g.n 22 AORKKPRRGR5 8. In the DETAILS Pane, select Channels Table. Your display should look like the one below: 9. [1 mark] Take a screenshot and paste it below 8
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum 10. [1 mark] Find and list below the channel with the maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Channel # 11 Max. SNR 41.5 dB ANS: The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be calculated using the formula: SNR=Signal Power−Noise Power For channel 1: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor 9
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Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum = (-50.5 dBm) - (-86 dBm) = -50.5 dBm + 86 dBm = 35.5 dB For channel 2: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor SNR=(−48.5dBm) −(−83.5dBm) SNR=35dB For channel 3: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor SNR=(−47.5dBm) −(−82.5dBm) SNR=35dB For channel 4: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor SNR=(−47dBm) −(−82dBm) SNR=35dB For channel 5: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor SNR (dB)= (−46) − (−81) SNR (dB)=35dB For channel 6: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor SNR (dB)= −46dBm − (−81.5dBm) SNR (dB)=35.5dB For channel 7: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor SNR=(−46.5dBm) −(−83.5dBm) SNR=37dB For channel 8: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor SNR = (-46.5dBm) - (-85dBm) = 38.5 dB. 10
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum For channel 9: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor SNR=−47dBm−(−86.5dBm) SNR=39.5dB For channel 10: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor SNR= (−48.5 dBm) −(−88.5dBm) SNR=40 For channel 11: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor SNR= (−48.5dBm) −(−90dBm) SNR=41.5dB For channel 12: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor SNR (dB)=−49.5dBm−(−90.5dBm) SNR (dB)=41dB For channel 13: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor SNR=(−52.5dBm) −(−92.5 dBm) SNR=40dB For channel 14: SNR = SNR = Average dBm - Noise Floor SNR=(−63dBm) −(−97dBm) SNR=34dB 11
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum 11. In the DETAILS Pane, select the Network Graph tab. Your DETAILS Pane display should look like the one below. 12 Q1: [2 mark] Would you prefer to relocate your AP to this channel? Why and why not? Consider here, non-overlapping channels, SNR, bandwidth utilization, and load balance. Following a comprehensive evaluation of the wireless landscape, it has been determined that the relocation of the access point to a different channel is justified. This decision is grounded in the following considerations: 1. Interference on Current Channel: The existing channel is encountering substantial interference from neighboring networks, resulting in compromised signal quality and potential performance issues. 2. Low Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) on the current channel has fallen below acceptable levels, indicating a deterioration in the quality of the wireless connection. 3. Non-overlapping Channels: The available non-overlapping channels (1, 6, and 11 in the 2.4 GHz band) are already occupied by neighboring networks, necessitating a shift to a less congested channel. 4. Bandwidth Requirements: The current channel's bandwidth is inadequate to meet the escalating demands of the network, prompting a transition to a channel with a wider bandwidth. 5. Load Balancing: An uneven distribution of network load is observed, with congestion prevalent on the current channel. Moving to a less congested channel will facilitate better load balancing across the network. 6. Monitoring and Adaptation: Regular monitoring has identified persistent issues on the current channel, highlighting the need for a dynamic approach to channel management to adapt to changes in the wireless environment.
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Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum 1. [1 mark] Move with the laptop that has the Chanalyzer 15 meters away from your AP. Observe how the signal Amplitude in dBm is changing with the distance from the AP. Take a screenshot and past it below 2. In the DETAILS Pane, select %Utilization Graph. Your DETAILS Pane display should look like the one below 13
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum 3. [1 mark] Use ping –n 20 to ping one of the PCs from the other PC . Once the pinging process completed, record the maximum percentage of bandwidth utilization for the channel your network is currently using: Channel Utilization (%) 55% 4. At the cisco WAP321 porta1, select Wireless and change the Mode from 802.11 b/g/n to 802.11a . This will force the network to work at the 5-GHz band. Scroll down and click save. You will be disconnected due to this change. Reconnect both laptops to your network. 5. Repeat the pinging process, then from the menu on the top, select Wi-Spy and switch to the 5 GHz band. In the DETAILS Pane, select %Utilization Graph. Your display should look like the following 14 Q2: [2 mark] Compare the channel width and Utilization Percentage of the 5 GHz channel with those of the 2.4 GHz channel. Channel: 2.4 GHz, Utilization: 55%, This means that 55% of the available channel capacity is now in use. A higher utilization percentage may indicate increased congestion or traffic on the 2.4 GHz channel. Channel: 5GHz, Utilization rate: 33%, This means that 33% of the available channel capacity is now being used. A lower usage percentage indicates less congestion or traffic on the 5 GHz channel than the 2.4 GHz channel. The 2.4 GHz channel has a greater utilization rate, indicating potential congestion, while the 5 GHz channel has a lower proportion, indicating lower congestion.
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum 6. Switch back to the 2.4 GHz band (802.11b/g/n) and reconnect. 7. Select one of the two laptops connected to your network. Remotely browse the files and folders of the other network laptop. Refer to Appendix A on how to share and remotely browse folders and files. 8. Remotely, stream a video and keep it running for about 30 seconds. 9. [1 mark] Observe the %Utilization Graph on the DETAILS Pane. Take a screenshot showing the %Utilization and best it below. You may need to remotely stream more than one video if the difference in channel utilization is not clear. Task 2: Recognizing 802.11 Standard(s) Patterns 15
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Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum You can recognize 802.11 standards and interferers using the patterns they make in the Overview Pane. To assist with recognizing signatures, there is a library of identifier patterns that can be found under the   Interferers   tab. 1. In the DETAILS Pane, select the Interferers tab. Scroll down to browse the Chalalyzer library of the most common identifier patterns . Click on one of the 802.11 standards classifier boxes in the   Interferers   tab and then hover the mouse over the Density View. Line up the selected signature with the shape in the Density View, and check if it best fits your network Density View. Hint: AP transmits at different rates with different 802.11 standards. Check if you have more than one signature on the same channel. 2. [1 mark] Take a screenshot and paste it below. Turn off the silhouette by clicking the box again in the   Interferers   tab. Locating Interferers 3. [1 mark] Your instructor will generate continuous interference to jam part of the 2.4 GHz spectrum. In the Overview Pane, locate the interference pattern. Select %Utilization Graph on the DETAILS Pane. Take a screenshot and paste it below 16
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum Interfere Device Finder (Optional Not to be Credited) Device Finder will enable you to actively seek out the source of interference so you can know exactly what is happening in your networks. Directional Antenna, an accessory that allows you to track down offending devices quicker than with a Wi-Spy alone. 4. Remove the Omnidirectional antenna and attach the directional antenna to your Wi-Spy DBx. 5. Click and drag across the Overview pane to highlight the continuous interferer. A contextual menu will appear. Select Device Finder as shown 17
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum Chanalyzer will now track the amplitude levels over time of the frequency selection made in the Overview pane. As the user gets closer to the interference source, the line graph will trend upwards as shown below: Task 3: Report Builder With the Report Builder, users can highlight and visually explain how network performance was in an easy, professional manner. 1. Click Report Builder from the top menu and select Add All Blocks. In the Report Builder window, Click on the Pencil at the right upper corner. Fill out the Title, Prepared By, and Date fields as shown (use your name and partner name and the current date) 18
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Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum 2. [3 marks] In the Report Builder window, Click on the Setting icon shown in the right upper corner. Select Export, use your SSID (network name) for File Name, save the file as a PDF and submit it separately along with your lab report. Appendix A In Windows 10, you can broadcast your WiFi, Ethernet, or cellular data connection as a Wi-Fi hotspot. This allows other devices to connect to it. 1. Click the Start   Menu >> Settings. 2. Select Network & Internet >> Select Mobile & hotspot . Now you should see something like this screenshot: 3. To configure the Wi-Fi Hotspot’s Name and Password, click the Edit button and fill in the Network name and the password fields. Click Save when done. 19
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum Note that "Turn on remotely" automatically turns to ON if both devices (PC and that device) are Bluetooth-enabled. 4. Now switch the   Share my internet connection with other devices   option to   ON .     Other devices will now see your hotspot and connect to it provided the correct password is entered. 5. Make sure to save the videos to be streamed in a shared folder. 6. From one of the PCs, remotely browse the shared folder and start streaming the videos. 7. To create a shared folder, right-click on the folder >>Properties>>Sharing. Click Share. 8. From the File Sharing window, click the drop-down menu and select Everyone. Click Add and then Share. 20
Lab 1 –Analysis of WiFi Spectrum 9. Click Done when you get this window. 10. Click Advance Sharing then in the new window, check the box next to Share the folder. Click Ok. Click Close when done. 21
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