A Glossary of More Complex Wi-Fi Terms
MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output): A technology that allows multiple devices to simultaneously receive data from a single access point, increasing network efficiency and throughput.
DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection): A regulatory requirement for WiFi devices operating in certain frequency bands (such as 5 GHz) to detect and avoid interference with radar systems by dynamically changing channels.
802.11 Standards: A series of IEEE standards that define the specifications for wireless LANs, including protocols such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E).
QoS (Quality of Service): A set of techniques used to manage network resources and prioritize certain types of traffic to ensure a consistent and reliable user experience, especially for real-time applications like voice and video.
EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol): A framework for network authentication commonly used in enterprise WiFi networks, providing support for various authentication methods such as EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, and PEAP.
802.1X: A port-based network access control standard that provides authentication and authorization for devices trying to connect to a LAN or WLAN, often used in conjunction with EAP for WiFi security.
SSID Hiding: A security measure where the SSID of a WiFi network is not broadcasted, requiring users to manually enter the network name to connect. However, it does not provide strong security and can be easily circumvented.
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup): A method for quickly connecting devices to a secure WiFi network using a PIN or a button press, though it has known security vulnerabilities and is generally not recommended for use.
Wireless Bridge: A device that connects two or more network segments wirelessly, allowing them to communicate with each other as if they were connected by a physical Ethernet cable.
Co-channel Interference: Interference that occurs when multiple wireless devices operate on the same channel within close proximity, leading to decreased network performance and reliability.
Adjacent Channel Interference: Interference that occurs when multiple wireless devices operate on channels that overlap, leading to decreased network performance and reliability.
Hidden Node Problem: A situation in wireless networking where two nodes are unable to detect each other, leading to collisions and degraded performance due to interference.
Beamforming: A technique used in wireless communication to focus the transmission of radio waves in a specific direction, improving signal strength and reducing interference.
Wi-Fi Common Measurement Metrics to ensure good Wi-Fi
Signal Strength (RSSI): RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) measures the strength of the wireless signal received by a device from an access point. It is usually represented in dBm (decibels per milliwatt), where higher values indicate stronger signals.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): SNR measures the ratio of the signal strength to the background noise level in the wireless environment. A higher SNR indicates better signal quality and less interference.
Data Rate (Throughput): Throughput refers to the actual speed of data transfer over the WiFi network, measured in bits per second (bps) or megabits per second (Mbps). It takes into account factors such as signal strength, channel utilization, and network congestion.
Latency (Ping): Latency, also known as ping, measures the time it takes for a data packet to travel from the source device to the destination device and back. Lower latency values indicate better network responsiveness and faster communication.
Jitter: Jitter measures the variation in latency over time, indicating the stability and consistency of the network connection. Lower jitter values indicate more stable network performance.
Packet Loss: Packet loss measures the percentage of data packets that are lost or discarded during transmission over the network. High packet loss can degrade network performance and lead to retransmissions, resulting in increased latency and reduced throughput.
Channel Utilization: Channel utilization measures the percentage of time the WiFi channel is occupied by data transmissions. High channel utilization can indicate network congestion and may lead to decreased throughput and increased latency.
Coverage Area: Coverage area refers to the geographic area covered by the WiFi network signal. It can be measured using signal strength measurements or by conducting site surveys to identify dead zones or areas with weak signal coverage.
Interference: Interference refers to the presence of other wireless devices or sources of electromagnetic interference that can disrupt WiFi communications. Interference can be measured using spectrum analyzers or WiFi scanners to identify sources of interference and select optimal channels for operation.
Quality of Service (QoS): QoS measures the overall performance and reliability of the WiFi network in delivering specific types of traffic, such as voice, video, or data. QoS parameters include packet prioritization, bandwidth allocation, and latency management to ensure a consistent user experience