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advisable to start with one notebook as the destination and set up the Iperf or IxChariot tests. Additional
clients are then added to measure simultaneous operation in the presence of interference and multiple
clients.
7. Required Equipment
Two fast computers (PC or laptops) such as a Pentium-4 with a 2 to 4 GHz CPU, 2GB RAM, and
Windows Vista/XP/Win7. Use a brand such as Dell, IBM, HP, Toshiba, Fujitsu, or Sony, and avoid
sub-brands. Note that Wi-Fi speed will not just depend on the Wi-Fi router, but also on the
speed of the laptop CPU.
For testing with IxChariot scripts, use IxChariot software version 4.3 or higher or later from
NetIQ on each of two computers. The IxChariot console should be on one computer and the
IxChariot endpoint on the other computer.
Standard Ethernet cable from the router to the computer that is running the IxChariot endpoint.
8. Throughput Consistency
Test the throughput variance to see how consistently the client can receive optimum speeds. NETGEAR
advises verifying the throughput in the following scenarios:
Distance s from short (15 feet with line of sight) to long (for instance, from one corner to
another corner of the house through multiple walls)
Orientation (0 to 270
o
)
Frequency channel 1, 6, 11 in 2.4 GHz. Do a quick site survey on 2.4 GHz and pick up the cleanest
channel, which has other APs at the lowest signal strength.
Use Metageek inSSIDer for channel scan (http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/).
Laptop or PC used for the client adapter (IBM, Dell, HP, Toshiba, etc.)
Level of obstruction (line of site, number of walls, wall composition, residential home floor plan,
etc.)
9. Level of Obstruction in Different Environments
Obstructions to line of sight may be present in a home. To limit the amount of signal loss, check
throughput in several locations within the home, using open space wherever possible to prevent a direct
obstruction. Note any metal sheets or panels, chicken wire inside the walls, etc., that might create
obstructions for wireless signals.
10. Running IxChariot and Iperf Scripts
IxChariot and Iperf scripts are described in the following sections.
Set TCP or UDP. For experimental purposes, UDP provides a better representation of video
streaming traffic. With UDP, throughput will increase because it does not incorporate an
acknowledgement protocol as TCP does.
