21
10. Spectrum Analysis
Once the radio has been mounted in its intended location, an embedded RF spectrum analysis tool
can be used to survey the site and to aid with the initial channel selection process.
Prior to enabling a spectrum analysis session, ensure that the units are mounted at the desired
location and aligned in the general direction of the target radio.
Note
: If a noise and interference only analysis is desired, do not turn on the remote unit during the
spectrum analysis, as the presence of the remote unit will affect the sweep data.
Note
:
Enabling a spectrum sweep will disable RF traffic until the scan is manually stopped, or the 5
minute test period is complete.
Click
Installation -> Spectrum Analysis
on the Toolbar to access the Spectrum Analysis screen:
In the example screen shown above, the scan shows high levels of interference at 5755 and 5835
MHz, and these channels would be unsuitable choices for satisfactory performance. While any of the
remaining 20 MHz channels would be preferable, the channel centered on 5795 is a better candidate,
as it is further from the strongest interferers.
There are two display options (Current/Peak and Average/Peak) to assist with analysis. Alternating
between the two modes will not erase the collected data.
There are also two scan modes. The first,
Clear Results
, removes all historical scan data and reports
only information gathered during the current scan. Alternatively
Append Results
can be selected if
displaying aggregated results across multiple scans is desired.
To begin spectrum analysis, click
Start
button. The unit will scan through the available channels and
display the results on the bottom of the screen. Numerical results, measured in absolute power
(dBm) will indicate the interference and noise levels based on received signals from each channel.
The blue bar indicates either the current or average power level (depending on mode selected) and
the red bar indicates peak power received during the test interval.
