Table Of Contents
Release Notes for Cisco Aironet Site Survey Utility 1.2
Installing the Site Survey Utility
Opening the Site Survey Utility
Using the Associated AP Status Tab
Viewing the Access Point's Status
Generating an AP Scan Log File
Viewing an Accumulation of Access Points
Configuring the Proximity Beeper
Entering a Comment in the Threshold Log File
Viewing the Threshold Log File
Deleting the Threshold Log File
Finding the Version of the Site Survey Utility
Exiting the Site Survey Utility
Getting Bug Information on Cisco.com
Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request
Release Notes for Cisco Aironet Site Survey Utility 1.2
Contents
This document contains the following sections:
•Installing the Site Survey Utility
•Opening the Site Survey Utility
•Using the Associated AP Status Tab
•Finding the Version of the Site Survey Utility
•Exiting the Site Survey Utility
•Getting Bug Information on Cisco.com
•Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request
Introduction
Cisco Aironet Site Survey Utility 1.2 is designed for use by people responsible for conducting a site survey with the CB21AG client adapter. It is useful in determining the best placement of infrastructure devices within a wireless network. The utility is a stand-alone application that runs from an executable file.
Note Cisco does not support the use of the site survey utility with 350 series client adapters. The utility may function with the 350 adapters; however, it has not been tested for such use. Do not call the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for assistance with this tool when using it with a 350 adapter. Note also that operation with a 350 adapter may be different than with a CB21AG adapter. The table below identifies known differences in functionality.
System Requirements
You need the following in order to install and use Cisco Aironet Site Survey Utility 1.2:
•A Cisco Aironet CB21AG PC-Cardbus card
Note As stated previously, the site survey utility may function with a 350 series client adapter; however, it has not been tested for such for use. Do not call TAC for assistance with this tool when using it with a 350 adapter.
•A computer running the Windows 2000 or XP operating system
Note Cisco recommends a 300-MHz (or greater) processor.
•Service Pack 2 for Windows XP
Overview
The site survey utility can assist you in conducting a site survey. The utility operates at the RF level and is used to determine the best placement and coverage (overlap) for your network's infrastructure devices. During a site survey, the current status of the network is read from the client adapter, and the status display is updated four times per second so you can accurately gauge network performance. The feedback that you receive can help you to eliminate areas of low RF signal levels that can result in a loss of connection between the client adapter and its associated access point (or other infrastructure device).
The site survey utility operates in a passive mode. That is, it does not initiate any RF network traffic; it simply listens to the traffic that the client adapter hears and displays the results.
Guidelines
Keep the following guidelines in mind when preparing to perform a site survey:
•Perform the site survey when the RF link is functioning with all other systems and noise sources operational.
•Execute the site survey entirely from the mobile station.
Additional Information
Also consider the following operating and environmental conditions when performing a site survey:
•Data rates—Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. Therefore, the maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate, and a decrease in receiver threshold sensitivity occurs as the radio data increases.
•Antenna type and placement—Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in maximizing radio range. As a general rule, range increases in proportion to antenna height.
•Physical environment—Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled areas. Also, the less cluttered the work environment, the greater the range.
•Obstructions—A physical obstruction such as metal shelving or a steel pillar can hinder the performance of wireless devices. Avoid placing these devices in a location where a metal barrier is between the sending and receiving antennas.
•Building materials—Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building material used in construction. For example, drywall construction allows greater range than concrete blocks, and metal or steel construction is a barrier to radio signals.
Note Refer to the hardware installation guide for your infrastructure device for additional information on factors affecting placement.
Installing the Site Survey Utility
Note For the CB21AG, the site survey utility is included in the Install Wizard file.
Follow these steps to install Cisco Aironet Site Survey Utility 1.2 on a computer running Windows 2000 or XP.
Step 1 Use your computer's web browser to access the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/cisco/web/download/index.html
Step 2 Click Wireless.
Step 3 On the Download Software page, choose Client Adapters and Client Software > Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters.
Step 4 Click Cisco Aironet 350 Mini-PCI Wireless LAN Client Adapter or Cisco Aironet 350 Wireless LAN Client Adapter.
Note Cisco does not support the use of the site survey utility with 350 series client adapters. The utility may function with the 350 adapters; however, it has not been tested for such use. Do not call the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for assistance with this tool when using it with a 350 adapter.
Step 5 Click Aironet Site Survey Utility.
Step 6 Click Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
Step 7 Click 1.2.
Step 8 Click the executable file (*.exe) that appears on your screen.
Step 9 Click Download.
Step 10 Read the software download rules and click Agree.
Step 11 Save the file to your computer's hard drive.
Step 12 Click Start > Run.
Step 13 Browse to the file on your computer's hard drive, select the file, and click Open.
Step 14 Click OK to open the file.
Step 15 When the InstallShield Wizard appears, click Next.
Step 16 When the Choose Destination Location window appears, click Next to install the site survey utility files in the C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\Aironet Site Survey Utility directory.
Note If you want to install the site survey utility in a different directory, click Browse, choose a different directory, click OK, and click Next.
Step 17 Click Next to add a program icon to the Cisco Systems program folder.
Note If you want to specify a different program folder, choose a folder from the Existing Folders list or type a new folder name in the Program Folders field and click Next.
Step 18 When the Start Copying Files window appears, read the text in the Current Settings field. If the information is correct, click Next. Otherwise, click Back to modify your settings.
The Setup Status window appears as the installation process begins.
Step 19 When the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears, click Finish.
Opening the Site Survey Utility
To open the site survey utility, choose Start > Programs > Cisco Systems > Aironet Site Survey Utility.
Note If you specified a different program folder during installation, you must access the site survey utility from that folder.
Selecting the Client Adapter
When the site survey utility starts, it scans for client adapters. If only one adapter is detected, it is selected automatically. However, if the utility detects multiple adapters or no adapters, the Select Adapter window appears (see Figure 1).
Note You can manually open this window at any time to select a different client adapter. Simply choose Select Adapter from the site survey utility's Action drop-down menu.
Figure 1 Site Survey Utility - Select Adapter Window
Follow these steps to select the desired client adapter.
Step 1 If you want to be able to choose client adapters that are installed but not physically present in your computer, check the List installed devices even if not present in system check box.
Step 2 From the Select a Network Adapter list, select the client adapter that you want to use with the site survey utility.
Note Click Refresh to update the list of available client adapters (for instance, after an adapter has been ejected or inserted).
Step 3 Click OK to save your selection and exit the Select Adapter window. The top of the site survey utility's main window (see Figure 2) shows the client adapter that is being used with the utility and its current association status (Associated, Not Associated, Device Not Present, or Not a Wireless Adapter).
Figure 2 Site Survey Utility - Top of Main Window
Using the Associated AP Status Tab
You can perform these functions from the Associated AP Status tab:
•Specify display units
•View the access point's status
Follow the instructions below to perform these functions.
Specifying Display Units
The Display in percent check box at the bottom of the Associated AP Status tab enables you to specify how display units are shown.
•Unchecking this check box causes the signal strength and noise level to be shown in decibels with respect to milliwatts (dBm) and the signal-to-noise ratio to be shown in decibels (db). This option, which is the default value, provides a more accurate representation of the data being presented than the percentage option.
•Checking this check box causes the signal strength, signal quality or beacons received, and overall link quality to be shown as a percentage.
Viewing the Access Point's Status
The Associated AP Status tab shows the status of the access point to which your client adapter is associated. Figure 3 shows the tab with display units shown in dBm, and Figure 4 shows the tab with display units shown as a percentage.
Figure 3 Site Survey Utility - Associated AP Status Tab (with Display Units in dBm)
Figure 4 Site Survey Utility - Associated AP Status Tab (with Display Units as a Percentage)
Table 1 interprets the information that is displayed on the Associated AP Status tab.
Note The trend graphs to the right of the smaller bar graphs provide a graphical representation of activity in the past 10 to 60 seconds. The height of an individual trend graph is proportional to the width of its corresponding bar graph. The time is displayed as a negative value to indicate that the data is older at the left edge of the graph than at the right. Use the up and down arrows to select the desired number of seconds from -10 through -60. The default value is -10.
Using the AP Scan List Tab
You can perform these functions from the AP Scan List tab:
•View the AP scan list, page 11
•Pause the AP scan list, page 15
•View AP details, page 15
•Generate an AP scan log file, page 18
•View an accumulation of access points, page 20
Follow the instructions on the pages indicated to perform these functions.
Viewing the AP Scan List
Your client adapter can detect nearby access points by the beacon signals that the access points continually transmit. The AP scan list displays a continuously updated list of the access points detected by your client adapter as well as the information contained in their beacons.
To view the AP scan list, click the AP Scan List tab. The AP scan list appears (see Figure 5).
Figure 5 Site Survey Utility - AP Scan List
To view the entire list of access points and all their information, perform one of the following:
•Click the resize tab in the lower right corner of the main window and drag it until the window reaches the desired size.
•Use the vertical and horizontal scroll bars.
•Click the middle button in the top right corner of the window.
Note Clicking Fit Columns resizes the columns on the AP scan list so that they are as wide as their widest text. This feature enables you to view the text in each column without it being truncated. However, you can also manually resize the columns by clicking on the edges of the column headers and dragging.
Table 2 interprets the information that is displayed in the AP scan list.
Note The AP Detailed Information window provides details for many of the parameters listed in Table 2. See the "Viewing AP Details" section for additional information.
Note The AP Scanning drop-down menu contains options that enable you to save and open the AP scan list. These two options are available only when the AP Scan List tab is selected. See the "Using AP Scanning" section for more information.
Table 2 Site Survey Utility - AP Scan List
AP Scan List Parameter DescriptionCount
The number of rows, or access points, in the scan list.
Note This parameter appears above the AP scan list and to the right.
Network Name
The network name, or service set identifier (SSID), indicates the name of an available wireless network. The icon to the left of the SSID provides information on link status.
Icon Description
An available wireless network.
The wireless network to which your client adapter is currently associated.
Note The SSID of a Cisco IOS access point appears in the list of available networks only if a Guest Mode SSID is enabled or the Broadcast SSID in Beacon option is selected. Refer to the software configuration guide for your access point for additional information.
MAC Address
The access point's MAC address.
Note This field displays the MAC address of the access point's Ethernet port (for access points that do not run Cisco IOS software) or the MAC address of the access point's radio (for access points that run Cisco IOS software). The MAC address of the Ethernet port on access points that run Cisco IOS software is printed on a label on the back of the device.
RSSI
The received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is a measure of signal strength in decibels with respect to milliwatts (dBm).
Time of Day
The date and time when the signal strength of each access point was at its maximum. They appear in this format: 2005-07-20 16:13:09.
Note The time is based on a 24-hour clock.
Note This field is visible only in Accumulate mode. See the "Viewing an Accumulation of Access Points" section for information on the Accumulate mode.
Data Encryption
Indicates whether the data exchanged with this access point is encrypted.
Value: Secure or Open
Value DescriptionSecure
The data exchanged with this access point is encrypted.
Open
The data exchanged with this access point is unencrypted.
Type
The IEEE 802.11 standard that describes the access point's radio band.
Value: A, B, or GChannel (Frequency)
The channel and radio frequency (in MHz) that the access point is currently using for communications.
Value: Dependent on radio band and regulatory domainMax Rate
The maximum rate at which the client adapter can transfer data with an access point. The supported rates of both the client adapter and the access point are examined, and the highest rate that they have in common is the one that is used.
AP Name
The access point's name. It is shown only if the access point was configured with a name, Aironet Extensions are enabled (on access points running Cisco IOS Release 12.2(4)JA or later), and the access point transmits this information.
Note This field shows up to 15 characters although the name of the access point may be longer.
Load
The access point's channel utilization in terms of traffic and throughput.
Value: 0 to 100%Note This parameter is shown only if the access point is using QoS Basis Service Set (QBSS) or call admission control (CAC). If neither is used, this field is left blank. If both are used, the value comes from the QBSS.
CCX
The version of Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) supported by the access point. It is shown only if the access point transmits this information.
Value: 1, 2, 3, or 4Other Information
A list of miscellaneous values that may appear depending on the access point's current status and the information that it transmits.
Values: See table below.
Value DescriptionAd-Hoc
Indicates that the device is not an access point but another client adapter operating in ad hoc mode.
CAC
Indicates that the access point is using distributed call admission control (CAC).
CEC
Indicates that the access point is using Cisco extended capabilities (CEC).
Power
Indicates that the access point can limit the transmitting power of the client adapter. The power limit is shown in milliwatts (mW).
Qos
Indicates that the access point is using quality of service (QoS). QoS on wireless LANs (WLAN) provides prioritization of traffic from the access point over the WLAN based on traffic classification.
RM-Normal RM-APScan RM-CliWlk
Indicates that the access point is using radio management. RM-Normal indicates normal status, RM-APScan indicates AP radio scan, and RM-CliWlk indicates client walkabout. Any unrecognized value appears as RM-State?.
Ssidl
Indicates that the access point is using the SSID List feature. The number of hidden SSIDs is shown as a number (for example, Ssidl:2).
WMM
Indicates that the access point is using Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM), a component of the IEEE 802.11e wireless LAN standard for quality of service (QoS).
WPA
Indicates that the access point is using Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), a standards-based security solution from the Wi-Fi Alliance that provides data protection and access control for wireless LAN systems. It is compatible with the IEEE 802.11i standard but was implemented prior to the standard's ratification. WPA uses TKIP and MIC for data protection and 802.1X for authenticated key management.
WPA2
Indicates that the access point is using Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), the next generation of Wi-Fi security. It is the Wi-Fi Alliance's implementation of the ratified IEEE 802.11i standard. WPA2 uses AES-CCMP for data protection and 802.1X for authenticated key management.
Pausing the AP Scan List
The AP scan list is updated continually. To pause the current list, click Pause List Update above the AP scan list.
Note AP scanning continues to occur in the background when the Pause List Update button is depressed. For example, the threshold based on the AP scan list count continues to function.
Note Clicking this button again resumes the list update.
Viewing AP Details
To view details for a particular access point in the AP scan list, select the desired network name in the scan list and click View AP Details. The AP Detailed Information window appears (see Figure 6).
Note You can also open the AP Detailed Information window by double-clicking in the first column of the desired row.
Figure 6 Site Survey Utility - AP Detailed Information Window
Table 3 interprets the information that is displayed in the AP Detailed Information window.
Note The AP Detailed Information window contains text summaries of all the information elements present in the access point's beacon or probe response. As a result, the window may contain different information than that described in Table 3.
Note If you also want the AP Detailed Information window to display debugging information, including a hexadecimal debug-style dump of raw access point scan data, choose Options from the site survey utility's Action drop-down menu and check the Enable Expert Mode for AP Detailed Information check box. The debug information appears at the bottom of the AP Detailed Information window under the "Expert Mode (Debug Dump)" heading.
Generating an AP Scan Log File
To enter the current contents of the AP scan list into a log file, click Log Snapshot. The "Logged current AP Scan List" message appears below the scan list, and the log file is saved. The default filename is SST_APScanLog.txt, and the default location is the directory where the site survey utility is installed.
Note If desired, you can change the filename and its location using the AP Scan List Logging Configuration window. See the "Configuring AP Scan Logging" section for more information.
If the AP scan list is paused when you click Log Snapshot, the currently displayed data (not the latest available data) is added to the log. Each time you click Log Snapshot, the new scan list is written at the end of the existing log file.
To view the log file, choose View AP Scan Log from the AP Scanning drop-down menu. The log file opens in the configured viewer (see Figure 7).
Note The log file can be viewed in Notepad or any other viewer. However, because it is written in a comma-separated values (CSV) format, it can also be opened by a spreadsheet or database program (such as Microsoft Excel). If the file is renamed with a .csv extension, Microsoft Excel would automatically place the values in separate columns.
Figure 7 Site Survey Utility - AP Scan Log File
The log entries are time-stamped and appear in ASCII text. Each line typically represents a different access point.
Note If the Accumulate button is depressed when you click Log Snapshot, two timestamps appear on each line. The timestamp in column one of the log file is the time when the log entry is made. The second timestamp, which appears only when the Accumulate button is depressed, is the Time of Day. This value indicates the date and time when the signal strength of each access point was at its maximum. Both timestamps appear in this format: 2005-07-20 16:13:09. The time is based on a 24-hour clock. For example, the first two lines in Figure 7 show only one timestamp while the remaining lines show both timestamps.
Note As an alternative to using the Log Snapshot button, you can configure the site survey utility to automatically copy the contents of the AP scan list to a log file using the AP Scanning drop-down menu options. See the "Using AP Scanning" section for more information.
Viewing an Accumulation of Access Points
Clicking the Accumulate button changes the behavior of the AP scan list. Instead of displaying only the current AP scan list, the list includes all of the access points (based on MAC address) that have appeared in the scan list since the Accumulate button was last clicked.
After a scan line is added to the list, it is never removed nor updated with new scan information unless the signal strength (RSSI) of the latest scan is greater than or equal to any detected previously from that access point. The Time of Day field, which appears only in Accumulate mode, indicates the date and time when the signal strength of each access point was at its maximum.
The Accumulate mode provides a convenient way to list all access points within a facility, not just those that may be visible at one time from a particular location. By using the information in the Time of Day field with a site map and a wristwatch, you may be able to determine the approximate location of each access point in the list.
Note Clicking the Accumulate button again deactivates the Accumulate mode and returns the current AP scan list.
Note You can use the Save AP Scan List and Open AP Scan List options in the AP Scanning drop-down menu to save and reload accumulated scan lists back into the application at a later time.
Using the Proximity Beeper
You can use the site survey utility's proximity beeper to identify areas where wireless coverage is good or weak based on the client adapter's proximity to access points within a particular area. The beeper can be set to sound as the client adapter approaches or moves farther away from an access point.
Configuring the Proximity Beeper
Follow these steps to configure the proximity beeper.
Step 1 Choose Options from the site survey utility's Action drop-down menu. The Options window appears (see Figure 8).
Figure 8 Site Survey Utility - Options Window
Step 2 Choose one of these options on which the proximity beeper will be based:
Step 3 Perform one of the following to set the tone of the proximity beeper:
•Uncheck the Invert Tone of Proximity Beeper check box if you want the beeper's rate and pitch to increase in response to the option selected in Step 2. The beeps become more alarming as the client adapter moves closer to an access point, enabling you to identify areas of good coverage. This is the default setting.
•Check the Invert Tone of Proximity Beeper check box if you want the beeper's rate and pitch to decrease in response to the option selected in Step 2. The beeps become more alarming as the client adapter approaches areas of weaker coverage.
Step 4 Click OK to save your changes.
Step 5 Follow the instructions in the "Enabling the Proximity Beeper" section below to enable the proximity beeper.
Enabling the Proximity Beeper
To enable the proximity beeper, choose Enable Proximity Beeper from the Action drop-down menu or press F6. When the beeper is enabled, a check mark appears next to the Enable Proximity Beeper menu option, and PRX appears in the site survey utility's status bar.
Note To disable the proximity beeper, choose the Enable Proximity Beeper menu option again so that the check mark disappears or re-press F6.
Using Thresholds
You can perform these threshold-related functions:
•Configure threshold values, page 22
•Enable threshold triggers, page 25
•Enter a comment in the threshold log file, page 26
•View the threshold log file, page 26
•Delete the threshold log file, page 27
Follow the instructions on the pages indicated to perform these functions.
Configuring Threshold Values
Follow these steps to configure threshold values that trigger audible alerts, entries in the threshold log file, or both.
Step 1 Choose Configure Thresholds from the site survey utility's Thresholds drop-down menu. The Threshold Logging Configuration window appears (see Figure 9).
Figure 9 Site Survey Utility - Threshold Logging Configuration Window
Step 2 Check the check box for each condition below for which you want to trigger audible alerts, text entries in the threshold log file, or both. You can check as many as you like.
Note When a value reaches a threshold and stays there, continuous triggers are not generated. After a value reaches a threshold, it must become not equal to the threshold value before another trigger is generated.
Step 3 If you want to specify the length of time that the above conditions must exist before triggering audible alerts, log file entries, or both, check the Hysteresis check box and choose a value in seconds.
Range: 1 to 10 secondsDefault: Checked; 3 seconds
Note The Hysteresis setting does not apply to the connectivity test. Connectivity is achieved if just one ping response is returned.
Step 4 The Filename field specifies the name and location of the threshold log file. If you want to change the name of the log file, enter a new name in the Filename field. If you want to change the location of the log file, click Browse, navigate to the desired location, and click OK.
Default Name: SST_ThreshLog.txtDefault Location: The directory where the site survey utility is installedStep 5 The Viewer field specifies the name and location of the program that is used to view the threshold log file. (To view the log file, choose View Threshold Log from the Thresholds drop-down menu.) If you want a different program to be used, click Browse, navigate to the location of the desired program, and click OK.
Default Program: Notepad.exeStep 6 Click OK to save your changes.
Step 7 Follow the instructions in the "Enabling Threshold Triggers" section below to enable the threshold triggers.
Enabling Threshold Triggers
In the previous section, you specified the conditions under which threshold triggers are generated, provided those triggers are enabled.
To enable audible alerts when a threshold condition occurs, choose Enable Threshold Alerts from the Thresholds drop-down menu or press F7. When threshold alerts are enabled, a check mark appears next to the Enable Threshold Alerts menu option, and ALR appears in the site survey utility's status bar.
To enable the logging of text messages to the threshold log file when a threshold condition occurs, choose Enable Threshold Logging from the Thresholds drop-down menu or press F8. When threshold logging is enabled, a check mark appears next to the Enable Threshold Logging menu option, and LOG appears in the site survey utility's status bar.
Note You can enable one or both triggers.
Note To disable the threshold triggers, choose the Enable Threshold Alerts and Enable Threshold Logging menu options again so that the check mark disappears or re-press F7 and F8.
Entering a Comment in the Threshold Log File
Follow these steps if you want to enter a comment in the threshold log file.
Step 1 Choose Add User Comment from the Thresholds drop-down menu. The Add Comments to Log File window appears (see Figure 10).
Figure 10 Site Survey Utility - Add Comments to Log File Window
Step 2 Type one or more lines of text or paste text copied from another application.
Step 3 Click OK to have your comments entered into the threshold log file.
Note User comments are entered in the threshold log file even if threshold logging is not currently enabled.
Viewing the Threshold Log File
Follow these steps to view the threshold log file from within the site survey utility.
Note You can also open the threshold log file from Windows Explorer.
Step 1 Choose View Threshold Log from the Thresholds drop-down menu. The log file opens in the configured viewer (see Figure 11).
Note The View Threshold Log menu option is disabled if the log file does not exist.
Note Figure 11 shows the threshold log file in Notepad, but other viewers can be used.
Figure 11 Site Survey Utility - Threshold Log File Window
Step 2 Click the X in the upper right-hand corner of the window to close the window.
Deleting the Threshold Log File
Follow these steps to delete the threshold log file.
Step 1 Choose Delete Threshold Log from the Thresholds drop-down menu.
Note The Delete Threshold Log menu option is disabled if the log file does not exist.
Step 2 Click Yes when asked to confirm your decision.
Using AP Scanning
You can perform these functions related to AP scanning:
•Configure AP scan logging, page 28
•Enable AP scan logging, page 30
•View the AP scan log, page 30
•Delete the AP scan log, page 32
•Save the AP scan list, page 32
•Open the AP scan list, page 33
Follow the instructions on the pages indicated to perform these functions.
Configuring AP Scan Logging
Follow these steps to configure the site survey utility to automatically copy the contents of the AP scan list to a log file.
Step 1 Choose Configure AP Scan Logging from the AP Scanning drop-down menu. The AP Scan List Logging Configuration window appears (see Figure 12).
Figure 12 Site Survey Utility - AP Scan List Logging Configuration Window
Step 2 Check the check box and select a numerical value for each condition below that you want to cause the contents of the AP scan list to be automatically copied to a log file. You can check one or both.
Step 3 The Filename field specifies the name and location of the AP scan log file. If you want to change the name of the log file, enter a new name in the Filename field. If you want to change the location of the log file, click Browse, navigate to the desired location, and click OK.
Default Name: SST_APScanLog.txtDefault Location: The directory in which the site survey utility is installed
Note The filename and location that you choose here also applies to the log file that is created when you click the Log Snapshot button on the AP Scan List tab.
Step 4 The Viewer field specifies the name and location of the program that is used to view the AP scan log file. (To view the log file, choose View AP Scan Log from the AP Scanning drop-down menu.) If you want a different program to be used, click Browse, navigate to the location of the desired program, and click OK.
Default Program: Notepad.exe
Note The log file can be viewed in Notepad or any other viewer. However, because it is written in a comma-separated values (CSV) format, it can also be opened by a spreadsheet or database program (such as Microsoft Excel). If the file is renamed with a .csv extension, Microsoft Excel would automatically place the values in separate columns.
Step 5 Click OK to save your changes.
Step 6 Follow the instructions in the "Enabling AP Scan Logging" section below to enable AP scan logging.
Enabling AP Scan Logging
To enable the site survey utility to automatically copy the contents of the AP scan list to a log file under the conditions specified above, choose Enable AP Scan Logging from the AP Scanning drop-down menu or press F9. When AP scan logging is enabled, a check mark appears next to the Enable AP Scan Logging menu option, and APS appears in the site survey utility's status bar.
Note When AP scan logging is enabled, log entries are made even when the AP Scan List tab is not visible and when it is visible with updates paused.
Note To disable AP scan logging, choose the Enable AP Scan Logging menu option again so that the check mark disappears or re-press F9.
Viewing the AP Scan Log
Follow these steps to view the AP scan log file from within the site survey utility.
Note You can also open the AP scan log file from Windows Explorer.
Step 1 Choose View AP Scan Log from the AP Scanning drop-down menu. The log file opens in the configured viewer (see Figure 13).
Note The View AP Scan Log menu option is disabled if the log file does not exist.
Note Figure 13 shows the AP scan log file in Notepad, but other viewers can be used.
Figure 13 Site Survey Utility - AP Scan Log File
The log entries are time-stamped and appear in ASCII text. Each line typically represents a different access point.
Note The log file can be viewed in Notepad or any other viewer. However, because it is written in a comma-separated values (CSV) format, it can also be opened by a spreadsheet or database program (such as Microsoft Excel). If the file is renamed with a .csv extension, Microsoft Excel would automatically place the values in separate columns.
Note If the Accumulate button was depressed when you saved the AP scan log, two timestamps appear on each line. The timestamp in column one of the log file is the time when the log entry is made. The second timestamp, which appears only when the Accumulate button is depressed, is the Time of Day. This value indicates the date and time when the signal strength of each access point was at its maximum. Both timestamps appear in this format: 2005-07-20 16:13:09. The time is based on a 24-hour clock. For example, the first two lines in Figure 13 show only one timestamp while the remaining lines show both timestamps.
Step 2 Click the X in the upper right-hand corner of the window to close the window.
Deleting the AP Scan Log
Follow these steps to delete the AP scan log file.
Step 1 Choose Delete AP Scan Log from the AP Scanning drop-down menu.
Note The Delete AP Scan Log menu option is disabled if the log file does not exist.
Step 2 Click Yes when asked to confirm your decision.
Saving the AP Scan List
Follow these steps to save the current contents of the AP scan list to a file.
Step 1 Choose Save AP Scan List from the AP Scanning drop-down menu. The Save As window appears (see Figure 14).
Note The Save AP Scan List option is available only if the AP Scan List tab is selected.
Figure 14 Site Survey Utility - Save As Window
Step 2 From the Save in drop-down box, choose the location where you want to save the AP scan list file.
Note The initial default location is the directory where the site survey utility is installed. However, after you save the AP scan list file the first time, the default directory becomes the one that was last used to open or save the AP scan list file.
Step 3 The default filename (SST_APScanList.apsl) appears in the File name box at the bottom of the window. If desired, type in a new filename.
Step 4 Click Save.
Opening the AP Scan List
Follow these steps to open a saved AP scan list file.
Step 1 Choose Open AP Scan List from the AP Scanning drop-down menu. The Open window appears (see Figure 15).
Note The Open AP Scan List option is available only if the AP Scan List tab is selected.
Figure 15 Site Survey Utility - Open Window
Step 2 From the Look in drop-down box, find the AP scan list file.
Note The default directory is the one that was last used to open or save the AP scan list file.
Step 3 Click the AP scan list file (SST_APScanList.apsl) so that it appears in the File name box at the bottom of the window.
Step 4 Click Open. The contents of the AP scan list file appear in the AP scan list window.
Note Updating of the AP scan list is paused automatically.
Viewing the Status Bar
The site survey utility's status bar runs along the bottom of the window (see Figure 16).
Figure 16 Site Survey Utility - Status Bar
It consists of three sections:
•A message area
•Four indicators
•A resize handle
Status Messages
The left side of the status bar displays status messages from the site survey utility. Table 4 lists and explains the messages that may appear.
Note The messages disappear after a short period of time.
Indicators
The right side of the status bar can show up to four indicators:
•PRX—The proximity beeper is enabled.
•ALR—Threshold alerts are enabled.
•LOG—Threshold logging is enabled.
•APS—Automatic AP scan list logging is enabled.
Note The indicators do not appear when their corresponding features are disabled.
Resize Tab
The resize tab in the right corner of the status bar can be used to change the size of the site survey utility's main window. Simply click the resize tab and drag it until the window reaches the desired size.
Finding the Version of the Site Survey Utility
To find the current version of the site survey utility, choose About from the Help drop-down menu. The About window appears (see Figure 17).
Figure 17 Site Survey Utility - About Window
Accessing Online Help
To access the site survey utility's online help, choose Contents from the Help drop-down menu.
Exiting the Site Survey Utility
To exit the site survey utility, perform one of the following:
•Click the X in the top right corner of the main window.
•Choose Exit from the Action drop-down menu.
Getting Bug Information on Cisco.com
If you are a Cisco registered user, you can use the Cisco TAC Software Bug Toolkit, which consists of three tools (Bug Navigator, Bug Watcher, and Search by Bug ID Number) that help you to identify existing bugs (or caveats) in Cisco software products.
Access the TAC Software Bug Toolkit at the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/Support/Bugtool/launch_bugtool.pl
Troubleshooting
For the most up-to-date, detailed troubleshooting information, refer to the Cisco TAC website at
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/index.html
Click Product Support > Wireless. Then choose your product and Troubleshooting to find information on the problem you are experiencing.
Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request
For information on obtaining documentation, submitting a service request, and gathering additional information, see the monthly What's New in Cisco Product Documentation, which also lists all new and revised Cisco technical documentation, at:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/general/whatsnew/whatsnew.html
Subscribe to the What's New in Cisco Product Documentation as a Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed and set content to be delivered directly to your desktop using a reader application. The RSS feeds are a free service and Cisco currently supports RSS Version 2.0.
Cisco and the Cisco Logo are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. (1005R)
Copyright © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved.