Monitor Mode

Monitor mode

A monitor mode is a wireless operational mode that

  • optimizes the monitoring of 802.11b/g/x network channels

  • enhances location calculation for RFID tags, and

  • allows limited channel scanning.

Key features of Monitor Mode

  • Channel optimization: Optimize the monitoring by limiting the scanning to 2.4-GHz channels, such as 1, 6, and 11.

  • RFID tag tracking: Enable precise tag-tracking by focusing on specific operational frequencies.

AP Mode Transition

You can move an AP to a particular mode (sensor mode to local mode or Flexconnect mode) using the site tag with the corresponding mode. If the AP is not tagged to any mode, it uses the default site tag mode.


Tip

To optimize operational efficiency, ensure that the AP is tagged correctly.

Returning AP to Client-Serving Mode

You must use clear in AP mode to return the AP back to client-serving mode, for example the local mode or FlexConnect mode depending on the remote site tag configuration.

Enable monitor mode (GUI)

Switch the AP to monitor mode using the GUI.

Use these steps to enable monitor mode for the AP:

Procedure

Step 1

Choose Configuration > Wireless > Access Points.

Step 2

In the Access Points page, expand the All Access Points section and click the name of the AP to edit.

Step 3

In the Edit AP page, click the General tab and from the AP Mode drop-down list, choose Monitor.

Step 4

Click Update & Apply to Device.

Step 5

Choose the mode for the AP as clear to return the AP back to the client-serving mode depending on the remote site tag configuration.

The AP is now in monitor mode and can observe wireless traffic without serving clients.

Enable Monitor Mode (CLI)

Enable and configure monitor mode on APs, ensuring they scan specific channels for network monitoring.

Follow these steps to enable monitor mode:

Procedure

Step 1

Enable monitor mode for the AP.

Example:

Device# ap name 3602a mode monitor

Step 2

Configure the AP to scan only the Dynamic Channel Assignment (DCA) channels supported by its country of operation.

Example:

Device# ap name 3602a monitor tracking-opt

Step 3

Choose up to four specific 802.11b channels to be scanned by the AP.

Example:

Device# ap name 3602a monitor dot11b 1 2 3 4

In the United States, you can assign any value from 1 to 11 (inclusive) to the channel variable. Other countries support additional channels. You must assign at least one channel.

Note

 

Use the show ap dot11 24ghz channel command to see the available channels.

Step 4

View configuration and statistics of 802.11a channel assignment.

Example:

Device# show ap dot11 5ghz channel

The APs are set to monitor mode, scanning the specified channels and enabling effective network monitoring and channel assessment.