In this blog, I’ll go over the basics of spectrum analyzers to lay a foundation of understanding. From simple amplitude and frequency measurements to complex, application-specific measurements, there’s a lot to cover and understand. The concept of spectrum analysis is a little daunting.

In case you are having issues not getting enough power for the adapters, please make sure your power management configuration does not limit the USB power.Įkahau Sidekick™ sidesteps this by having its own battery for the power supply.Spectrum Analysis Basics, Part 1 – What is a spectrum analyzer? Some computers may not be able to provide power for more than two Ekahau NIC-300-USB adapters. When using multiple adapters, always make sure your computers is able to provide enough power from the USB port to the devices. For dual-band spectrum analysis you will need to have two Ekahau Spectrum Analyzers or Ekahau Sidekick™ It is not possible to perform dual-band scanning with one spectrum analyzer.

Unless you have Ekahau Sidekick™, Ekahau Pro is limited to scanning only one band at a time with one spectrum analyzer. To move from 5GHz band to 2.4GHz, band move the left hand slider over to 2.4GHz band and the right hand side slider will follow. To scan 5GHz band, move the right hand side slider over to the 5GHz band and the left hand side slider will follow. To change the channel scanning range, simply click and hold the slider(s) and adjust the channel range. Note: Ekahau Sidekick™ doesn't have the option to customize the channel range, since the device is able to scan the whole spectrum range at all times You can configure which channel range the spectrum analyzer scans by clicking on the Mini Spectrum Waterfall or by clicking the Adapter and Channel Config cartwheel icon to access the Devices Window. You may also use either Ekahau Sidekick™ or two Ekahau Spectrum Analyzers allowing you to perform dual-band spectrum analysis for both frequencies at the same time. Spectrum analysis allows you view the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands from the non-Wi-Fi perspective and allows you to troubleshoot sources of interference that are affecting your wireless networks from the outside.įor the spectrum analysis surveys you are going to need Ekahau Sidekick™ or at least one Ekahau Spectrum Analyzer and one Wi-Fi NIC adapter for passive surveys.

Wifi spectrum analysis