Aruba spectrum analyser troubleshoots Wi-Fi problems

The new software will form part of Aruba's existing wireless intrusion detection system

Aruba Networks has launched a Spectrum Analysis Module software update for its 802.11n wireless access points to help companies analyse Wi-Fi networks remotely.

Aruba has added the update to its wireless intrusion detection system free of charge for new and existing customers.

The update will enable customers to monitor traffic on Wi-Fi networks on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bands to identify the extent of any network issues occurring at a given time and place.

Roger Hockaday, marketing manager at Aruba, claimed that the service will help companies to build up a picture of any recurring network problems and resolve any issues more effectively.

"As the number of wireless devices increases all the time, from neighbouring networks, smartphones, new Bluetooth technologies and so on, it is important for firms to monitor what is taking place on their networks," he said.

"This update will allow firms to use specific access points in any location to analyse network traffic and send data back to a central location. This can help firms to understand where and when issues are occurring, particularly if intermittent, and solve them."

The software will provide information such as interference charts, channel quality, and spectrum recording and playback. This will help isolate packet transmission issues, over-the-air problems and congestion caused by other devices, the firm said.

Hockaday added that the information is displayed on a dashboard to make it simple to understand and analyse.

"Any major enterprise deploying a wireless system should have a detection system, so by adding this update to our detection product any firm that currently uses our system for their Wi-Fi network, or deploys one, can benefit from this new software," he said.

Aruba will accept beta testing offers on the product before the end of the April, and expects to issue the full update by the third quarter.