Testing Your WIFI Connection

The Testing Your WIFI Connection guide provides instructions for measuring Wi-Fi signal strength and channel congestion using a mobile application. Its primary purpose is to help identify and troubleshoot connectivity issues that may cause signal drops for mobile enforcement devices in the field. This article is intended for OPS-COM administrators and enforcement staff.

Setup and Configuration

To accurately test your network connection, you must install a specific third-party diagnostic application on your Android handheld device.

Admin Side (Enforcement Staff):

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android handheld device.

2. Search for and download WifiAnalyzer (OpenSource) by VREM Software Group. This is a free utility application.

Using this Feature

Administrators and staff can use this application to take a precise measurement of their Wi-Fi strength and identify the source channel.

1. Open the WifiAnalyzer application on your device.

2. Tap the menu icon (three parallel lines) located at the top left of the screen to open the main menu.

3. Tap Access Points to view a detailed list of available networks and their current signal strengths.

4. Tap Channel Graph to view a visual representation of channel congestion and overlapping network signals.

Visual Cues and Status Indicators

• Signal Strength Graph: The signal strength is visually represented as a column of color rising from the bottom of the graph, typically ranging from -100 dBm to -20 dBm.

• Reading dBm Values: Correction note: Signal strength is measured in negative decibel-milliwatts (dBm). Because these are negative numbers, a value closer to zero (e.g., -20 dBm) indicates a much stronger and better signal, whereas a lower number (e.g., -100 dBm) indicates a very weak signal.

Best Practices and Considerations

• Monitor throughout the day: It is highly recommended to monitor the connection periodically throughout the day. Wi-Fi environments fluctuate, and observing how much the signal goes up and down can help pinpoint exactly when and why connectivity drops occur.

• Check channel congestion: Pay close attention to how many devices or networks are broadcasting on the exact same channel. Too many devices trying to access the same channel simultaneously will create interference and have a severe adverse effect on your connectivity strength.

• Capture data for support: Please provide screen captures of both the Access Points and Channel Graph screens when contacting support. Having a visual record of the exact dBm reading for your Wi-Fi source and the channel congestion allows the OPS-COM support team to assist you much more effectively.