WifiNigel

I often like to do a quick FSPL calculation to understand how far a WiFi signal might travel and usually have to search around to find an FSPL calculator. So, I put my own together so save me the search next time. To understand what a signal level might be over a particular distance, simply select the channel you are interested in, enter the EIRP of your AP and the distance involved. Then hit the 'Calc' button: Enter Frequency (Ghz): -- choose freq -- Ch1 - 2.412Ghz Ch2 - 2.417Ghz Ch3 - 2.422Ghz Ch4 - 2.427Ghz Ch5 - 2.432Ghz Ch6 - 2.437Ghz Ch7 - 2.442Ghz Ch8 - 2.447Ghz Ch9 - 2.452Ghz Ch10 - 2.457Ghz Ch11 - 2.462Ghz Ch12 - 2.467Ghz Ch13 - 2.472Ghz Ch14 - 2.484Ghz Ch36 - 5.180Ghz Ch40 - 5.200Ghz Ch44 - 5.220Ghz Ch48 - 5.240Ghz Ch52 - 5.260Ghz Ch56 - 5.280Ghz Ch60 - 5.300Ghz Ch64 - 5.320Ghz Ch100 -

I was recently reading through the most recent edition the finest WiFi text book in the world (in my opinion): the CWNA study guide . I read the previous versions a couple of times when I took my original CWNA exam and subsequent renewals. Looking through the latest book, I've picked up a a few nuggets which I either missed, or weren't included in the previous versions that I read. I had one "light bulb" moment when reading about antenna radiation patterns.  If you've ever looked at datasheets for antennas or access points, you may well have come across diagrams (like those shown below) that show the radiation pattern of an antenna. Fig1 - Antenna Azimuth Chart Fig2 - Antenna Elevation Chart There are generally two types of radiation pattern shown for each antenna: Azimuth (i.e. the RF radiation pattern when viewed from above the antenna) Elevation (i.e. a side-on view of the antenna RF radiation pattern) These are useful to unders