WLAN Administration COMP1241

LAB 3 Name: Kenny Rich Wen ID# 101396997

Section B

Section 1: Using Online Calculators to Compute RF Behavior—

Part I
Introduction
Several Web sites have calculators you can use to determine different RF behaviors. In
this Section, you will use the Swiss Wireless site to compute power, cable loss, antenna
gain, free space path loss, link budget, Fresnel zone, and diffraction.
.
Procedure:
1. Use your Web browser to go to http://www.swisswireless.org/wlan_calc_en.html.
Note: It is not unusual for Web sites to change the location of where files are stored. If the URL above no
longer functions then open a search engine and search for “ Swiss Wireless”.

2. Review the information in the Power section. Recall that the reference point that
relates the logarithmic relative decibel (dB) scale to the linear milliwatt scale is
known as the dBm, and this reference point specifies that 1 mW = 0 dBm and is a
measurement of absolute power. This calculator will convert from watts to dBm.
3. Click in the Watts box and type 1, which is the maximum power level for an
IEEE WLAN.
4. Click dBm<- W to convert from watts to dBm. What is the dBm of 1 W ? Record
your answer.

5. Scroll down to display the Loss in coaxial cable at 2.45 GHz section.
6. Next to Choose type of cable, select Aircom.

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7. Click in the Length (meter) box and type 1.75. Click m-> dB. What is the loss at
this length? Record your answer.

8. Select other types of cables and note the losses.

9. Scroll down to display the Antenna section. Remember that dBi refers to the gain
of an antenna. Next to Frequency Band, select 2.41– 2.48 GHz (Wifi 802.11b,
802.11g, Bluetooth) if it is not already selected.
10. Next to Antenna diameter in meters, type .1 (for 3.9 inches), which is the size of
an optional antenna that could be added to an AP.
11. Click D-> dB. What is the maximum theoretical gain? Record your answer.

12. Scroll down to display the Free space loss section. Remember that as the RF
signal propagates from the antenna, it spreads out and weakens.
13. Next to Frequency Band, select 2.41– 2.48 GHz (WiFi 802.11b; 802.11g;
Bluetooth).
14. The maximum distance of an 802.11b WLAN is 375 feet (114 meters). Next to
kilometers type 0.1143.
15. Click dB<- km. What is the free space path loss? Record your answer.

16. Change the frequency band to 5.15– 5.85 GHz (802.11a, Hiperlan 2).
17. Click dB<- km. How does the free space path loss for 802.11a compare with
802.11g? Record your answer.

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18. Scroll down to display the Link budget section. Enter these values for a sample
WLAN:
. Transmit
 Transmit output power: +15 dBm
 Cable loss ( negative value!): – 6 dB
 Antenna gain: 12 dBi .

Propagation
 Free space loss (negative value!): – 81.561 dB .
Reception
 Antenna gain: 12 dBi
 Cable loss (negative value!): – 4 dB
 Receiver sensitivity (generally negative value): – 82 dBm

19. Click Compute. Record this value.

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20. Scroll down to display the Propagation: Fresnel ellipsoid section.

21. Next to Distance “D” between transmitter and receiver [meters] type 114. This
is the maximum distance of an 802.11b WLAN.
22. Next to Distance “d” between transmitter and obstacle [meters], type 65. This
assumes an obstacle at about the halfway point.
23. Click Compute radius. Record this value.

24. Scroll down to display the Propagation: Diffraction section.

25. Suppose you have two APs, affixed to ceilings, that are communicating with each
other, and that you want to determine the power loss resulting from an obstacle
between them that is located 1.6 feet (. 5 meters) above the two APs? Next to
Height “h” between antenna top and obstacle top [meters] type .5.
26. Next to Distance “D1” between transmitter and obstacle [meters] type 70.

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27. Next to Distance “D2” between receiver and obstacle [meters] type 35.
28. Click Power loss. Record this value.

Section 2: Using Online Calculators to Compute RF Behavior—

Part II

Introduction

In this Section you will use Web sites to compute EIRP and the loss associated with
different cable lengths.

Procedure:
1. The amount of power that a theoretical isotropic radiator can generate is called the
Equivalent (also called Effective) Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP). EIRP is the
power radiated out by the wireless system and includes any antenna amplification
(gain). Use your Web browser to go
http://www.distributed-wireless.com/calculators/EIRP.html.
Note: It is not unusual for Web sites to change the location of where files are stored. If the URL above no
longer functions then open a search engine and search for “ DWG EIRP calculator”.

2. To calculate the EIRP of a typical WLAN enter these values:

 Transmitter power: 10.
 Power unit: dBm.
 Your loss in dB: 2.
 Antenna gain: 19
3. Click Get EIRP. Record this value.

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4. Cables, connectors, and even lightning arrestors can affect the link budget. You
will now calculate the loss caused by these antenna accessories. Use your Web
browser to go to www.afar.net/rf-link-budget-calculator/
Note: It is not unusual for Web sites to change the location of where files are stored. If the URL above no
longer functions then open a search engine and search for “ Afar RF Link Budget Calculator”.

5. Accept the default values under Input.

6. Enter these values under Cable Loss Calculator:
 Cable type: other ... .
 Loss per 100 ft: 6.0 .
 Cable length: 4 .
 Number of connectors: 2
7. Click Tx Cable. Record these values.

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8. Now change the cable length to 2.

9. Click Tx Cable. What is the difference between this value and the one calculated
previously?

10. Close all windows.

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