The Aruba spectrum analyzer opens a window into the RF environment that isn’t present in other wireless LANs (WLANs).
Watch the Spectrum Analyzer Video Data Sheet
In doing so, it leapfrogs traditional and single-channel WLAN architectures that are susceptible to interference yet blind to its sources.
Enabled with the ArubaOS RFProtect software module, Aruba’s spectrum analyzer provides a critical layer of visibility into non-802.11 sources of RF interference and their effects on WLAN performance. Using Aruba 802.11n access points (APs) to scan the spectral composition of 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz radio bands, the spectrum analyzer remotely identifies RF interference, classifies its source and provides real-time analysis at the point of the problem.
Data collected by the Aruba spectrum analyzer is used to quickly isolate packet transmission problems, over-the-air quality of service (QoS) and traffic congestion caused by RF contention with other devices operating in the same band or channel. Appropriate remediation measures can then be put in place to optimize network performance. 
The spectrum analyzer is used in conjunction with Aruba’s Adaptive Radio Management (ARM) technology. While the spectrum analyzer identifies and classifies Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi sources of interference, ARM employs infrastructure-based controls to optimize Wi-Fi client behavior and automatically ensures that APs stay clear of interference.
Unlike handheld spectrum monitoring devices requiring multiple management servers, new APs and dedicated sensors, Aruba’s spectrum analyzer utilizes the existing WLAN infrastructure –802.11n APs, Mobility Controllers and ArubaOS – to preserve capital investments and reduce operating costs.
Spectrum Analyzer Features
- Spectrum analysis is supported on all Aruba 802.11n APs.
- Radios continue to scan for wireless security events while performing spectrum analysis.
- Provides RF noise-level info to ARM for channel optimization.
- Classification of interference in up to 13 categories including microwaves, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, cordless base stations and fixed-frequency video and audio devices.
- Integrates fast Fourier transform (FFT) displays and spectrograms for real-time troubleshooting and visualization – no need for an external laptop with specialized software.
- Spectrum analysis data recording capability enables extended unattended data capture and playback of intermittent interference events.
- Provides 12 different spectrum analysis charts for ease of troubleshooting and RF visualization.
- Enables notifications for detected non-Wi-Fi noise events to enable faster problem resolution.
For more information:
Press Release: Aruba’s New RF Spectrum Analyzer Pumps Up Network Reliability
Video Demonstration: Spectrum Analyzer User Interface
Video Demonstration: Spectrum Analyzer and Adaptive Radio Management in Action
