CDRouter WiFi Performance & Stability

Overview

The purpose of this training session is to provide an overview of basic WiFi testing with CDRouter. A new WiFi configuration file and test packages will be created. These test packages will include a mix of functional and performance tests.

Package level options that allow tests to be looped and repeated will also be discussed. Looping and repeating functional and performance tests together is the basis of stability testing which is where interesting WiFi performance issues are often found.

Agenda

  • Create a working WiFi configuration for WPA2-Personal with two clients
    • Use the wifi0-acn card to create one client that connects to the 2.4 GHz radio of the DUT
    • Use the wifi1-ax card to create one client that connects to the 5 GHz radio of the DUT
  • Create a test package containing Core Functional test cases for WiFi
    • IPv4 Top 100 - fundamental tests every CPE should pass
    • wifi test module - tests to verify WiFi client association behavior
  • Create a test package containing Core Performance test cases for WiFi
    • Set performance bandwidth and threshold settings in config file
    • WAN-to-LAN throughput performance
    • LAN-to-LAN client throughput performance
    • Multiple LAN client throughput performance
  • Create a WiFi Stability test package that combines the functional and performance tests above and loops them multiple times
    • Use package level options to run tests multiple times over an extended period of time
    • Repeat each test twice to utilize both WiFi cards
    • Loop entire test set for a duration of 24 to 48 hours
    • Performance Visualization tool will be discussed as well
  • Advanced topics (if time permits)
    • Multiple client configurations
    • Mesh testing

Prerequisites

  • Securely connect all supplied antennas to the RP-SMA connectors on the rear panel of the NTA1000 chassis.
  • Locate the DUT near the NTA1000 to ensure WiFi signal strength.
  • If an isolation chamber is to be used, please contact support@qacafe.com for assistance with physical connections and setup.
  • Understand and note the WiFi capabilities of the DUT, including:
    • Band(s) supported
    • Channel(s) supported
    • Security modes supported (WPA3/WPA2, Personal/Enterprise, etc.)
    • Number of spatial streams (2x2, 4x4, etc.)
    • Physical layer modes supported (802.11ac Wave 2, 802.11ax, etc)
    • Channel widths supported (20/40/80/160 MHz)