Improving wireless bandwidth

[Roopert]

Currently I have ran some bandwidth tests on the network using jperf (GUI version of iperf). Using a desktop machine with ethernet as the server and using a laptop over wireless as the client side.

 

The setup is using Aruba 105 AP's with cloud management (no aruba management unit). The Laptop was connected via wireless 'n'.

 

The results for some areas of the school showed bandwidth for the wireless well within expected thresholds (100-150mbits), while other areas of the school had the bandwidth down to 10mbit/s for wireless, even in a the same room as an AP (and having reconnected to make sure the AP was associated properly.).

 

I have tested the wired side and this was showing gigabit speeds as expected, but the wireless side of it had these discrepancies. (I am making the presumption that the configuration of the wireless is okay as some units have expected speeds.)

 

The only question mark regarding this is that ipad trolleys exist in the areas of the school where the bandwidth is low (30xipads) but the areas with reasonable bandwidth speeds have 5-10 ipads in the area.

 

I am a little stuck as to how to proceed further to find out why this is occuring and would appreciate anyones input on next steps / options to take from this.

 

Any input appreciated!

[Duke5A]

Can you disable the lower data rates? I have an older managed Cisco setup and this helped out dramatically. I think I turned off anything 18Mb and under (been a couple of years). It'll force the client to negotiate a higher rate.

[Blue_Cookeh]

Disable lower data rates, lower wireless power so that APs aren't overlapping so much, try to use 5GHz where possible, and if your APs support features like airtime fairness enable those.

 

Apple kit is notoriously chatty, which will affect things.

[AlanD]

I think I would want to confirm that it really is the iPads...by turning them of and repeating the tests.

 

We had some wireless problems in a building adjoining a local church...turned out that they had some wireless PA kit - presumably of dubious origin/legality that was wiping out a broad part of the spectrum for us.

[Mistert89]

We had a couple of wireless visualisers that were causing interference by being on the wrong channel. I use Inssider to monitor the environment.

[psydii]

Get this: http://www.metageek.com/products/wi-spy/

 

Or pay a wifi consultant's day rate to bring in Airmagnet and take a look around.

 

Upside of the consultant is they might be able to spot and fix configuration issues too.

 

Downside is you could have bout channalyzer for the fee.

Edited May 21, 2017 by psydii