Cisco Aironet 1230v series. Recommended SNMP monitor

[complete_phreak]

Hi,

 

We've recently forked out for 4x Cisco Aironet 1234 AG band access points.

 

We had 2 sets of 20 laptops running from Orinocco Acces Points which were slow. 20 machines to two card AP.

 

So throwing money at the problem we now have a 10:1 ratio (20 laptops 2 Cisco AP's on trolley) and we are having some speed,drop out and range problems.

 

I thought the web interface would have some sort of throughput monitor. Is there a recommended method of monitoring traffic throughput etc? I know it must use some sort of (preferably free)SNMP monitor. Any suggestions? Cisco site not that easy to navigate.

[Geoff]

Is there a recommended method of monitoring traffic throughput etc? I know it must use some sort of (preferably free)SNMP monitor. Any suggestions?

 

Assuming it doesn't do anything weird with its SNMP (It's a Cisco so it should be ok) then Cacti should work fine.

 

http://cacti.net/

 

You need a WAMP/WIMP/LAMP setup. Although personally I've only used it with LAMP.

 

I use it here to keep historical statistics on our Switches (3com/HP), Windows Servers and Linux Servers.

[Ric_]

Hopefully there will soon be a guide to installing and configuring Cactii coming soon to your favourite online community

 

There will also be a guide to installing and configuring Nagios. Nagios will highlight when you are experiencing high load or throughput issues by monitoring the SNMP data.

 

As Geoff says, LAMP is the way forward for these... to run these two apps you should be able to get away with using any old antique machine is currently propping your door open

[eduabncs]

And have a look here for the commands to set up the SNMP traps on the access point. Though for most of you suck and eggs come to mind!

 

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps430/products_command_reference_chapter09186a00806051d4.html

[complete_phreak]

Thanks all for the help. Will let you know how I get on!

[complete_phreak]

had some luck with the IOS command "show interfaces stats" and "show interface dot11radio 0".

 

Cacti and Nagios look ok for thruput monitoring but seem over complicated

 

Will try Netgear NMS100 software.

 

Was hoping there was something specifically designed for Cisco IOS or even cisco aironet kit.

[complete_phreak]

The problems i am experiening in more detail are

1. Network Dropouts (lose connectivity momentarally)
   
2. Very Poor Range (less than 5 metres in same classroom, no barriers)
   
3. Not Great throughput (though I need to test this more methodically)
   
4. one or two crashes of the AP's
   
5. The 2 AP's are connected to the network outlet via a cheap netgear hub (the type built into Lapsafe's) which seems to play up in strange ways. For example the activity led is still lit untill a different port of the 4 port hub is used.
   [/list:o]
    
   Config:
   
   • 2x Cisco AIR-AP1232AG-E-K9
     
   • One 2.5 Ghz (11g) Antenna (there is a connector for a second "diversity" antenna)
     
   • Built in 5GHz (11a) Antenna (no external Antenna fitted)
     
   • 802.11a and 802.11b enabled on same SSID
     
   • Channels are assigned automatically to the least congested frequency
     
   • WEP 128bit TKIP
     
   • On the Laptops Toshiba A120's with integrated Intel 3945ABG wireless using Windows Wireless Zero Config
     

Questions?

• Is it possible that the downtime is caused by clients switching from 11a to 11g and vice-versa?
  
• Is 11a really less susseptable to interference?
  
• Has anyone had any problems with setting channels automatically?
  
• Will the extra diversity Antenna make much difference?
  
• Is there any problems with running 20 clients from 2 identically configured AP's (apart from IP address or course). Will they load balence automatically?
  
• Is there much mileage in reducing the encryption from TKIP to WEP?
  

[ctbjs]

we have one of these servicing our expressive arts department. we had some initial problems but if you follow the configuration files through the cisco website you shouldn't go wrong. They are supposed to be very good and you would expect so being cisco but the gui is not the best, did you configure it via a telnet connection or through the gui?

 

we had issues with the b dropping out but it cured itself over time

We had a Cisco specialist in a short while ago fitting a wireless bridge between our sites and he said this is common but recommended that you use external wireless adapters rather than the built-in provided by laptops. I have acers and use the onboard with no problems though.

[Ric_]

I'd try setting the channel manually... there is an overhead whilst the AP detects nearby networks and decides upon a channel. You can always set it up automagiclaly and then make the channel permanent. I found this method to work slightly better with my BlueSocket APs when using lots close together.

[complete_phreak]

Configured them using the Quick Wizard in the Web GUI. Then went back and edited a few thing manually again in the GUI.

 

@ctbjs: when you say

if you follow the configuration files through the cisco website you shouldn't go wrong

do you mean documentation and manuals. Any links would be appreciated. :-)

[ctbjs]

leave it with me a short while i'll try and get back to you soon with a link

[Samourrai]

Hello guys,

 

I'm using Cacti to monitor a network, and i have an Acces point Cisco Aironet 1200, this is my config :

System Software Version: 12.3(4)JA

Bootloader Version: 12.3(2)JA3

 

I try to monitore it but all i can get is if it's up or down!!!

 

This is what i get went I start cacti on this device :

SNMP Information

System: No Such Object available on this agent

Uptime: No Such Object available on this agent (0 days, 0 hours, 0 minutes)

Hostname: No Such Object available on this agent

Location: No Such Object available on this agent

Contact: No Such Object available on this agent

 

Can some one help me please!!!