Fluke Networks’ AirMagnet Spectrum XT Redefines Interference Identification and Classification on a Wireless Network

The new Auto Pattern Detection feature automatically highlights unclassified repeating spectrum patterns from non-WLAN Radio Frequency (RF) interference sources. Engineers can then easily create custom signatures for future alerts to identify those sources of interference, reducing the time and cost associated with troubleshooting. AirMagnet Spectrum XT is then able to automatically scan, alert and report on those previously identified interference sources.

“In a recent customer survey, 82 percent tell us they’re encountering WLAN performance problems caused by non-WLAN sources of interference – and 63 percent are not able to identify the source,” said Chia-Chee Kuan, vice president of the Fluke Networks WLAN business unit. “Spectrum XT analyzer’s ability to automatically detect unknown RF interference patterns and give engineers the tools to create customized signatures for future alerts is directly targeted at resolving this issue and saves IT staff time and money.”

These enhanced RF interference troubleshooting capabilities are already paying off for Tim Dennehy, an independent wireless engineer that works with leading universities and organizations. “I consult on a large WLAN campus that is constantly impacted by staff and student devices and technology. Finding sources of interference that impact our WLAN is a constant challenge. The zero-day detection capability in Spectrum XT helps me eliminate the guesswork associated with finding these types of non-WLAN interference and allows me to classify them so I can instantly identify and remediate in the future,” Dennehy said.

“With Wi-Fi use growing 35 percent* each year in the U.S. alone, and with the incredible increase in the number of devices that can cause WLAN interference, we couldn’t be more excited about bringing the next generation of Spectrum XT to market for our customers,” Kuan said. “Whether our IT management customers are racing to identify unknown devices, identifying known devices and addressing them, or reporting out overall issues with an easy, integrated reporting function, these upgrades are part of our ongoing commitment to ensure we’re helping them meet the latest challenges head-on.”

The new version of Fluke Networks’ AirMagnet Spectrum XT is available now. For customers with valid support agreements, the new version is available as a no-cost upgrade.