Multipath in Industrial Wi-Fi Links

RE: Multipath in Industrial Wi-Fi Links

gervasi — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 21:47:54 GMT

DAB: Exactly. When you really start digging into software that runs commercial access points ("wireless routers") it's amazing how many bugs there are. One of the worst areas is working out the opitmal data rate. If one side isn't getting ACKs because the other side's received signal strength is low, a lower data rate will help. If there is intermitent interference from hoppers or something else, going to a lower data rate makes the packets get longer and more likely to collide with interference, making the problem worse. The spec provides for multiple data rates for this purpose, but most equipment doesn't take advantage of it well.

RE: Multipath in Industrial Wi-Fi Links

DAB — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 19:36:25 GMT

Good post.

I think your conclusion says it best. For local WiFi most people only care if it works or not. So spending a lot of time finding the optimum position for best signal condictions.

As a consumer, I just set up the system and get it working. After that, it is just another component I use. If it breaks, I just replace it. Though after your post, I might first try to relocate the box first.

Thanks

DAB