Fluke AIRCHECK User manual

01/2010, Rev. 5, 06/2014
©2010-2014 Fluke Corporation.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
Wi-Fi®is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
AirCheck™
Wi-Fi Tester
Users Manual

LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Each Fluke Networks product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The
warranty period for the mainframe is one year and begins on the date of purchase. Parts, accessories, product repairs and services are
warranted for 90 days, unless otherwise stated. Ni-Cad, Ni-MH and Li-Ion batteries, cables or other peripherals are all considered parts
or accessories. The warranty extends only to the original buyer or end user customer of a Fluke Networks authorized reseller, and does
not apply to any product which, in Fluke Networks’ opinion, has been misused, abused, altered, neglected, contaminated, or damaged
by accident or abnormal conditions of operation or handling. Fluke Networks warrants that software will operate substantially in
accordance with its functional specifications for 90 days and that it has been properly recorded on non-defective media. Fluke Networks
does not warrant that software will be error free or operate without interruption.
Fluke Networks authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user customers only but have no
authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Fluke Networks. Warranty support is available only if product is
purchased through a Fluke Networks authorized sales outlet or Buyer has paid the applicable international price. Fluke Networks
reserves the right to invoice Buyer for importation costs of repair/replacement parts when product purchased in one country is
submitted for repair in another country.
Fluke Networks warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke Networks option, to refund of the purchase price, free of charge repair, or
replacement of a defective product which is returned to a Fluke Networks authorized service center within the warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke Networks authorized service center to obtain return authorization information,
then send the product to that service center, with a description of the difficulty, postage and insurance prepaid (FOB destination). Fluke
Networks assumes no risk for damage in transit. Following warranty repair, the product will be returned to Buyer, transportation
prepaid (FOB destination). If Fluke Networks determines that failure was caused by neglect, misuse, contamination, alteration, accident
or abnormal condition of operation or handling, or normal wear and tear of mechanical components, Fluke Networks will provide an
estimate of repair costs and obtain authorization before commencing the work. Following repair, the product will be returned to the
Buyer transportation prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for the repair and return transportation charges (FOB Shipping point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FLUKE
NETWORKS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING
LOSS OF DATA, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not apply to every buyer. If any provision of this Warranty
is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or other decision-maker of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision.
4/04
Fluke Networks
PO Box 777
Everett, WA 98206-0777
USA

i
Contents
Title Page
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Registering Your Product ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
The Fluke Networks Knowledge Base ................................................................................................................................. 2
Contact Fluke Networks ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
Safety Information ................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Unpacking ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester .................................................................................................................................................... 6
AirCheck Frontline Troubleshooting Kit ...................................................................................................................... 6
Physical Features ................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Battery Charging and Life .................................................................................................................................................... 10
Use the AirCheck Manager PC Application for the Best Performance .............................................................................. 11
Profile Benefits ............................................................................................................................................................... 11
What You Can Learn About Your Network ........................................................................................................................ 12
What is the Health of My Network? ............................................................................................................................. 12
What is in the Wireless LAN? ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Can Devices Connect to My Network? ......................................................................................................................... 17
What Causes Slow Network Performance or Dropped Connections? ........................................................................ 18
Are There Security Risks in My Network? ..................................................................................................................... 19
How Can I Document My Network and My Test Session? ........................................................................................... 21

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How Can I Erase Everything on my AirCheck? ............................................................................................................. 21
Where is an Access Point? .............................................................................................................................................. 21
What Networks or Access Points Come into Range as I Move? .................................................................................. 21
The Home Screen ................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Using AutoTest to Diagnose Your Network Health ............................................................................................................ 23
Air Quality ...................................................................................................................................................................... 24
802.11 Channel Utilization ..................................................................................................................................... 24
Non-802.11 Channel Utilization ............................................................................................................................. 25
Co-Channel Interference ........................................................................................................................................ 26
Rogue Access Points ....................................................................................................................................................... 27
Network Quality ............................................................................................................................................................. 28
Set Up the Tester ................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Change the Language and Country Settings ............................................................................................................... 29
Make a Profile to Connect to Secure Networks ........................................................................................................... 29
Configure a Network (SSID) ........................................................................................................................................... 32
Part 1- Setting up IP Configuration ....................................................................................................................... 32
Part 2- Setting up Security Credentials .................................................................................................................. 33
Add Ping or TCP Connect Targets ................................................................................................................................. 33
To Add a Ping Target .............................................................................................................................................. 33
To Add a TCP Connect Target ............................................................................................................................... 34
To Add a Ping or a TCP Connect Target to AutoTest ........................................................................................... 34
Settings ........................................................................................................................................................................... 35
802.11d Operation ......................................................................................................................................................... 43
Change the Thresholds for the Colors in Bar Graphs ................................................................................................... 44
Give Access Points an Authorization Status ................................................................................................................. 45
Discover Networks and Access Points ................................................................................................................................... 46
Searching for a Specific Device ...................................................................................................................................... 47
Setting up SSID Filtering ................................................................................................................................................ 47

Contents
iii
Notes for Networks and Access Points ................................................................................................................................. 58
If the Tester Does Not Discover an Access Point ................................................................................................................. 62
Channel Usage ...................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Verify Connectivity ................................................................................................................................................................ 65
Connect to a Network or Access Point ......................................................................................................................... 65
Entering Security Credentials Using “Connect” ........................................................................................................... 66
Review Connection Results ........................................................................................................................................... 69
Ping a Device or Application Server ............................................................................................................................. 72
Discover Clients ..................................................................................................................................................................... 74
Discovering Clients through Meru APs ......................................................................................................................... 75
If the Tester Does Not Discover a Client .............................................................................................................................. 80
Locate an Access Point or a Client ....................................................................................................................................... 80
The External Directional Antenna ....................................................................................................................................... 84
Adjust Signal Strength Measurements to Agree with Other Devices ................................................................................ 87
Save a Test Session ................................................................................................................................................................ 88
Manage Files on the Tester .................................................................................................................................................. 89
About Files on the Tester .............................................................................................................................................. 90
Transfer Files to a PC ..................................................................................................................................................... 91
Maintenance ......................................................................................................................................................................... 91
Clean the Tester ............................................................................................................................................................. 92
Update the Software in the Tester ............................................................................................................................... 92
Restore Factory Defaults ............................................................................................................................................... 93
Erase All Data ................................................................................................................................................................. 93
Device Information ........................................................................................................................................................ 93
If the Tester Will Not Turn Off ...................................................................................................................................... 93
Options and Accessories ....................................................................................................................................................... 94
Specifications ......................................................................................................................................................................... 95
Environmental Specifications ........................................................................................................................................ 95

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General Specifications .................................................................................................................................................... 96
Wireless Specifications ................................................................................................................................................... 97
Federal Communication Commission and Industry Canada Interference Statement ....................................................... 101
Important Note: FCC and IC Radiation Exposure Statement ....................................................................................... 101
Europe-EU Declaration of Conformity .......................................................................................................................... 102

v
List of Figures
Figure Page
1. Physical Features ................................................................................................................................................... 8
2. How to Remove the Battery................................................................................................................................. 10
3. AutoTest Results Viewed in AirCheck Manager.................................................................................................. 11
4. The Home Screen ................................................................................................................................................. 22
5. AutoTest Results Screen........................................................................................................................................ 24
6. 802.11 Channel Utilization Default Thresholds .................................................................................................. 24
7. Non-802.11 Channel Utilization Default Thresholds .......................................................................................... 25
8. Air Quality Co-channel Default Threshold .......................................................................................................... 26
9. Signal Level Default Threshold ............................................................................................................................ 26
10. Main AutoTest Display.......................................................................................................................................... 28
11. Examining the Network Quality of an SSID ........................................................................................................ 28
12. Change the Thresholds for the Colors in a Bar Graph........................................................................................ 44
13. Networks (SSIDs) List ............................................................................................................................................. 48
14. Access Points List ................................................................................................................................................... 52
15. Access Point Details Screen................................................................................................................................... 56
16. Channel Usage Screen .......................................................................................................................................... 62
17. Channel Usage Details Screen .............................................................................................................................. 64
18. The Connection Screen ......................................................................................................................................... 69
19. The Connection Log.............................................................................................................................................. 71
20. The Ping Screen..................................................................................................................................................... 73

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21. Clients Screen ........................................................................................................................................................76
22. Client Details Screen .............................................................................................................................................78
23. Locate Access Point Screen ...................................................................................................................................81
24. Locate Client Screen..............................................................................................................................................82
25. Search Pattern for the Omnidirectional Antenna in the Tester .........................................................................83
26. Search Pattern for the External Antenna ............................................................................................................85
27. How to Point the External Antenna.....................................................................................................................86
28. oui_abbr.txt File ....................................................................................................................................................90

1
Wi-Fi AirCheck™Wi-Fi Tester
Introduction
The AirCheck™Wi-Fi Tester lets you make sure that 802.11
wireless LANs are available to mobile users, examine the
usage of channels to help you do an analysis of network
health, and find the source of connection problems. The
tester operates on 802.11 b/g/n networks in the 2.4 GHz
band and 802.11 a/n networks in the 5 GHz band. It has the
capability of detecting 802.11 ac access points and
networks.
The optional PoE detector shows you if Power over
Ethernet voltage from 802.3af and higher-power 802.3at
devices is available on twisted pair network cabling.
You can save the test results and use AirCheck™Manager
software to transfer the results to a PC and make
professional-quality reports. You can use AirCheck Manager
to compare information from different test sessions to see
changes in a wireless LAN.
Registering Your Product
Registering your product with Fluke Networks gives you
access to valuable information on product updates,
troubleshooting procedures, and other services. To register,
fill out the online form on the Fluke Networks website at
www.flukenetworks.com/registration.

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2
The Fluke Networks Knowledge Base
The Fluke Networks Knowledge Base gives answers to
common questions about Fluke Networks products and
includes information on technology and procedures for
network and cable tests. To see the Knowledge Base, go to
www.flukenetworks.com, then click Support > Knowledge
Base.
Contact Fluke Networks
www.flukenetworks.com
[e-mail]
[phone] (anywhere in the world)
• Australia: 61 (2) 8850-3333 or 61 (3) 9329 0244
• Beijing: 86 (10) 6512-3435
• Brazil: 11 3759 7600
• Canada: 1-800-363-5853
• Europe: [phone]
• Hong Kong: 852 2721-3228
• Japan: 03-6714-3117
• Korea: 82 2 539-6311
• Singapore: [phone]
• Taiwan: (886) 2-227-83199
• USA: 1-800-283-5853
For more phone numbers, go to our website.
Safety Information
Table 1 gives descriptions of the safety symbols used on the
tester and in this manual.
Table 1. Safety/Certification Symbols

WWarning or Caution: risk of damage to
or destruction of equipment or
software. See explanations in manual.
~Do not put products that contain circuit
boards into waste containers. Refer to
local regulations for disposal
procedures.
This equipment contains a Class 2 radio.

Safety Information
3
PConforms to relevant European Union
directives.
See radio information below.
See additional information below.
Listed by the Canadian Standards
Association.
Conforms to relevant Australian
standards
Conforms to relevant South Korean
EMC Standards.
Certified by the Brazilian National
Agency of Telecommunications
(Anatel).
FCC Statement
Changes or modifications to the wireless
radio not expressly approved by Fluke
Corporation will void the user's authority
to operate the equipment. This device
complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the two conditions
that follow: (1) this device can not cause
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference, including
interference that can cause undesired
operation of the device. Class B digital
device: A digital device that is marketed
for operation in a residential
environment notwithstanding use in
commercial, business and industrial
environments. Examples of such devices
include, but are not limited to, personal
computers, calculators, and equivalent
electronic devices that are marketed for
operation by the general public. The
Meter was tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.

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4
FCC Statement (continued)
This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, can cause harmful inter-
ference to radio communications. How-
ever, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or televi-
sion reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the mea-
sures that follow:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna.
• Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
IC Statement
The term “IC” before the radio
certification number only signifies
the device meets Industry’s Canada
technical specifications.
This device complies with Industry
Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR
d’Industrie Canada applicables aux
appareils radio exempts de licence.
L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux
conditions suivantes : (1) l’appareilne doit
pas produire de brouillage, et (2)
l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter
tout brouillage radioélectrique subi,
même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en
compromettre le fonctionnement.
The radio transmitter has been approved
by Industry Canada to operate only with
the antenna supplied.

Safety Information
5
• Read all safety information before you use the
Product.
• Carefully read all instructions.
• There are no user servicable parts inside.
• Do not modify the Product.
• Use only replacement parts that are approved by
Fluke Networks.
• Do not touch voltages > 30 V AC rms, 42 V AC peak, or
60 V DC.
• Use only Fluke approved power adapters to charge
the battery.
• Do not use the Product around explosive gas, vapor,
or in damp or wet environments.
• Examine the case before you use the Product. Look
for cracks or missing plastic. Carefully look at the
insulation around the terminals.
• Use this Product indoors only.
• For Products that have multiple connectors for
different types of tests on copper cabling, disconnect
unused test leads from the connectors before you do
a test.
• Use the Product only as specified, or the protection
supplied by the Product can be compromised.
• Do not use and disable the Product if it is damaged.
• Do not use the Product if it operates incorrectly.
• Batteries contain hazardous chemicals that can cause
burns or explode. If exposure to chemicals occurs,
clean with water and get medical aid.
• Remove the batteries if the Product is not used for an
extended period of time, or if stored in temperatures
above 50 °C. If the batteries are not removed, battery
leakage can damage the Product.
• The battery door must be closed and locked before
you operate the Product.
• Repair the Product before use if the battery leaks.
• Replace the batteries when the low battery indicator
shows to prevent incorrect measurements.
• Turn off the Product and disconnect all cables before
you replace the battery.
• Be sure that the battery polarity is correct to prevent
battery leakage.
IC Statement (continued)
Use of any other antenna is strictly
prohibited for use with this product.
L’émetteur radio a été approuvé par
Industrie Canada pour fonctionner
uniquement avec l’antenne fournie.
L’utilisation de toute autre antenne est
strictement interdit d’utiliser ce produit.

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6
• Do not disassemble or crush battery cells and battery
packs.
• Do not put battery cells and battery packs near heat
or fire. Do not put in sunlight.
• Do not continuously charge battery packs when not
in use.
• Do not expose battery pack to mechanical shock.
• Do not open the battery pack. There are no user
serviceable parts inside.
• Refer to the Product manual for proper instructions
on charging the battery pack.
• Do not operate the Product with covers removed or
the case open. Hazardous voltage exposure is
possible.
• Remove the input signals before you clean the
Product.
• Have an approved technician repair the Product.
• Do not put metal objects into connectors.
• Do not short the battery terminals together.
WCaution
If you use an external antenna, use only the
antenna that Fluke Networks makes for the
AirCheck tester. The tester will not operate
correctly with other antennas and may violate
local regulations.
Unpacking
The AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester comes with the accessories in the
list below. If something is damaged or missing, tell the
dealer where you purchased the product.
AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester
• AirCheck with rechargeable battery pack
• AC adapter
• USB cable
• Carrying case
• Getting Started Guide
• CD, User Manual and AirCheck Manager SW
AirCheck Frontline Troubleshooting Kit
• AirCheck with rechargeable battery pack
• Extra battery pack
• LinkRunner™Pro
• External directional antenna with RSMA connector
• PoE detector

Unpacking
7
• AC adapter
• USB cable
• Carrying case
• Getting Started Guide
• CD, User Manual and AirCheck Manager SW

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8
Physical Features
ffy01.eps
Figure 1. Physical Features
F1 F2
SELECT
A
B
C
D
E
F
G H
J
E
I
K
L
M
N
O

Physical Features
9
On/off key.
Makes a selection on the screen.
Navigation keys.
Shows the previous screen.
Softkeys. The function of the softkey is shown above the
key.
Full-color LCD.
The LED blinks when the tester tries to connect to a
wireless LAN. The LED is on when the tester is connected
to a wireless LAN.
The LED blinks when the tester transmits data.
Shows the home screen.
O: Erases all data collected during the current sequence
of tests. This does not erase the results saved in memory.
P: Saves all data in a session file. See page 88.
The LED turns on when you connect the ac adapter. The
LED is red when the battery charges and green when
the battery is fully charged.
Connector for the ac adapter.
USB port for connection to a PC. AirCheck will appear
as a mass storage device.
Connector for the external directional antenna. See
page 84.
Screw for the battery pack.

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10
Battery Charging and Life
Charge the battery for 4 hours before you use it for the first
time.
To charge the battery, connect the AC adapter to the
battery connector (in Figure 1). You can use the tester
while you charge the battery.
Figure 2 shows how to replace the battery.
When the tester is off, the battery charges in approximately
3 hours.
Note
The battery will not charge if the internal
temperature of the tester is above 113 º F (45ºC).
The battery life is approximately 5.5 hours during typical
operation. An icon in the upper-left corner of the screen
shows the battery status. See Figure 4 on page 22.
ffy14.eps
Figure 2. How to Remove the Battery

Use the AirCheck Manager PC Application for the Best Performance
11
Use the AirCheck Manager PC
Application for the Best Performance
To get the most performance from your tester, use AirCheck
Manager to upgrade the AirCheck tester firmware, view
measurement results saved as session files, generate reports
on session files, setup the tester configuration and save it to
a profile, and transfer the profile to the tester.
Profile Benefits
A profile allows the tester to do these tasks:
• Connect to networks that require security credentials.
Security credentials can be entered on the tester or
through the AirCheck Manager software.
• Show the correct authorization status for each access
point. This lets you quickly see which access points are
authorized parts of the network.
• Setup key network devices to Ping and run a TCP Port
Connect test. You should configure security credentials
for the network(s) containing any key devices that you
are pinging.
See “Using AutoTest to Diagnose Your Network Health” on
page 23. Also use the AirCheck Manager online Help for
instructions.
ffy29.bmp
Figure 3. AutoTest Results Viewed in AirCheck Manager

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12
What You Can Learn About Your
Network
What is the Health of My Network?
How is my Wi-Fi Air Quality?
Are my channels overloaded with
access points and Wi-Fi traffic?
Are any of my channels too noisy?
Select AutoTest - After the AutoTest has run, select Air Quality to view the
results of 802.11 Channel Utilization, Non-802.11 Channel Utilization, and Co-
Channel Interference health assessment.
The 802.11 Channel Utilization results include the top three channels having
the most Wi-Fi traffic. The channel utilization value along with the rating of
Pass, Warning, or Fail, is displayed. The test rating is based on a
comparison of the actual value to user settable thresholds. These thresholds
are configured in the Tools > Thresholds / AutoTest Settings.
To see the current AutoTest thresholds used to grade results, press 
Thresholds on the AutoTest (results) screen.