Frequency usage vs noise floor

[jpjust]

Hello, folks.

When I use the frequency usage monitor on a wireless card, it shows me two pieces of information: usage (how many networks are using that channel) and noise floor.

So, my doubt is: what’s the best choice? Less network usage or less noise floor?

TIA

[jwcn]

Less noise floor. The noise floor is indicative of non-802.11 noise where the usage is only 802.11

[jpjust]

Thanks for the clarification.

That was I always thought, but I need to be sure My problem is that my city is full of pirate WISPs (WISPs that don’t have a license to operate). They always use the card’s maximum output power, so, noise here is critical!

[jwcn]

That being the case I would suggest a non-802.11 solution such as Alvarion, Motorola Canopy, Trango, etc.

You could also consider using 5.2ghz or 5.4ghz - I doubt they are using that.

[RK1]

@jpjust

That was I always thought, but I need to be sure My problem is that my city is full of pirate WISPs (WISPs that don’t have a license to operate). They always use the card’s maximum output power, so, noise here is critical!

In the US and Canada, a WISP doesn’t need a license so there are a lot more wireless users, but yet we do just fine with 802.11. It’s a question of using the right parts in the right location.

[jpjust]

@RK

@jpjust

That was I always thought, but I need to be sure My problem is that my city is full of pirate WISPs (WISPs that don’t have a license to operate). They always use the card’s maximum output power, so, noise here is critical!

In the US and Canada, a WISP doesn’t need a license so there are a lot more wireless users, but yet we do just fine with 802.11. It’s a question of using the right parts in the right location.

I’ve tried EnGenius 8602-Plus, NL-2511 (Prism) and now I’m trying R52H. I could get better performance using channel 13.

What you mean by “right parts” and “right locations”? Is something about the cards I’m using or location of the ERB?

The location of my ERB is also a problem. We use the roof of a 14 floors building. Some months ago, another WISP (not licensed) started using the same roof with an omni and two directional antennas, the three are using 2.4 GHz. Since that, things got bad here.

And about using 5.2 GHz or 5.4 GHz, I’m already doing this with some VIP clientes (big groups of clientes and companies).

[jwcn]

Nstream will be your friend if you are using fixed-wireless.

[RK1]

@jpjust

I’ve tried EnGenius 8602-Plus, NL-2511 (Prism) and now I’m trying R52H. I could get better performance using channel 13.

The first two cards were probably a waste of your time and money. The R52H is good, the XR2 is best.
That’s half of what I mean by “right parts.”
Also, make sure you use good antennas which fit your application.

And, of course, many low power APs are better than few high power APs.

[jpjust]

@RK

The first two cards were probably a waste of your time and money. The R52H is good, the XR2 is best.

Yeah, I already realized that My goal is to change everything to XR2 in the future.

@RK

That’s half of what I mean by “right parts.”
Also, make sure you use good antennas which fit your application.

And, of course, many low power APs are better than few high power APs.

I use only Hyperlink 17 dBi sector antennas (90 degrees).