When planning the testing of a WLAN, consider the following forms of testing:
- Signal coverage testing: Signal coverage testing determines where client devices are able to satisfy coverage requirements. This testing may be part of performing a WLAN site survey or done after the network is installed to determine the as-installed signal coverage.
- Performance testing: Performance testing determines whether the WLAN can satisfy user needs for using specific applications over the WLAN.
- In-motion testing: In-motion testing determines whether users can continue to make use of applications while roaming throughout the coverage areas, especially when the roaming requires handoffs between access points.
- Security vulnerability testing: Security vulnerability testing ensures that the WLAN implements required security mechanisms and offers sufficient protection to unauthorized access and passive monitoring.
- Acceptance/verification testing: After installing a WLAN, it is important to run a series of acceptance/verification tests to ensure that the WLAN satisfies all requirements. This is especially important if the organization is having a contractor install the WLAN.
- Simulation testing: In some cases, such as when implementing a very large WLAN, it may be beneficial to simulate the behaviour of the WLAN before actually installing it. This can provide helpful feedback when designing the system, especially if the WLAN will have critical performance requirements.
- Prototype testing: Prototype testing involves implementing an individual function of the WLAN that is not well understood before deploying the complete system. For example, an organization may not be very familiar with 802.1X authentication systems and may benefit by implementing the 802.1X authentication in a lab environment with a limited number of test client devices.
- Pilot testing: Before installing the WLAN across the entire organization, which may include numerous buildings and different applications, it is strongly advisable to install the system in a limited number of facilities (ideally one) and make that one work effectively first. After you work out all the problems, you can install the WLAN at the remaining location without the need for extensive rework because the problems will likely have been solved during the pilot testing.
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