Clients: Connection Performance

Provides steps and insights towards analyzing client connection performance through throughput, Phy Rate, and RSSI graphs, and troubleshooting network issues with best practices for optimization.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Prerequisites
• Throughput Graph - Client Connection Performance
• Physical Data Rate (Phy Rate) Graph- Client Connection Performance
• RSSI Graph - Client Connection Performance

Prerequisites

• Login to the Shasta Cloud Portal
• Navigate to the left menu and select Clients. This will display the Clients page
• In the list of clients that are displayed, select any of the listed clients’ by clicking on its name, to open the detailed info of the client.

Detailed info of the Client opens up.

Throughput Graph - Client Connection Performance

The Throughput Graph provides insights into the data transfer rates of a client device over time. It visualizes both uplink (upload) and downlink (download) throughput in Mbps (Megabits per second), helping users analyze the bandwidth utilization and network performance.

Graph Components

• X-Axis (Time): Displays the time of day when data transmission occurred.
• Y-Axis (Throughput in Mbps): Represents the data transfer rate in Mbps.
• Data Points & Curves: Indicate variations in upload and download throughput at different times.

Metrics Displayed

The graph provides three key statistical metrics for both upload (Up) and download (Down):

1. Max Throughput (Up Max / Down Max): The highest recorded throughput.
2. Average Throughput (Up Avg / Down Avg): The mean data transfer rate over the period.
3. Minimum Throughput (Up Min / Down Min): The lowest recorded throughput.

How to Interpret the Graph?

• High and Stable Throughput: Indicates a well-performing network with consistent data flow.
• Frequent Drops to Zero: Could indicate connectivity issues, network congestion, or client disconnections.
• Sudden Spikes: May be due to bulk data transfers like file downloads, video streaming, or software updates.
• Low Throughput Despite High Capacity: Could be a sign of bandwidth limitations, interference, or poor signal quality.

Troubleshooting & Recommendations

• If throughput remains low, check for signal strength (RSSI) and PHY rate in other graphs.
• If throughput fluctuates, analyze network congestion and interference sources.
• If upload throughput is significantly lower than download, ensure no uplink restrictions exist.

Use Cases

• Monitoring individual client performance on a Wi-Fi network.
• Diagnosing connectivity and performance issues.
• Evaluating bandwidth consumption trends.

Physical Data Rate (Phy Rate) Graph- Client Connection Performance

The Physical Data Rate (Phy Rate) graph provides insights into the wireless connection quality of a client device over time. It represents the maximum possible data rate at which the client is communicating with the access point (AP). Phy Rate is influenced by multiple factors, including signal strength, interference, and the capabilities of the AP and client device.

Understanding the Graph Elements

The graph plots Rx (Receive) and Tx (Transmit) Phy Rates over a period of time, helping to diagnose wireless network performance. The key elements of the graph are:

• X-Axis (Time): Displays the time range selected (e.g., Last 24 Hours, Last 7 Days, etc.).
• Y-Axis (Phy Rate in Mbps): Represents the Phy Rate, which indicates the theoretical maximum speed at which data can be transmitted.
• Colored Lines & Shaded Regions: 
  • Orange Lines (Rx Phy Rate) – Represent the receive (Rx) rates for the client.
  • Pink Lines (Tx Phy Rate) – Represent the transmit (Tx) rates for the client.
  • Shaded Areas – Highlight the area under the line chart, visually distinguishing different data points over time.

Metrics Displayed

When hovering over a point in the graph, a tooltip displays key metrics at that timestamp:

• Rx Max: The highest recorded receive Phy Rate.
• Rx Avg: The average receive Phy Rate.
• Rx Min: The lowest recorded receive Phy Rate.
• Tx Max: The highest recorded transmit Phy Rate.
• Tx Avg: The average transmit Phy Rate.
• Tx Min: The lowest recorded transmit Phy Rate.

Factors Affecting Phy Rate

The following conditions impact Phy Rate fluctuations:

1. Signal Strength (RSSI): A weak signal reduces Phy Rate. Optimal signal strength ensures higher rates.
2. Interference: Nearby Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and non-Wi-Fi sources (e.g., microwaves) can lower the Phy Rate.
3. Client & AP Capabilities: Different Wi-Fi standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) and MIMO configurations affect the achievable rates.
4. Channel Utilization & Congestion: High network traffic or co-channel interference can impact the available Phy Rate.
5. Distance from AP: Clients farther from the AP may experience lower Phy Rates due to increased attenuation and reduced signal quality.

How to Use the Phy Rate Graph for Troubleshooting

• Consistently Low Phy Rates: Indicates possible interference, poor signal strength, or client device limitations.
• Frequent Fluctuations: Could suggest roaming events, congestion, or dynamic rate shifting due to environmental factors.
• High Max Rate but Low Avg Rate: Suggests intermittent interference or high retransmissions causing degraded performance.

Best Practices for Optimizing Phy Rate

• Improve Signal Strength: Adjust AP placement or increase transmit power if needed.
• Minimize Interference: Change Wi-Fi channels or use 5 GHz where possible.
• Ensure AP & Client Compatibility: Verify that devices support higher Wi-Fi standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 6).
• Optimize Network Load: Reduce congestion by managing connected clients and bandwidth usage.

RSSI Graph - Client Connection Performance

The Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) graph provides insights into the signal strength of a wireless client device over time. RSSI is a crucial metric for assessing Wi-Fi performance, as it directly impacts connectivity, throughput, and overall user experience.

Understanding the Graph Elements

The graph plots the RSSI values recorded for a client device over a selected time period, allowing network administrators to monitor signal stability. The key elements of the graph are:

• X-Axis (Time): Displays the time range selected (e.g., Last 24 Hours, Last 7 Days, etc.).
• Y-Axis (RSSI in dBm): Represents the RSSI values, where higher values (closer to 0 dBm) indicate stronger signals.
• Colored Lines & Shaded Regions: 
  • Dark Blue Line (Average RSSI) – Represents the average signal strength of the client.
  • Light Blue Line (Min/Max RSSI) – Shows the variation in RSSI values over time.
  • Shaded Areas – Highlight the area under the line chart, visually distinguishing different data points over time.

Metrics Displayed

When hovering over a point in the graph, a tooltip displays key RSSI metrics at that timestamp:

• Max RSSI: The strongest recorded signal strength.
• Avg RSSI: The average signal strength for that period.
• Min RSSI: The weakest recorded signal strength.

Factors Affecting RSSI

Several conditions influence RSSI fluctuations:

1. Distance from the AP: The farther the client is from the access point, the weaker the RSSI.
2. Obstructions: Walls, furniture, and other physical barriers can attenuate the signal.
3. Interference: Nearby Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and electronic appliances can impact signal strength.
4. Antenna Orientation: Poor placement or misalignment of antennas may lead to weak RSSI values.
5. Roaming Events: When a client switches between APs, temporary RSSI fluctuations may be observed.

How to Use the RSSI Graph for Troubleshooting

• Consistently Low RSSI: Indicates the client is far from the AP or there are significant obstructions.
• Frequent Drops in RSSI: Suggests interference, roaming events, or network congestion.
• Stable RSSI with Poor Performance: Other factors like congestion or high retransmissions might be affecting throughput.

Best Practices for Optimizing RSSI

• Optimize AP Placement: Ensure APs are positioned for optimal coverage and minimal interference.
• Reduce Physical Obstructions: Avoid placing APs behind walls, metal objects, or inside enclosures.
• Minimize Interference: Use non-overlapping Wi-Fi channels and reduce competing signals.
• Adjust Transmission Power: Optimize AP transmit power settings based on network design and client distribution.

The Physical Data Rate graph is a crucial tool for assessing the wireless performance of a client device. By understanding the trends and identifying potential issues, network administrators can optimize connectivity and ensure a better user experience.

 
For further assistance if you encounter issues, please reach out to Shasta Cloud support.



Article Revision: 3.2