SBG6580 (v8.5.x): Scan Wireless AP Tool

The SBG6580 now includes the ability to scan for existing Wireless APs (Access Points) in aiding the installation and configuration of the SBG6580 in noisy WiFi areas.  This tool is used to determine the wireless channels that are in use by other Wireless AP and verify which channel to use to eliminate any wireless interference.  Once it is determined which channels are in use, verify the channel with the least amount of users.  In making the best channel selection for the SBG6580, requires a close analysis of the scan results and determining which channel is used least for best connectivity.  The scan results contain the following:

• Network Name - List the SSIDs of Access Points seen by the SBG6580
• Security Mode - Displays the type of security and encryption in use 
• Mode - Current Mode (generally managed)
• PHY Mode - Available 802.11 operating mode
• RSSI - Receive Signal Strength Indicators in dBm, Power Level seen by the SBG6580 at the time of snapshot
• Strength - Wireless signal strength of nearby Access Points to the SBG6580
• • Green Star indicates weak signal strength
  • Yellow Star indicates moderate signal strength
  • Red Star indicates strong signal strength
• Channel - Current WiFi transmit channel of nearby Access Points
• BSSID - Basic Service Set Identifier (MAC Address of nearby Access Points)

This document describes how to use the Scan Wireless AP Tool and to change the wireless channel.

Using the Scan Wireless AP Tool

1. Launch a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari.  Enter http://192.168.0.1 into the address box, and press the Enter key.  The Login page appears.
   
   NOTE: By default the LAN IP address is 192.168.0.1.  If the default address has been changed, enter the custom address in the address box.
    
2. On the Login page:
   a.   Enter admin in the Username field.
   b.   Enter motorola in the Password field.
   c.   Click the Login button.  The Home page appears.
   
   NOTE: On firmware version 8.9.0.4 and later, the default admin password is required to be changed.  The Change User Password prompt will immediately appear after logging into the Web manager with the default admin password.  For assistance with the Change User Password screen, please refer to article # 18055 - SBG6580 (v.8.9.x): Prompt to Change Default Admin Login.
    
   
    
3. Move the mouse-cursor over the Wireless tab and select the 802.11 Radio sub-link.  The Wireless - 802.11 Radio page appears.
4. On the Wireless 802.11 Radio page, click the Scan Wireless APs button.  A Pop-up window with a list of nearby wireless access points appears.
   
   NOTE: Pressing the Scan Wireless APs button executes the tool and will Pop-up another window displaying the scan results.  Be sure to disable Pop-up blocker on the browser to allow the tool to work. 
   
   
    
5. On the Pop-up window, determine which channel would be the best to use by verifying which channel is used the least or not used at all.
   
   
   
   
   NOTE: In the example above Channel 11 is highly used, while Channel 3 is moderately used.  The best Channel available is to use is Channel 6 or the remaining channels not in use.
   • Network Name - List the SSIDs of Access Points seen by the SBG6580
   • Security Mode - Displays the type of security and encryption in use 
   • Mode - Current Mode (generally managed)
   • PHY Mode - Available 802.11 operating mode
   • RSSI - Receive Signal Strength Indicators in dBm, Power Level seen by the SBG6580 at the time of snapshot
   • Strength - Wireless signal strength of nearby Access Points to the SBG6580
   • • Green Star indicates weak signal strength
     • Yellow Star indicates moderate signal strength
     • Red Star indicates strong signal strength
   • Channel - Current WiFi transmit channel of nearby Access Points
   • BSSID - Basic Service Set Identifier (MAC Address of nearby Access Points)
      
6. Once the channel has been determined, close the Pop-up window.
7. On the Wireless 802.11 Radio page,
   a.   Channel - Click the drop-down tab and select the desired channel.
   b.   Click the Apply button.