Abstract: Apparatus and methods facilitating a distributed approach to performance and functionality testing of location-sensitive wireless data communication systems and equipment are described. A plurality of test units, geographically distributed at arbitrary points in a three-dimensional volume surround the system or equipment under test. Each test unit generates test stimuli and records responses from the device under test, and emulates the effects of changes in spatial location within an actual wireless network environment. A central controller co-ordinates the set of test units to ensure that they act as a logical whole, and enables testing to be performed in a repeatable manner in spite of the variations introduced by the location sensitive characteristics of wireless data communication networks. The central controller also maintains a user interface that provides a unified view of the complete test system, and a unified view of the behavior of the system or equipment under test.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods facilitating a distributed approach to measuring the RF propagation characteristics of an indoor area or region are described. Such measurements are particularly useful during the installation and management of indoor wireless data communication networks, such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). A plurality of sounder units may be geographically distributed at arbitrary points in a two-dimensional area surrounding the indoor area or region whose RF propagation characteristics are to be measured. These sounder units are linked to a central controller, which functions to control all of the sounder units as well as to maintain a user interface that provides a user with a display of the measured propagation characteristics of the region. Each sounder unit is capable of independently injecting RF stimulus signals with some desired radiation pattern into the region being measured, as well as recording received signals from which the RF propagation characteristics may be calculated.