AiroPeekNX wireless LAN analyzer

We tested the AiroPeekNX wireless LAN analyzer features both separately and in combination with the WildPackets RFGrabber in our labs. We also tested the RFGrabber in a simulated site-to-site IP Security VPN (via SuSE Linux Enterprise 8.1 servers).
We performed several WLAN tests. We configured a WLAN infrastructure consisting of five 802.11b access points, two 802.11a access points, two 802.11a/b/g hybrid access points, and two 802.11b+ access points over three logical Ethernet segments, connected together via an Ethernet switch. The 802.11b+ access points were not configured in 802.11b "plus" mode, as all of the analyzers detected a speed error and could not otherwise access them. We used access points from Proxim/Orinoco, D-Link (802.11b, 802.11a/b/g), Netgear (802.11a/b/g), Linksys (802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11a/b), Intel (802.11b), and Buffalo Technologies (802.11b). WLAN network interface cards (NIC) used included Orinoco Gold a/g, DLink a/b/g, Linksys a/b/g, with the largest amount of testing done with the Netgear WAP511 a/b/g WLAN card. We checked that the AiroPeek analyzer could identify all access points, identify access points (including 802.11 a/b and 802.11g where possible) with identical media access control (MAC) addresses, identify, associate with, and

use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol on access points; get an address from the DHCP
server on the network; and detect Simple Mail Transfer Protocol on an access point. Because the AiroPeekNX doesn't associate with an access point, neither DHCP nor SMTP can be detected through probing.
We also checked that the AiroPeek analyzer could detect Wired Equivalent Privacy (and its level and correct implementation); identify ad hoc (bridged access points) vs. infrastructure modes; and identify additional modes of WLAN security (802.1x). It did.
We also checked that the AiroPeek analyzer could detect Wired Equivalent Privacy (and its level and correct implementation); identify ad hoc (bridged access points) vs. infrastructure modes; and identify additional modes of WLAN security (802.1x). It did. Three test configuration problems also needed to be identified: duplicate client MAC addresses, duplicate IP addresses, and routing problems. The AiroPeek passed.
The RFGrabber was used in place of a WLAN NIC for each test, and no difference was noted between several WLAN NICs tested and the RFGrabber for results