Checking Signal Strength and Throughput on a Cisco Meraki Wireless Network
This article describes how to test and monitor signal strength and throughput on a Cisco Meraki wireless network. This can be especially useful when determining MR Access Point placement during network setup and site surveys.
Connect a wireless client to the network
Using a wireless client (ie. Laptop) with an up-to-date browser, locate the network’s SSID and connect.
Connect to the AP Status Page and test Real-Time Signal Strength
Each of Cisco Meraki’s Access Points has a self-hosted status page which contains certain tools that can be used for testing. Navigate to http://my.meraki.com (This should take you to the device’s “local status page”). Under Your connection the Signal strength between the client AP will be indicated. It is recommended that the client's signal strength be above 12dB for basic speeds. Signal strength over 30dB is recommended for high speeds.
Perform Local Throughput Testing
From the http://my.meraki.com/ page, click on Speed test along the top. This will present a tool for testing throughput between the client and AP. Click Run speed test to perform a speed test to the AP.
Evaluate your Test Results
- For accurate placement of mesh repeaters, we minimally recommend 16dB with 4Mbps of throughput
- For testing of the final wireless environment (for that of your wireless clients), we minimally recommend 12dB with 2Mbps of throughput.
- These are commended minimums. Expected and desired results will vary by hardware and deployment scenario.