Technology & Solutions

Autocell Technology FAQs

How long does the Autocell Channel Selection process take?
The Channel Selection process takes between one and three minutes to complete. This process is initiated when an Autocell enabled Access Point is started. When many Access Points are starting at the same time (for example: after a power failure), some Access Points will pick a channel before others. No matter how many access points there are, the Channel Selection time remains the same.

How does Autocell adjust the transmit power of the Access Point?
The transmit power of an Autocell enabled Access Point is set to maximum power unless another Access Point nearby is operating on the same channel. The transmit power is reduced in this situation to minimize interference without degrading bandwidth.

How is the transmitter power different in "Stealth" mode?
Stealth mode is designed to maximize the privacy of the network. To accomplish this, the transmitter power is reduced as much as possible without disrupting client performance.

How can I tell what the current transmit power is set to?
AutoCell VIEW will show the current transmit power back off for each Autocell enabled Access Point. You will see the power expressed in dB. A back off value of zero indicates maximum transmit power.

How much additional wireless traffic does Autocell generate?
At steady state, additional wireless traffic is virtually zero. The Autocell protocol utilizes 802.11 management frames that are sent even if Autocell is not running. The actual amount of Autocell traffic is less than 0.1%.

How much additional LAN traffic does Autocell generate?
On the LAN, the Autocell protocol is invoked only when Autocell stations load balance. Each load balancing event generates a few small packets. At steady state the additional traffic on the LAN is virtually zero.

Who makes the client load balancing decision? Is it the Access Point or the client?
Autocell enabled clients decide which Access Point will give it the best service. Each Autocell enabled Access Point that the client can hear is ranked based on its current utilization and its RF distance. If a client finds a better Access Point, the new Autocell Access Point must accept this client before it can move.

Can load balancing work with non-Autocell enabled clients?
Non-Autocell enabled clients do not load balance. They do affect the Access Point utilization value and Autocell enabled clients use this information to make their load balancing decisions.

How does Autocell calculate the utilization of an Access Point?
The utilization (or load factor) of an Access Point is based on the number of clients, their 802.11 mode (802.11a/b/g), and their associated RF bandwidth. Distant clients running at lower bandwidths add more load to the Access Point than closer clients at higher bandwidths. 802.11b clients add more load than 802.11g clients.

Will Autocell work in an Ad Hoc wireless network?
No. Autocell must be disabled in an Ad Hoc network.

Will Autocell Enabled Access Points work in Wireless Bridging or Wireless Repeater modes?
Autocell must be disabled when either Wireless Bridging or Repeater modes are enabled.

What channels are selected in the different regulatory domains for 11b/g?

What happens in network environments consisting of Autocell and non-Autocell APs?
Autocell enabled Access Points will find the optimum solution around non-Autocell devices. Autocell enabled Access Points will select the optimum channel and adjust the transmit power to reduce interference with the non-Autocell Access Point.

What happens when a non-Autocell AP is broadcasting strongly in an Autocell controlled environment?
Autocell enabled Access Points will pick channels that result in the least amount of interference with the non-Autocell Access Point. The Autocell enabled Access Point will reduce its transmit power to minimize the interference from the non-Autocell Access Point.

What features are deactivated when Autocell is activated?
When Autocell is enabled, "Output Power" selection is disabled. Additionally, Autocell must be disabled to use the following modes: Wireless bridging and repeating mode.

How can I tell that Autocell is working?
Autocell operates completely automatically maintaining the maximum bandwidth to your client. Autocell works in the background without interfering with your work while maintaining a good connection and eliminating performance problems. If you recently upgraded to Autocell, you will notice that you have a better connection than you used to have. If you have AutoCell VIEW, you can watch your client (and other clients and Access Points) working with Autocell.

Will my connection momentarily break when I load balance?
No. Autocell will transparently change your Access Point if it decides you will benefit from moving. It makes sure that when changing, your connection is maintained.

Doesn't turning down the power hurt my bandwidth?
No. Turning down power doesn't mean turning down the bandwidth. Think of it this way. If you are far from an access point, it makes sense to raise the power to reach you. But if you are really close to the access point, why turn the power up and possibly create interference and privacy issues? In addition, Autocell makes sure the power is adjusted to follow you as you move around. The closer you get the lower the power. The farther you go, the higher the power. Autocell achieves a balance between always getting you the best connection possible and minimizing interference by adjusting the power. It just makes sense to do this.