Interference Study of 802.11b Networks for Proactive Performance Management

Performance analysis is one of the important ingredients of network management. Wireless networks, apart from experiencing problems like congestion, also suffer from fading, multi path effects and interference from other devices. Many devices operate in the same frequency band as 802.11b networks such as Bluetooth, 802.11g networks, microwave ovens and cordless phones to name a few. In such cases, guaranteeing predefined performance is difficult. In the present work we study the performance degradation of 802.11b networks, in terms of throughput, in the presence of interference. Experiments are carried out in an anechoic chamber to reduce the effects of multi path, fading and other radio related interferences and understand the true effect of the interference introduced. Analyzing the performance of the wireless 802.11b networks under interference helps in drawing a base line for acceptable performance. This helps in proactive performance management which enables us to take necessary corrective measures for the imminent problem before hand