5225 Access Point Test Enclosure

Key Features

• Flat Coupling Response over 2.2GHz - 2.6GHz, 5.2GHz - 6.0GHz
• Tests:
  -- Over-The-Air Performance of TX, RX
  -- Wireless LAN Access Point Throughput Performance
• Works with 802.11 Traffic Generator and Performance Analyzers

Description

ETS-Lindgren's Model 5225 WLAN Access Point Testing System is a self-contained portable enclosure that allows the operator to conduit Over-The-Air (OTA) testing of an Access Points' transmit and receive functionality of an Access Point and its throughput performance. The system uses a specially designed, circularly polarized micro strip patch antenna in the enclosure to interface with an Access Points' RF antenna(s). The coupling coefficient has a flat response over the 802.11/b frequency range of 2.2 GHz to 2.6 GHz devices, and over the 802.11/a/g frequency range of 5.2 GHz to 6.0 GHz.

Using this shielded OTA interface test enclosure, the operator performs the test faster and simulate the real-world operational environment. The OTA test method provides a shorter signal path and readily detects a faulty antenna. The direct connection method bypasses the antenna and adds up to several dB of loss to the measurement. However, a connector is provided for direct cable connection, if desired.

Since polarization sensitivity is an important design parameter for WLAN interface devices, a circularly polarized micro-strip patch antenna is provided to transmit and receive RF signal for two orthogonal polarizations. The patch antenna can be accessed through a 50 ohm SMA connector port.

To eliminate nulls and hot spots, each enclosure is lined using ETS-Lindgren's RF absorber, which absorbs spurious RF energy inside the shielded enclosure. The effectiveness of the anechoic absorber treatment is critical to ensure the repeatability of the performance test. Compressible RF gasketing seals is used to seal the lid on closure. Nominal shielding effectiveness is > 80 dB, although higher values are possible.

The alignment and the position of the Device Under Test (DUT) is important for test repeatability. To maintain alignment, a sliding clamp and post are built into the bottom of the enclosure. The base is marked with the position outline of a typical WLAN interface device.

The Model 5225 fiber optic test enclosure also provides optional Ethernet penetration to interact with the Access Point under test. This feature is accomplished using a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet to fiber-optic conversion outside of the shielded enclosure. A fiber-optic to 10/100 Base-T converter inside the shielded test enclosure restores the Ethernet signal. An additional filtered AC power supply is provided to power the fiber-optic to 10/100 Base-T converter.