Wi-Fi Camera Testing

For the test setup, we created virtual access points using our Candela LANforge since it has the flexibility to create stations as well as virtual access points. We used two virtual access points in two different chambers and placed the DUT (Camera) in another chamber. All the chambers were connected through an attenuator to emulate distance.

Here are the requirements from our customer:

?1. WAN Link Testing

2. RvR (Rate vs Range)

?1. WAN Link Testing

?What is a WAN link?

?A WAN link mimics the behavior of wide area networks, which typically exhibit characteristics such as latency, bandwidth constraints, packet loss, and other network impairments.

?To understand clearly, let’s say we have to observe the behavior of the camera under high network latency, high jitter, and low data rates. Wondering how we apply all these factors to the network?

?Candela has a solution called WAN link, which allows us to apply WAN impairments such as latency, data rate, jitter, etc. Our customer wanted to see how their CC camera performs under various WAN impairments.

?We connected the CC camera to our LANforge device (VAP) and placed a live streaming video on a laptop in front of the camera, observing its behavior while varying the WAN impairments.

- As we restricted the WAN link rate from 10 Mbps to 10 Kbps, the video quality decreased significantly.

- The camera transmitted data without packet drops up to 2 Mbps, and the video quality was excellent without buffering.

- When the link rate was restricted between 2 Mbps and 250 Kbps, noticeable buffering occurred.

- Beyond 250 Kbps, the video became unusable due to complete buffering.

?2. RvR (Rate vs. Range)

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We placed the LANforge in one chamber and the camera in another. Using an attenuator to emulate distance, we observed the camera’s behavior as we increased the attenuation.

- Video quality decreased as attenuation increased from 0 dB to 80 dB.

- Users can have a good experience up to 50 dB attenuation, beyond which there is a decline in throughput.

?This is how we tested the customers’ requirements. This is why I love Candela—here, we get the opportunity to work on all aspects of testing.

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