Configuring the Smart Antenna Function

Pre-configuration Tasks

Before configuring the smart antenna function, perform the task of WLAN Service Configuration Guide.

Context

After the smart antenna function is enabled, an AP can select a proper antenna array based on STAs' locations, improving signal strength and user experience.

In the smart antenna algorithm, an AP uses different antenna combinations to send training packets for antenna training. During smart antenna training, the transmit end (AP) sends training packets to a receive end (STA). The receive end measures the PER and RSSI in the received packets, and then sends the PER and RSSI to the transmit end. The transmit end collects information about all antenna combinations and corresponding PERs and RSSIs to determine the optimal antenna combination for the receiver.

The AirEngine 8760-X1-PRO, AirEngine 6760-X1, AirEngine 5760-51, AirEngine 5760-22W, AirEngine 5760-22WD, AP2051DN, AP2051DN-E, AP2051DN-S, R251D, R251D-E, AP4050DE-M, AP4050DE-M-S, AP4050DE-B-S, AP3050DE, AP5510-W-GP, AirEngine 5760-10, AP7030DE, AP7050DE, and AP7052DE support the smart antenna function.

Procedure

Run system-view
The system view is displayed.
Run wlan
The WLAN view is displayed.
Run radio-2g-profile name profile-name or radio-5g-profile name profile-name
The 2G or 5G radio profile view is displayed.
Run smart-antenna enable
The smart antenna function is enabled for APs.

By default, the smart antenna function is disabled for AP7030DE, AP7050DE, and AP7052DE.
Configure smart antenna related parameters.
1. Run the smart-antenna valid-per-scope { high-per-threshold high-per-threshold | low-per-threshold low-per-threshold } command to configure the upper and lower valid PER thresholds in the smart antenna algorithm.
  The default upper and lower valid PER thresholds are 80% and 20%, respectively.
  
  The PER is a key basis for the smart antenna algorithm. After proper upper and lower valid PER thresholds are configured, the smart antenna algorithm can select a proper antenna combination to improve the coverage and anti-interference capability of a WLAN in indoor coverage scenarios.
2. Run the smart-antenna throughput-triggered-training threshold threshold command to configure a sudden performance change threshold that triggers antenna training.
  The default sudden performance change threshold that triggers smart antenna training is 10%.
  In a smart antenna system, the device monitors performance (throughput) of transmit ends. If the detected throughput of a transmit end exceeds the sudden performance change threshold specified using the smart-antenna throughput-triggered-training command, a new round of antenna training is triggered.
  - In a good air interface environment, set a high sudden performance change threshold to prevent frequent antenna training from affecting user services.
  - In a poor air interface environment, set a low sudden performance change threshold to improve the WLAN's anti-interference capability.
3. Run the smart-antenna training-interval training-interval command to configure the smart antenna training interval.
  The default smart antenna training interval is auto, indicating that a smart antenna is trained in self-adaptation mode.
  Configure the smart antenna training interval based on actual situations.
  - A short antenna training interval causes frequency antenna training and affects user services.
  - A long antenna training interval causes the device's failure to switch the antenna combination in time to adapt to WLAN environment changes.
  When the default smart antenna training interval is restored, that is, smart antennas are trained in self-adaptation mode, the device adaptively calculates the antenna training interval based on the number of concurrent STAs.
4. Run the smart-antenna training-mpdu-number training-mpdu-number command to configure the number of MAC protocol data units (MPDUs) sent by an AP to a STA during smart antenna training.
  By default, 640 MPDUs are sent by an AP to a STA during smart antenna training.
  
  If the traffic rate, bandwidth, and air interface rate of the STA are high, set a small value. Otherwise, set a large value.
Run quit
Return to the WLAN view.
Bind the radio profile to an AP group or a specific AP. For the detailed procedure, see Binding a Radio Profile.

Verifying the Configuration

Run the display radio-2g-profile name profile-name command to check the smart antenna configuration of an AP in a 2G radio profile.
Run the display radio-5g-profile name profile-name command to check the smart antenna configuration of an AP in a 5G radio profile.