Stay-Linked: How to simulate out-of-range?

[toddevans]

Our company will be showcasing our terminal emulator (5250, VT,3270) software (www.stay-linked.com ) at an upcoming tradeshow in Chicago.

One feature that makes our emulator unique is its ability to quickly recover from "out-of-range" conditions and other drops in network connectivity without dropping the Telnet session.

We typically demonstrate this feature by power cycling the access point. The problem with this technique is that it delays recovery which normally would be a second or two under normal operating conditions.

Is there an enclosure or special material that we could place over the access point to block the signal?


Thanks,


Todd Evans

[leedsit]

How about removing the antenna?

[toddevans]

That's too easy. :) In our experience removing the antenna reduces the transmit rate, but won't force the radio out-of-range over short distances.

-Todd

[leedsit]

:) Worth a shot, I was not to sure how the RF would work by removing the Antenna.

How about a panel or omni directional antenna, Surely if you moved the direction of the antenna this would direct the signal away from the device?

[toddevans]

I hadn't thought of an omni-directional antenna. That might just work.

Cheers,

-Todd

[leedsit]

opps I should always check my postings, I didnt mean omni directional.... I meant a Directional Antenna.

[toddevans]

Oops! I should too. I knew what you meant though.

-Todd

[impartial]

Depending on the Access Point, you may be able to turn the AP's radio off, leaving the AP online, then turn the radio back on again in a second or two. For example, the Cisco 1200 gives you the ability to turn the radio off via software. The AP stays powered, but no signal leaves the radio. Dunno for sure if you can do this on other APs.

However, you may unauthenticate/unassociate by doing that, that too may depend on brand of AP.

[dot11guru]

Get a signal attenuator that you can turn on and off.