There are two ways to connect to a CleanAir Access Point using Chanalyzer:
- Connect a CleanAir-enabled access point directly to Chanalyzer
- Open a .ccf file inside the Chanalyzer app
Note: this functionality requires the Cisco CleanAir accessory for Chanalyzer.
Chanalyzer Direct Connect
In order to connect in CleanAir mode you will need:
- an IP Address
- an NSI key
- For some models like the Cisco Aironet 2800/3800 (requires Cisco WLC 8.5), you'll need to know which role Radio 0 is in (2.4 GHz Client Serving, 5 GHz Client Serving, or Monitor.)
Note: The Cisco CleanAir accessory will not work with Cisco's Mobility Express (ME) controller at this time
Within Chanalyzer, use the CleanAir menu to select Connect to a CleanAir AP. You will be prompted to enter in the IP address, NSI Key, and a friendly name. If the AP has a WSSI monitor module, select the checkbox.
That's it! Chanalyzer will keep a list of your recent connections so you can toggle between multiple APs quickly.
About Access Point Modes
The data available in Chanalyzer depends on the operating mode of the access point:
In Local Mode, each Cisco CleanAir-enabled access point radio provides air quality and interference detection reports for the current operating channel only. Local mode does not disrupt client connections. When a hybrid-REAP access point is connected to the controller, its Cisco CleanAir functionality is identical to local mode.
In Monitor Mode, the access point provides air quality and interference detection reports for all monitored channels. Monitor mode allows the AP to share spectrum analysis dwell times for collection of WiFi data.
SE-Connect Mode enables a user to connect Chanalyzer directly to a Cisco CleanAir access point when the access point is not connected to a controller. The access point provides air quality and interference detection reports for all monitored channels.
About Radio Roles
Monitor Role: The dual band radio is sweeping the entirety of both bands and the 5 GHz radio is serving clients. Chanalyzer can display spectrum data for the entire 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.
 |
 |
| Monitor Mode in AP Configuration Page | Monitor Setting in Chanalyzer CleanAir Menu |
2.4 GHz Client serving: The the dual band radio is serving 2.4 GHz clients and the 5 GHz radio is serving 5 GHz clients. Chanalyzer can display spectrum data for the two channels the AP is operating on.
 |
 |
| 2.4 GHz Client serving in AP Configuration Page | 2.4 GHz Client serving setting in Chanalyzer CleanAir Menu |
5 GHz Client serving: The the dual band radio is serving 5 GHz clients on one 5 GHz channel and the 5 GHz radio is serving 5 GHz clients on another 5 GHz channel. Chanalyzer can display spectrum data for the two channels the AP is operating on.
 |
 |
| 5 GHz Client serving in AP Configuration Page | 5 GHz Client serving setting in Chanalyzer CleanAir Menu |
CCF File
To obtain a .ccf file that can be opened with Chanalyzer, follow these steps:
- Open the Cisco Prime 3.5 Infrastructure web application.
- Go to Monitor > Network Devices
- Go to Unified APs > AP Name
- Go to Interfaces > All Interfaces (if you don't see Interfaces, make sure to click on the hamburger menu)
- Go to Protocol > 802.11b/g/n or 802.11a/n/ac
- Then click on the Spectrum Expert icon (which looks like a circle, as we lovingly call it at MetaGeek, "the beachball").
- You can now save the .ccf file, and double click or manually open with Chanalyzer.
