WiSlow: A WiFi Network Performance Troubleshooting Tool for End Users

摘要

The increasing number of 802.11 APs and wireless devices results in more contention, which causes unsatisfactory WiFi network performance. In addition, non-WiFi devices sharing the same spectrum with 802.11 networks such as microwave ovens, cordless phones, and baby monitors severely interfere with WiFi networks. Although the problem sources can be easily removed in many cases, it is difficult for end users to identify the root cause. We introduce WiSlow, a software tool that diagnoses the root causes of poor WiFi performance with user-level network probes and leverages peer collaboration to identify the location of the causes. We elaborate on two main methods: packet loss analysis and 802.11 ACK pattern analysis.