Ensuring Seamless Connectivity in Mobility Scenarios

The Mobility Challenge

Modern users expect uninterrupted Wi-Fi while moving through offices, campuses, airports, or public venues. For OEMs, validating client roaming across multiple APs is critical — yet it remains one of the toughest aspects of Wi-Fi performance.

Common Issues Faced by Client Devices:

• • Slow or unreliable handoffs causing dropped calls or frozen video streams.
  • Packet loss and latency spikes during AP transitions.
  • Over-dependence on fast roaming protocols (802.11r/k/v) not universally available.
  • Inconsistent roaming behavior across chipsets and device models.

Why Roaming Validation Matters for OEMs

Poor roaming performance directly impacts end-user experience and brand perception:

• • Interrupted video calls and collaboration sessions.
  • Session drops in business-critical applications.
  • Increased support costs and field complaints.
  • Reduced trust in device reliability.

WiCheck: Making Roaming Testing Repeatable & Realistic

Alethea’s WiCheck empowers OEMs to validate roaming in controlled, repeatable lab setups that mimic real-world mobility scenarios.

With WiCheck, OEMs can:

• • Simulate roaming across multiple APs under realistic mobility conditions.
  • Measure handoff latency, packet loss, and jitter during transitions.
  • Validate application continuity (VoIP, video calls, streaming) under roaming stress.
  • Test roaming robustness without relying solely on 802.11r/k/v.
  • Benchmark performance across different device models and chipsets.

Roaming Performance Stats for Client DUT

The Client DUT transitioned from AP1 (with an RSSI of -47 dBm) to AP2 (with an RSSI of -29 dBm), showing responsiveness to stronger, more optimal signals and properly interpreting signal thresholds for roaming triggers

• Time metrics: Key roam-related times were measured:
  • Roam time: 121.83 ms, reflecting the total duration of the roaming event.
  • Authentication response: 1.94 ms, very quick, demonstrating the client’s efficiency in initial communications with the new AP.
  • Reassociation response: 86.77 ms, and 4-Way Handshake Completion: 21.93 ms, indicating each phase is completed within reasonable boundaries for high-performance Wi-Fi handoff.

Real-World Scenarios

• • Enterprise & campus networks: Employees moving between buildings or floors stay connected.
    
  • Public venues: Travelers in airports, malls, or stadiums enjoy uninterrupted streaming.
    
  • Healthcare & education: Mission-critical apps like telemedicine and e-learning remain stable.
    
  • Residential & ISP mesh networks: Multi-AP roaming validated for smooth user experience.

Key WiCheck Capabilities

• • Controlled roaming simulation across 2+ APs.
    
  • Measurement of handoff latency, packet loss, session continuity.
    
  • Application-level validation (voice, video, data).
    
  • Works in conductive RF labs or OTA environments.
    
  • Automated workflows for CI/CD and regression testing.
    

Why It Matters

• • Ensure seamless user experience during mobility.
    
  • Detect and fix roaming inefficiencies pre-deployment.
    
  • Validate real-world roaming beyond fast-roaming dependencies.
    
  • Reduce costly troubleshooting and brand risks.

Seamless Roaming Starts in the Lab

With WiCheck, OEMs can validate, optimize, and guarantee reliable roaming performance — before devices reach the market.