[ath9k-devel] AR9281 Low sensitivity

[ath9k-devel] AR9281 Low sensitivity

[Chris Savery]

Hello,
I have an Atheros AR9281 minPCIe card that I just put in my notebook for 
testing with hostapd.
The OEM card was an Intel 4965.
The Atheros card is working very well with hostapd and I am happy.
One thing I have noticed is that the signal level numbers reported by 
the ath9k driver are much lower than was normal with the Intel card. So 
I'm wondering if there is a sensitivity issue with the Atheros chip or 
driver that others have noticed as well?
I don't even know if the reported db numbers are arbitrary or actual do 
have a calibrated standard meaning. And I don't know if this is 
dependent on the card only or the driver tweaking the card for better 
performance. BUt I am curious to know if this is common and if it can be 
expected to improve someday.
For example, with my Linksys AP next to me my Intel card reports a 
steady signal at -16db. Right after swapping the card the Atheros has 
always reported a steady -31db signal. I've noticed that other nearby 
signals are a good step lower as well. A 15db lower signal is very 
significant, but can these numbers even be compared meaningfully?
Any input very welcome.
Chris :)
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