AC8260 Joule 802.11n SISO early performance threshold

[CLans]

Poor SISO RF threshold performance was encountered while characterizing the Intel Joule (AC8260 wireless adapter) as a client of an 802.11n Access Point in the 5GHz band. 802.11n Access Point products from two different vendors were tried; these products use differing generations of Qualcomm Atheros chipsets. Threshold degradation of 8dB was observed during wired hard-line-connected testing.

Under SISO conditions, for signal levels below an early threshold and above the MIMO threshold, the AC8260 wireless adapter module on the Joule enters a state where it remains connected to the AP, does not search for other AP's, does not disconnect, but also changes to a high MCS level and ceases to transmit. The situation is exacerbated if the RTS/CTS protocol is enabled. Then a 20dB early threshold can occur, and in this range of power levels, the Joule will not use the connection but also will not search for a better connection. /message/520517# 520517 Other issues have been observed with RTS/CTS and the Joule.

Is this behavior a known or understood problem? What are work-arounds? Is new firmware anticipated?

[idata]

Hello ChatwinLansdowne,

Since all these issues are related to the Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 and the Intel® Joule compute module, would it be possible to work all your questions under the same thread?Best regards,Carlos A.

[CLans]

Maybe. I think this issue is exacerbated by RTS/CTS, but personally I'm not sure yet that the two are the same cause or same resolution...

[idata]

Hello ChatwinLansdowne,

Could you share more information regarding the system where the 8260 adapter is installed?If possible, please a complete report using the https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25293 Intel® System Support Utility.Also, if you could share the packet traces (if used) where you detected the RTS issue, that may help us investigate the problem as well.Best regards,

Carlos A.