True Statement about Heat Maps on Cisco WCS

A.

Heat maps are used to visualize the wireless signal strength and coverage of an access point (AP) in a particular area. Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) provides heat maps to help network administrators analyze the wireless coverage and signal strength within a building, campus, or other areas.

Regarding the statement about heat maps on Cisco WCS, let's discuss each option and their accuracy:

A. "They are predictive and rely only on the accuracy of the information that is provided with the map." This statement is partially correct. Heat maps are indeed predictive as they rely on a radio frequency (RF) predictive model to estimate the coverage and signal strength of an AP in a specific area. However, the accuracy of the heat map also depends on the accuracy of the information provided with the map. The predictive model takes into account the building's layout, wall types, materials, and other environmental factors to estimate the coverage and signal strength of an AP. If the information provided is inaccurate or outdated, the heat map's accuracy can be compromised.

B. "They are based on real-time actual values if Cisco Compatible Extensions is enabled on the APs." This statement is incorrect. Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) is a set of features that allows Cisco wireless clients and APs to exchange information to enhance network performance, security, and reliability. However, enabling CCX on the APs does not affect the accuracy of the heat map. Heat maps are still predictive and based on the RF predictive model. CCX can provide real-time data about client signal strength, roaming, and other metrics, but it does not affect the accuracy of the heat map.

C. "They are predictive but can be converted to real values by using the Refresh from network button." This statement is partially correct. As mentioned earlier, heat maps are predictive and based on the RF predictive model. However, the Refresh from network button on the WCS can provide real-time data about the APs' coverage and signal strength. This button sends a signal to the APs, and they report back their current signal strength and coverage area, which can update the heat map's accuracy. It's important to note that this update is temporary and doesn't change the original predictive model.

D. "They are based on real-time actual values because of fingerprinting." This statement is incorrect. Fingerprinting is a technique used to identify wireless devices based on their unique characteristics, such as their MAC addresses, signal strength, and other attributes. While fingerprinting can be used to enhance the accuracy of wireless networks, it is not used in heat maps. Heat maps are still based on the RF predictive model, which estimates the coverage and signal strength of an AP based on the building's layout and environmental factors.

In conclusion, option C is the most accurate statement regarding heat maps on Cisco WCS. While heat maps are predictive, they can be updated with real-time data using the Refresh from network button. CCX and fingerprinting do not affect the accuracy of the heat map.