Heavy Wireless
Packet Pushers
Heavy Wireless is a deep dive into Wi-Fi, IoT, wireless security, and more. Host Keith Parsons, CWNE#3, draws on his decades of experience to educate, entertain, and inspire those working in the WLAN industry. Each twice-monthly episode explores an aspect of wireless technology with guests including Wi-Fi engineers, industry experts, and vendors. Whether you're already a WLAN specialist or looking to expand your skills in this high-demand sector of IT, Heavy Wireless gives you the technical know-how and industry context to succeed.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 24, 2025 • 28min
HW055: Improving Wireless Design With AI
AI is already widely used for wireless network operations. On today’s show, we look at how AI and machine learning are also being applied to wireless design and site surveys. My guest is Jussi Kiviniemi, Founder and CEO of Hamina Wireless. We talk about how Hamina is developing and implementing AI tools to help designers... Read more »
Jun 10, 2025 • 27min
HW054: Validation Survey Controversies
A validation survey is typically used for wireless infrastructure post-installation. It compares predictions to real wireless network performance. On today’s show we chat with Joel Crane about validation survey controversies and the challenges of producing a survey whose data has integrity. We cover topics such as the perfectly green heat map, how fast you should... Read more »
May 28, 2025 • 22min
HW053: Ubiquiti in the Enterprise
Ubiquiti is known primarily for wireless equipment for residential and small business use, but it can be a player in the enterprise world. On today’s show, we talk with Darrell DeRosia, Sr. Director, Network & Infrastructure Services with the Memphis Grizzlies, about how he provides that connectivity for the FedExForum, home to the Memphis Grizzlies... Read more »
May 13, 2025 • 24min
HW052: How Capable Is My Wi-Fi Client?
Today on Heavy Wireless we welcome Francois Verges, who designed a database tool to help Wi-Fi engineers easily find client device capabilities. It provides quick access to key specs like data rates, Wi-Fi versions, and vendor documentation. It’s designed to be a go-to option when looking for Wi-Fi client specifications. We discuss why he developed... Read more »
Apr 29, 2025 • 23min
HW051: How Wi-Fi Devices Handle Roaming On 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz Bands
In this discussion, Jerry Olla, a Wi-Fi expert and speaker, reveals insights from his research on how devices roam across 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands. He delves into innovative testing methods that highlight the advantages of tri-band devices, especially in high-density areas. Listeners learn about the challenges iOS devices face in roaming and the role of K and V parameters in performance. Jerry also shares strategies for optimizing 6 GHz networks, emphasizing wider channels and overall network management for enhanced performance.
Apr 15, 2025 • 24min
HW050: A New Free Tool for Visualizing the Wi-Fi Spectrum
If you’ve been looking for an interactive chart to visualize the Wi-Fi spectrum, look no further than guest Joel Crane’s spectrum viewer. With the spectrum visualizer, you can pan across the spectrum, zoom in and out, and select specific regulatory domains. Joel shares his inspiration for the project and how he accomplished it with a... Read more »
Apr 1, 2025 • 27min
HW049: Updates on Wi-Fi Security, Wi-Fi 7 and WPA3
Host Keith Parsons and guest Stephen Orr took time at the Wireless LAN Professionals Conference in Phoenix this past February to discuss the security implications of Wi-Fi 7. Stephen explains that new features in Wi-Fi 7 require specific security protocols such as WPA3 to function. Challenges with device onboarding and secure authentication are addressed next,... Read more »
9 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 31min
HW048: Indoor GPS: Why Can’t We Get a Signal In Here?
Why can’t we get a GPS signal indoors and what does that mean for modern wireless technology? Guest Luke Jenkins has answers. He starts with the history, functionality, and applications of GPS and GNSS technologies and the proliferation of satellites enhancing navigation accuracy. He then delves into the technical aspects such as atomic clocks, signal... Read more »
Mar 4, 2025 • 26min
HW047: Diverse Career Paths In the Wi-Fi Industry
There are multiple avenues into a career in Wi-Fi. Today on Heavy Wireless, we explore different career paths with guests Sam Clements and Tauni Odia. Sam shares his unconventional journey from working at a gas station to becoming a Wi-Fi networking professional. He emphasizes the value of certifications and seizing opportunities. Tauni, with a background... Read more »
Feb 18, 2025 • 25min
HW046: The Flipper Zero: A Swiss Army Knife for Tech Enthusiasts
The Flipper Zero is like a Swiss Army knife for wireless tech enthusiasts. Today’s guest, Jason Beshara, is teaching a course on the Flipper Zero device at WLPC Phoenix 2025. He discusses its functions, including its ability to send and receive a variety of radio signals including Bluetooth, NFC, and sub-gigahertz frequencies. The conversation covers... Read more »
