RadioShare and off-channel scanning (OCS) work hand-in-hand to allow either or both radios to carry client data and simultaneously act as a sensor, providing dual-band sensing. OCS essentially allows the AP to tune its radio to a different channel for a finite amount of time for threat scanning.
An AP that provides client access on channel six will monitor other channels as well. The AP will stay on channel six for 10 seconds. During the 10-second interval, the AP is capable of communication with associated clients. After the 10-second interval, the AP will listen off-channel on channel seven for 110 ms. This round-robin method of off-channel scanning is used by the APs to listen for transmissions of other APs and to monitor any off-channel RF transmissions.
Note
When utilizing OCS, the APs/sensors take more time to detect threats than when utilizing a dedicated sensor. The amount of time required to detect threats depend on several factors, such as, data load, timing, and the channel where the threat is active. OCS is a part of Part-time WIPS and requires that license for this feature.