5.0 Network+ Certification Cram Notes : Network Troubleshooting

5.4 Troubleshooting common wireless connectivity issues

Channel utilization

Channel utilization refers to the amount of bandwidth being used by wireless devices in a particular channel. In order to ensure proper wireless connectivity, it is important to monitor the channel utilization and adjust it as needed to prevent interference from other devices and optimize performance.

AP association time refers to the amount of time it takes for a wireless device to associate or connect to an access point (AP). If this time is longer than expected, it can be an indicator of a problem with the AP or the device, and troubleshooting may be required.

Site survey refers to the process of evaluating the wireless environment to determine the optimal placement of access points, antennas, and other components. Conducting a site survey can help to identify areas of interference and poor coverage, and can also be used to optimize the overall wireless network design.

Explain the following Connectivity issues

Wireless Connectivity issues are common and can lead to slow internet speeds, disconnections, and other network problems. The following are some of the common connectivity issues that one might encounter when troubleshooting wireless connectivity:

1. Interference: Interference from other wireless devices such as microwave ovens, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices can disrupt the wireless signal, causing connectivity issues.

2. Channel overlap: When multiple wireless access points use the same channel, they can interfere with each other and lead to connectivity issues.

4. RF attenuation/signal loss: RF (Radio Frequency) attenuation or signal loss refers to the reduction in signal strength that occurs when the signal is transmitted through walls, ceilings, and other materials.

5. Wrong SSID: If a wireless device is not connected to the correct wireless network (SSID), it will not be able to connect to the internet.

6. Incorrect passphrase: An incorrect passphrase will prevent a wireless device from connecting to a network.

7. Encryption protocol mismatch: If the encryption protocol used by the wireless device and the wireless access point do not match, the device will not be able to connect to the network.

8. Insufficient wireless coverage: If the wireless coverage is not strong enough in a particular area, wireless devices will not be able to connect to the network.

9. Captive portal issues: Captive portal is a web page that appears when a user tries to access the internet from a public network. If the captive portal settings are incorrect, a user may not be able to access the internet.

10. Client disassociation issues: A client may be disassociated from the network if the wireless signal is too weak or if the device is too far from the wireless access point. This can lead to connectivity issues and disconnections.

In conclusion, these are some of the common connectivity issues that one might encounter when troubleshooting wireless connectivity. To resolve these issues, it is important to understand the underlying causes and use appropriate tools and techniques to troubleshoot and fix them.