CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)Network TroubleshootingMedium
A network administrator is investigating reports of intermittent connectivity and slow speeds on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi network in a dense office environment. A Wi-Fi analyzer shows multiple access points (APs) from neighboring organizations broadcasting on overlapping channels, along with high levels of interference from non-Wi-Fi sources. Which of the following would be the MOST effective solution to improve performance and stability?
- AConduct a site survey to identify optimal non-overlapping 5 GHz channels and mitigate non-Wi-Fi interference sources.
- BIncrease the transmit power of the organization's APs to overpower interference.
- CDeploy more 2.4 GHz APs to offload traffic from the 5 GHz band.
- DEnable channel bonding (40 MHz or 80 MHz) on all 5 GHz APs to increase throughput.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Conduct a site survey to identify optimal non-overlapping 5 GHz channels and mitigate non-Wi-Fi interference sources.
A site survey is crucial for understanding the RF environment, identifying sources of interference (both Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi), and planning channel assignments to avoid overlap. Addressing these issues directly targets the root causes of intermittent connectivity and slow speeds in a dense environment.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Increasing transmit power can worsen co-channel interference and may not overcome external non-Wi-Fi interference.
- C. This would shift the problem to the already congested 2.4 GHz band, which has fewer non-overlapping channels and is prone to more interference.
- D. Channel bonding increases bandwidth but also consumes more spectrum, potentially exacerbating the overlapping channel issue in a dense environment.
Wi-Fi Site Survey
A comprehensive process of planning and designing a wireless network to provide adequate coverage, capacity, and performance, involving on-site RF measurements.
- Identifies optimal AP placement and antenna types.
- Determines best channel assignments to minimize interference.
- Locates and quantifies sources of RF interference (Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi).
Memory trick: For Wi-Fi woes, a survey shows where the best signals flow.