350-401 Question 162
Select 2A network engineer is troubleshooting a wireless connectivity issue in an office environment. Users are reporting intermittent disconnections and slow speeds. Upon investigation, the engineer notes the following:
- RSSI levels are fluctuating between -80 dBm and -85 dBm near the affected clients.
- The SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) is averaging 15 dB.
- The wireless network operates on the 2.4 GHz band with channel overlap in channels 1, 6, and 11.
- Multiple non-Wi-Fi devices, such as cordless phones and microwave ovens, are detected in the area.
Which of the following actions would most likely improve the wireless performance for the affected clients?
- A
Increase the RF power output of the access points.
- B
Switch the network to operate on the 5 GHz band.
- C
Reduce the channel width on the 2.4 GHz band to 20 MHz.
- D
Enable beamforming on the access points.
- E
Deploy additional access points to increase coverage.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answers: B, C
Explanation
The primary issues in this scenario are poor SNR and interference caused by overlapping channels and non-Wi-Fi devices in the 2.4 GHz band. Switching to the 5 GHz band resolves these issues by offering more channels with less interference. Additionally, reducing the channel width on the 2.4 GHz band helps mitigate channel overlap and interference when operating in congested environments. These solutions directly address the root causes of the poor wireless performance.
- A. Incorrect.
Increasing RF power output may help improve RSSI levels, but it does not address interference or SNR issues caused by overlapping channels and non-Wi-Fi devices in the 2.4 GHz band. It could also increase interference for nearby networks.
- B. Correct.
Switching to the 5 GHz band is a valid solution as it has more non-overlapping channels and is less prone to interference from non-Wi-Fi devices like cordless phones and microwaves. This can significantly improve SNR and reduce congestion.
- C. Correct.
Reducing the channel width on the 2.4 GHz band to 20 MHz can help minimize interference and overlap between channels, improving overall wireless performance in congested areas.
- D. Incorrect.
Enabling beamforming can enhance signal directionality and potentially improve performance for some clients, but it does not address the core issues of interference and channel congestion in this scenario.
- E. Incorrect.
Deploying additional access points may help improve coverage and client density management, but it does not directly address the interference and channel overlap issues that are causing the problem.