N10-009 Question 159
Single answer2.3 Given a scenario, select and configure wireless devices and technologies.A healthcare clinic is expanding into a newly renovated wing where staff will use wireless tablets for access to patient records and voice-over-Wi-Fi handsets for internal communication. During testing, users report dropped calls and short coverage gaps when walking between exam rooms, even though throughput tests in stationary locations look acceptable. The existing deployment uses standalone consumer-grade access points with overlapping channels and no centralized coordination. The network administrator wants to improve roaming performance and provide consistent coverage without replacing every client device. Which solution is the BEST choice?
- A
Deploy a wireless LAN controller with properly placed business-class access points that support fast roaming and coordinated channel/power management
- B
Increase the transmit power on all existing access points to maximum so tablets and handsets can see a stronger signal from farther away
- C
Replace the SSID with a hidden network name and disable beacon frames to reduce interference between exam rooms
- D
Move the wireless network to 2.4 GHz only because it has longer range and therefore eliminates roaming issues
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
For mobile clinical workflows, especially with voice-over-Wi-Fi, WLAN design must prioritize predictable coverage, controlled cell size, and seamless roaming rather than just peak throughput in isolated spots. Business-class APs under centralized management are designed to coordinate channel selection, transmit power, and roaming-related behavior across the wireless environment. This is far more appropriate than standalone consumer APs with overlapping channels. Industry best practices from enterprise WLAN vendors and Wi-Fi design guidance emphasize site surveys, proper AP placement, minimizing co-channel interference, and tuning for mobility-sensitive applications such as voice. In practice, 5 GHz is often preferred for capacity and reduced interference, while 2.4 GHz should be used carefully due to limited channels. The key is coordinated WLAN architecture and RF design, not simply stronger signals or hidden SSIDs.
- A. Correct.
Correct. A controller-based or otherwise centrally managed business wireless deployment is the best fit for a clinic with mobile users and latency-sensitive voice traffic. Proper AP placement, coordinated channel assignment, transmit power tuning, and support for roaming enhancements help clients move between cells more smoothly. This addresses the real issue: poor WLAN design and lack of coordinated roaming behavior, not just raw signal strength.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Raising transmit power to maximum is a common mistake. It can increase co-channel interference, create oversized cells, and cause sticky-client behavior where devices remain associated to a farther AP longer than they should. Client devices such as handsets also have limited transmit power, so making the AP louder does not solve the two-way communication and roaming problem.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Hiding the SSID does not meaningfully reduce RF interference or improve roaming. Beaconing is part of normal WLAN operation, and hidden SSIDs provide little security benefit while potentially creating client usability and management issues. Interference and roaming are RF design and coordination problems, not SSID visibility problems.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. While 2.4 GHz generally provides greater range than 5 GHz, forcing the environment to 2.4 GHz only is usually a poor choice in a dense indoor deployment with voice requirements. The 2.4 GHz band has fewer non-overlapping channels and is more prone to congestion and interference. Longer range alone does not eliminate roaming gaps and may worsen contention.