Troubleshooting wireless networks.

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Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College

Areas of Expertise Industry Certifications

PC Hardware

Network Administration

IT Project Management

Network Design

User Training

IT Troubleshooting

Qualifications Summary

Education

M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University

B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University

Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues into efficient and effective solutions.

Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse workforces, improving processes, analyzing business needs and creating the solutions required— with a focus on technology.

Brian K. Ferrill, M.B.A.

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Troubleshooting wireless networks.

– Basic troubleshooting methodology.

– Common wireless network issues.

PACE-IT.

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Basic troubleshooting methodology.Troubleshooting wireless networks.

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Basic troubleshooting methodology.

Troubleshooting networks can be a combination of art and science. Some of the best tools in your arsenal will be patience and thoughtfulness.

Network issues can express themselves in a multitude of ways. One of the best things that you, as a technician, can do is to see if you can recreate the problem. An issue that can be recreated can usually be resolved easily.

Also, remember that the users you are dealing with are the reason you have a paycheck. Treat them as you would like to be treated, even if it is the tenth time that you’ve told Bob that his username and password are case sensitive…

Troubleshooting wireless networks.

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Basic troubleshooting methodology.

Troubleshooting steps.

1) Identify the problem.

2) Establish a theory of probable cause.

3) Test the theory to determine cause.

4) Establish an action plan.

5) Implement the solution.

6) Verify full system functionality.

7) Document everything.

Troubleshooting wireless networks.

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Common wireless network issues.Troubleshooting wireless networks.

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Common wireless network issues.

Wireless networks are convenient for the users, but do introduce an entirely new set of issues for the network technician to consider.

Not only do you need to consider the standard issues that crop up in a wired network, you will also need to consider the added layer of complexity that wireless brings to the table.

Troubleshooting wireless networks.

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Common wireless network issues.

– Interference.» Symptoms: slow performance and/or intermittent drops.» Probable causes: overlapping channels, walls (or other

hard objects), or other equipment that operates in the same frequencies.

» Possible corrective measures: change the RF channel or frequency, or adjust WAP placement.

– Signal strength.» Symptoms: slow performance and/or intermittent drops,

especially toward the edge of your wireless network.» Probable causes: low RF power settings, antenna type

and/or placement, or WAP placement.» Possible corrective measures: change RF power

settings, or adjust antenna and/or WAP placement.

– Latency.» Symptoms: slow performance; applications time out.» Probable cause: too many users on the network.» Possible corrective measure: install more WAPs (be

sure to avoid channel overlap).

Troubleshooting wireless networks.

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Common wireless network issues.

– Incorrect channel.» Symptom: unable to connect or poor performance.» Possible corrective measure: adjust WAP settings

and device settings (hint: 1, 6 , and 11 are non-overlapping).

– Incompatibilities.» Symptom: unable to connect to the wireless network.» Probable cause: 802.11a being used in an 802.11b/g

environment.» Possible corrective measures: make sure that you

are using equipment with compatible wireless standards.

– Bounce.» Symptom: poor performance or extended wireless

network coverage.» Probable cause: RF signals bouncing off of a hard

object.• Bounce can cause out-of-phase issues and/or it can

extend network coverage beyond area intended.» Possible corrective measure: adjust WAP

placement.

Troubleshooting wireless networks.

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Common wireless network issues.

– Incorrect WAP (switch) placement.» Symptom: poor signal quality or unintended coverage.» Possible corrective measure: move the WAP to a

central location within the coverage area.

– SSID Configuration.» Symptom: unable to connect to the wireless network.» Probable cause: SSID mismatch.» Possible corrective measure: check that the SIDs

match exactly (remember they are case sensitive).

– Encryption Configuration.» Symptom: unable to connect to the wireless network.» Probable cause: encryption type mismatch.» Possible corrective measure: check the encryption

settings on the WAP and on the device to make sure they are the same.

Troubleshooting wireless networks.

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What was covered.Troubleshooting wireless networks.

Patience and thoughtfulness can be key attributes in your success as a network technician. Employ the troubleshooting methodology: identify the problem; establish a theory of probable cause, test the theory, develop an action plan, implement the plan, verify functionality, and document everything.

Topic

Basic troubleshooting methodology.

Summary

Wireless networks add an additional layer of issues that can go wrong in the network. Common problems include: interference, signal strength, misconfigurations, incompatibilities, incorrect channels, high latency, encryption type mismatch, bounce, SSID mismatch, and incorrect WAP placement.

Common wireless network issues.

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THANK YOU!

This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.

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