PACE-IT (Progressive, Accelerated Certifications for Employment in Information Technology) "Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53" Learn more about the PACE-IT Online program: www.edcc.edu/pace-it

1. 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.

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– Basic troubleshooting methodology.
– Common wireless network issues.
PACE-IT.

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Troubleshooting wireless networks.

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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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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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Troubleshooting wireless networks.

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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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– 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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– 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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– 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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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!

14. 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.
PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are
available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing
impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call
425.354.3113 on a video phone for more information about the PACE-IT program. For
any additional special accommodations needed, call the SSD office at 425.640.1814.
Edmonds Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion;
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status; or genetic information in its programs and activities.