PACE-IT: Troubleshooting Wireless Networks (part 2)

Troubleshooting wireless networks II.

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.


– Wireless environmental factors.

– Wireless standard related factors.

PACE-IT

Wireless environmental factors.Troubleshooting wireless networks II.

Wireless environmental factors.

When planning and setting up a wireless network, quite often, environmental factors that may impact the wireless network are disregarded.

It is easy to get distracted by all of the moving pieces of the wireless network (e.g., SSID configuration, encryption, and which standards to use) and to overlook factors in the environment that may impact the quality of the planned network.

To get the most out of a wireless network, these factors need to be taken into consideration, as they can have an impact on the overall quality and performance of the network.



– Building materials.» A wireless network works by sending and

receiving radio frequency (RF) waves across a given area.

» Anything that can interrupt the signal, or change the path of the waves, can create a problem in the network; this is called signal bounce.

• The signal may return to the wireless access point (WAP) out of phase, leading to poor performance or dropped packets.

• The signal may be bounced into areas where coverage was not planned, leading to a security or interference issue.

» Building materials of concern include:• Concrete walls.• Metal studs.• Window film—window tinting with a metallic

content.



When evaluating wireless environmental factors, it is important to consider more than just building materials.

All hard surfaces have the potential to create an out of phase or bounced signal, including office furnishings and file cabinets.

Using a wireless analyzer and wireless survey tools during the planning stage of a wireless network will lead to better placement of the wireless equipment—ultimately leading to a better performing network.


Wireless standard related factors.Troubleshooting wireless networks II.

Wireless standard related factors.

– Wireless standard compatibility.» Not all of the 802.11 (wireless) standards are

compatible with each other.» This is partially due to the RF frequencies used.

• Most common RF frequencies: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.» This is partially due to the type of modulation

employed.• Modulation is the encoding of information to be

placed on a carrier wave, employed to put the signal on the network.

• Most common forms of modulation: orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS).

– Standard compatibility list for 802.11.

» 802.11a: not compatible most with other standards.

» 802.11b: compatible with 802.11g/n.» 802.11g: compatible with 802.11b/n.» 802.11n: compatible with 802.11b/g/ac.» 802.11ac: compatible with 802.11a/n.



– Wireless standards.» 802.11b: uses the 2.4 GHz RF band and DSSS.

• Offers up to 11 Mbps networking, with a maximum indoor range of 115 ft. and a maximum outdoor range of 460 ft.

» 802.11a: uses the 5 GHz RF band and OFDM.• Offers up to 54 Mbps networking, with a maximum

indoor range of 115 ft. and a maximum outdoor range of 390 ft.

» 802.11g: uses the 2.4 GHz RF band and both OFDM and DSSS.


» 802.11n: uses both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz RF bands and OFDM.


» 802.11ac: uses the 5 GHz RF band and OFDM.• Expected to offer up to 1 Gbps networking, with a

maximum indoor range of 115 ft.


What was covered.Troubleshooting wireless networks II.

When planning a wireless network, environmental factors that may impact performance are very often not taken into account. The materials used in the construction of the building may have an impact on the performance of the network. Other hard surfaces may also impact the performance of the network. Using a wireless analyzer and wireless survey tools will lead to a better performing network.

Topic


Summary

Not all wireless standards are compatible due to the RF that is used and/or the type of modulation that is employed. OFDM and DSSS are the two types of modulation that are used in the 802.11 network. In terms of compatibility, 802.11b/g/n are compatible, 802.11n/ac are compatible, and 802.11a/ac are compatible.


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.

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; national origin; sex; disability; sexual orientation; age; citizenship, marital, or veteran status; or genetic information in its programs and activities.

PACE-IT: Troubleshooting Wireless Networks (part 2)

Education

Transcript of PACE-IT: Troubleshooting Wireless Networks (part 2)