Troubleshooting Wireless LAN Performance Problems

Now, let’s discuss performance issues in WLAN environments. Even when users are connected to a wireless network, they may experience poor performance. As a wireless technician, you should be able to verify that performance requirements are being met and, if not, identify and address the underlying issues. In this lecture, I’ll go through the common causes of performance problems in wireless networks, including configuration errors, interference, data rates, and co-channel interference.

Configuration Errors

Configuration errors are a common cause of performance problems in wireless networks. If an AP is configured incorrectly, it may result in suboptimal performance for connected users. For example, on a MikroTik router, you have the option to configure wireless settings to operate on specific bands, like 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n. If the AP is set to 802.11b (an older standard), users will experience lower data rates, even if their devices support faster standards like 802.11n.

To resolve this, ensure that the AP is configured to use the most appropriate band based on the devices that will connect to it. In most cases, 802.11n or 802.11ac will offer better performance than older standards. Additionally, verify that the AP is using a frequency that is free of interference to avoid connectivity issues that can result from poor configuration.