A wireless network administrator observes that roaming wireless clients in a multi-story c… — CompTIA Network+

A wireless network administrator observes that roaming wireless clients in a multi-story corporate building consistently maintain connections to distant access points (APs) at very low received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values instead of roaming to nearer APs. This causes overall network degradation due to low data rates consuming excessive airtime. A physical site survey confirms that AP placement and transmit power levels are properly balanced across the floor plan. Which of the following configuration changes on the wireless LAN controller best remediates this sticky client behavior while optimizing overall airtime efficiency?

Disabling legacy data rates (such as $1\text{ Mbps}$ through $11\text{ Mbps}$ ) and raising the minimum basic data rate threshold on the wireless networkAnswer
B
Configuring adjacent $2.4\text{ GHz}$ access points to operate on overlapping channels such as channels $1$ , $2$ , and $3$
C
Increasing access point radio transmit power to maximum levels across all deployed $2.4\text{ GHz}$ and $5\text{ GHz}$ radios
D
Configuring $80\text{ MHz}$ channel bonding across all $2.4\text{ GHz}$ access point radios to increase client throughput

Answer

Disabling legacy data rates and raising the minimum basic data rate threshold on the wireless network

Disabling low legacy data rates and increasing the minimum basic rate forces clients to disassociate and seek a stronger access point once their signal degrades below the set threshold. This prevents clients from lingering on distant access points at low transmission rates, freeing up wireless channel airtime and resolving sticky client issues.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyze the problem symptoms and underlying cause

Identify that sticky clients remain connected to distant APs at very low RSSI, transmitting at low data rates (e.g.,

1\text{ Mbps} - 11\text{ Mbps}

) which consumes excessive channel airtime.

Client devices evaluate roaming thresholds based on signal strength and data rate availability broadcast by the access point.

Evaluate wireless LAN controller rate tuning mechanisms

Disabling mandatory support for low legacy data rates shrinks the effective management cell boundary of each AP without altering RF physical power.

When a client drops below the configured minimum basic rate (e.g.,

12\text{ Mbps}

24\text{ Mbps}

), it can no longer maintain management frames with that AP and is forced to roam to a closer AP with higher RSSI.

Verify airtime fairness impact

Eliminating low bitrates frees up valuable airtime for high-speed transmissions, improving total throughput for all connected wireless clients.

Slower bitrates require significantly longer channel occupancy times to transmit the same payload compared to higher OFDM rates.

Key Concept

Minimum Basic Data Rate Tuning and Airtime Fairness

Question

Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept

Common Mistakes

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