A network engineer is analyzing poor throughput and high packet loss reported by mobile client devices roaming through a multi-floor facility. A wireless spectrum analyzer indicates that three neighboring access points providing coverage on the same floor are configured to broadcast on 2.4 GHz Channels 1, 3, and 5, respectively. Which of the following best explains the primary cause of the performance degradation and the required resolution?
- The channel selection causes severe adjacent-channel interference due to overlapping 22 MHz channel spectra; the access points should be reconfigured to non-overlapping Channels 1, 6, and 11.Answer
- BThe channel selection results in co-channel interference because odd-numbered channels share identical center frequencies; the access points should be reconfigured to operate on Channels 2, 4, and 6.
- CThe channel selection triggers mandatory Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) radar avoidance mechanisms; the access points should be configured to disable DFS on 2.4 GHz and enable Transmit Power Control (TPC).
- DThe channel selection causes multipath distortion from 40 MHz channel bonding; the access points should be restricted to Channels 1, 4, and 8 to prevent phase cancellation.
Answer
The channel selection causes severe adjacent-channel interference due to overlapping 22 MHz channel spectra; the access points should be reconfigured to non-overlapping Channels 1, 6, and 11.
In 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks, channels are 20-22 MHz wide but spaced only 5 MHz apart. Assigning adjacent access points to Channels 1, 3, and 5 causes severe spectral overlap (adjacent-channel interference), which corrupts packets and prevents clear channel assessment. Reconfiguring the deployment to use non-overlapping Channels 1, 6, and 11 ensures sufficient frequency separation to eliminate adjacent-channel interference.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
2.4 GHz Non-Overlapping Channel Allocation
Estimated Time:1m 30s