A network technician is responding to connectivity issues reported by forklift operators i… — CompTIA Network+

A network technician is responding to connectivity issues reported by forklift operators in a distribution warehouse. The operators report that handheld Wi-Fi scanners frequently disconnect and fail to roam when driving deep into storage aisles. A wireless site survey indicates that while ceiling-mounted omnidirectional Access Points (APs) along the central walkway maintain strong signal strength of $-60\text{ dBm}$ , the signal drops significantly to $-85\text{ dBm}$ inside the aisle rows filled with metallic racks and densely stacked inventory. Which of the following is the primary cause of this issue, and what is the most effective solution?

RF absorption and attenuation caused by physical metallic structures; install directional patch antennas focused down each storage aisle.Answer
B
Adjacent-channel interference on the 2.4 GHz band; reconfigure neighboring access point radios to use overlapping channel 3.
C
Duplex mismatch between the Access Points and switchports; reconfigure physical switch interface speeds manually to half-duplex.
D
Failure of DHCP server lease renewals; configure static APIPA addresses on all handheld wireless scanners.

Answer

The primary cause is RF absorption and attenuation caused by physical metallic structures. The recommended solution is to install directional patch antennas focused down each storage aisle.

Dense metallic shelving and warehouse inventory absorb and reflect radio frequency (RF) signals, causing high attenuation and creating wireless dead zones in aisles. Installing directional patch antennas aims the wireless beam down the corridor of each aisle, concentrating signal strength where handheld scanners operate.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyze the site survey data and environment description.

The signal drops from

-60\text{ dBm}

in the main walkway to a weak

-85\text{ dBm}

inside the aisles surrounded by metal shelving and inventory.

Dense metal structures act as physical RF barriers, causing signal attenuation and reflection.

Evaluate the current antenna design versus environmental requirements.

Omnidirectional antennas radiate signal in a 360-degree pattern, which gets blocked and absorbed by high metal shelves.

Omnidirectional antennas are ineffective when RF propagation is restricted by narrow, metallic corridors.

Select the appropriate antenna type for aisle coverage.

Directional patch antennas focus the RF radiation beam pattern down specific paths.

Aiming directional antennas down the length of each aisle overcomes localized attenuation and ensures reliable roaming for warehouse clients.

Key Concept

RF Attenuation & Directional Antenna Selection

Estimated Time:1m 30s

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