Resolve WAP Connectivity Issue: Recommended Steps

A WAP has been dropping off the network sporadically and reconnecting shortly thereafter.

The Cat 5 wire connecting the access point is a long run of 265ft (81m) and goes through the business area and the mechanical room.

Which of the following should the technician do to fix the AP connectivity issue?

A.

Install a repeater to boost the signal to its destination

B.

Replace the UTP cable with plenum cable.

C.

Upgrade the cable from Cat 5 to Cat 5e.

D.

Set the AP to half duplex to compensate for signal loss.

C.

The issue with the wireless access point (WAP) dropping off the network sporadically can be caused by a number of factors, including interference, signal loss, or a faulty device. However, given that the WAP is connected to the network via a Cat 5 cable that runs for 265ft (81m), the most likely cause of the problem is signal loss due to attenuation.

Cat 5 cable is designed to transmit data reliably up to a distance of 100 meters (328ft). Beyond this distance, the signal can degrade and result in dropped connections, slow speeds, or other network issues. Therefore, the best solution to fix the AP connectivity issue would be to upgrade the cable from Cat 5 to Cat 5e.

Cat 5e cable is an improved version of Cat 5 that provides better signal integrity and higher transmission speeds over longer distances. It uses twisted pair wiring and advanced shielding techniques to reduce crosstalk, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and attenuation, ensuring a reliable and stable network connection.

Alternatively, installing a repeater to boost the signal to its destination is also a valid solution. However, this would require additional hardware and configuration, which can be costly and time-consuming. Moreover, it may not address the root cause of the problem, which is the cable's limitations.

Replacing the UTP cable with plenum cable is not necessary in this scenario. Plenum cable is designed for use in air handling spaces and other areas where fire safety codes require low-smoke, low-toxicity materials. While it may offer some benefits in terms of safety and performance, it is unlikely to solve the AP connectivity issue, which is related to signal loss.

Finally, setting the AP to half-duplex to compensate for signal loss is not a recommended solution. Half-duplex mode allows for bi-directional communication, but only one direction at a time, which can result in slower speeds and increased latency. Moreover, it does not address the underlying issue of signal loss due to cable limitations.