October 2006 • Read time: 6 minutes
Wireless issues in enterprise environments often stem from a few common areas: interference, coverage gaps, configuration errors, or capacity overload. A structured troubleshooting approach is essential to quickly isolate and resolve these problems.
Start with the Basics
Begin by confirming the client device is connected to the expected
SSID, has a valid IP address, and can reach the default gateway. Use
simple tools like ping or ipconfig/ifconfig to validate network connectivity.
Inspect the Controller
Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) offer rich logs and statistics. Check for AP uptime, client RSSI/SNR, retransmission rates, and channel utilization. Pay attention to sudden drops in RSSI or rising channel utilization—these often indicate interference or congestion.
Analyze RF Conditions
Utilize site survey tools or spectrum analyzers to detect interference from non-Wi-Fi sources such as microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, or rogue APs. Consider adjusting transmit power or relocating APs to address dead zones or excessive overlap.
Check Client Behavior
Some client devices exhibit poor roaming or slow association due to outdated drivers or poor firmware. Keep device software up to date and validate roaming behavior using roaming logs or wireless debuggers.
Leverage Centralized Logging
Export logs to a syslog server or use SNMP traps for proactive alerting. Correlate events like AP reboots or excessive deauthentications with helpdesk tickets to uncover systemic issues.