Troubleshooting Wireless Issues

Because wireless signals travel through the atmosphere, they are subjected to all sorts of elements that can block wireless signals. This includes storms, the number of walls between the sending and receiving devices, ceilings, mirrors, and so on. Just how weakened the signal becomes depends on the building material used, RF interference, the power of the wireless signal, and how far the signal must travel. Every element that a wireless signal must pass through or around weakens the signal, reducing the distance it can travel.

Environmental factors are not the only things to consider when working with wireless networks. This section reviews two key areas to focus on when troubleshooting wireless networks: wireless signals and wireless configurations.

NOTE: Signal Strength Wireless signals degrade depending on the construction material used. Signals passing through concrete and steel are particularly weakened.