CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator v107 — Question 33

You are troubleshooting a client problem with a 2.4 GHz WLAN connection. The client is experiencing surprisingly low data rates during the work day. You analyze the workspace outside of business hours and detect a strong signal with a typical noise floor at the client location. During working hours, the user works with a laptop in the area and uses an external USB hard drive for continuous data access. The user also states that the laptop works as expected on her home network.
The user working approximately 8 feet away from this client experiences no problems.
Based on this information, what is the likely cause of the problem?

Answer options

• A. The laptop has a failing wireless adapter
• B. The AP is overloaded during the work day
• C. The external hard drive is USB 3.0 and is causing a significant increase in the noise floor when in use
• D. The drives in the laptop are corrupt

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is B, as the access point (AP) may become overloaded due to increased user demand during business hours, leading to lower data rates. Option A can be ruled out since the laptop functions well on the home network, indicating the adapter is likely not failing. Option C, although USB 3.0 can cause interference, is less likely as the primary issue, and option D does not explain the performance drop when the laptop works fine elsewhere.