Simple Configuration Error Fixes
It's possible that software and hardware configuration errors could cause your network to behave erratically or not at all. Usually configuration errors prevent your devices from operating at all, but it's worth a review. If you have ruled out all other causes for your network trouble, try checking your AP and adapter settings and make sure that everyone is on the same page.
The following settings are common places you might find configuration errors:
- SSID Often, when you are setting up several adapters or access points, you may forget to input the correct SSID or make a typo. Usually automatic configmration helps avoid this problem.
- Wrong channel: Check that all your equipment is set for the same channeL
- Connection speed set too high. If you set the connection speed manually, make sure that all of your clients can receive the signal at sufficient strength to connect at that speed.
- BP addresses: If you aren't using DHCP, make sure that you don't assign the same IP to two devices and that all of the gateway and subnet mask addresses are the same.
- Antenna installation: If you have added antennas to your equipment, make sure that the cables are not too long and that any directional antennas you have installed are facing in the right direction. You don't want to broadcast toward the kitchen when your clients are in the living room.
- Adapters in wrong mode:Make sure your adapters are in infrastructure mode. For example, if you change the adapter setting on your laptop to ad hoc mode so that you can connect with another laptop while you are away on business, make sure you change it back to infrastructure mode when you return home.
- Adapter set for wrong network:If you change the settings on your laptop's adapter to connect to another network, make sure you change them back when you return home.
Careful attention to detail will aid you in avoiding configuration errors. When you start to experience problems, check the obvious before you start looking for RF interference or outside problems.