5.4 Performance Issues

Question 1

Congestion / Contention

Answer 1

When too many devices compete for the same network bandwidth, leading to slowed performance and dropped packets.

Question 2

Bottlenecking

Answer 2

A point in the network where the data flow is restricted by a low-capacity component (e.g., a 10Gbps server connected to a 1Gbps switch port).

Question 3

Throughput Capacity

Answer 3

The actual amount of data successfully delivered over a link in a given time, as opposed to the theoretical ‘Bandwidth’ (maximum possible speed).

Question 4

Latency

Answer 4

The time delay (measured in milliseconds) it takes for a packet to travel from the source to the destination.

Question 5

Packet Loss

Answer 5

The failure of one or more transmitted packets to reach their destination; usually caused by congestion or faulty hardware.

Question 6

Jitter

Answer 6

The variation in the delay (latency) between packets; causes ‘stuttering’ in real-time traffic like VoIP or video conferencing.

Question 7

Wireless Interference

Answer 7

Electromagnetic signals from other devices (microwaves, Bluetooth, neighboring APs) that degrade Wi-Fi performance.

Question 8

Channel Overlap

Answer 8

When neighboring APs use overlapping frequencies (e.g., using channels 1 and 2 in 2.4GHz), causing massive interference.

Question 9

Signal Attenuation (Wireless)

Answer 9

The weakening of Wi-Fi signals as they pass through walls, floors, or travel long distances, leading to low RSSI (Signal Strength).

Question 10

Insufficient Wireless Coverage

Answer 10

Dead zones where the signal is too weak for devices to maintain a stable connection; solved by adding APs or moving existing ones.

Question 11

Client Disassociation

Answer 11

When a wireless device repeatedly disconnects from an AP; often caused by weak signal, interference, or buggy drivers.

Question 12

Roaming Misconfiguration

Answer 12

Issues with moving between APs seamlessly; usually caused by APs having different security settings or too much/too little cell overlap.