Why Client Upgrades Matter After Switching to 802.11ac APs

After an upgrade from 802.11n APs to 802.11ac APs, what most likely caused no improvement in throughput?

• A. APs are transmitting at a low transmit power.
• B. The clients were not upgraded.
• C. APs are mounted on the wall.
• D. The APs are still using the 5 GHz lower band.

Answer: (B)

The situation where no improvement in throughput occurs after upgrading from 802.11n to 802.11ac APs is most likely due to the clients not being upgraded. While 802.11ac access points provide significant enhancements over 802.11n, including higher throughput, improved modulation techniques, and better spectral efficiency, the true benefits can only be fully realized if the client devices also support these advanced capabilities. If the clients remain on older wireless standards, such as 802.11n or even older versions, they won't be able to take advantage of the enhancements provided by the 802.11ac access points. As a result, the overall network performance will still be constrained by the capabilities of the older clients, leading to no noticeable improvement in throughput despite the upgrade in the infrastructure. Factors like transmit power, AP placement, and the specific frequency band used can all play a role in wireless performance but do not fundamentally limit the improvement that an upgraded AP can provide if the client devices do not support those upgrades. Hence, upgrading client devices to those that support 802.11ac is essential to fully harness the potential increases in throughput from the upgraded APs.

When you upgrade from 802.11n to 802.11ac access points, you might expect to see a leap in throughput, right? Well, hold your horses! If there’s no jump in performance after this shiny upgrade, it’s more than likely because the client devices on your network haven’t kept pace. Talk about a buzzkill, huh?

Now, let’s break that down. The 802.11ac APs are like the upgrade to a turbocharged car, allowing for higher speeds and better efficiency. They come packed with features like higher throughput, advanced modulation techniques, and improved spectral efficiency. But here’s the kicker—if your clients are still rolling around on older standards like 802.11n, they won’t benefit from all those snazzy enhancements. It’s like giving someone the keys to a Ferrari, but they insist on trying to drive it with a flat tire.

You might be wondering, "But what about the APs themselves? Couldn’t they be the problem?" Well, sure. Factors like transmit power, how they’re positioned, and even the frequency bands they’re using definitely contribute to wireless performance. But if you want to tap into the true potential of 802.11ac, upgrading the client devices must be high on your to-do list.

Now, why is that? Think of the whole network like a relay race. If your runner (the 802.11ac) is speedy, but the next runner (the client devices) is lagging behind because they haven’t trained up, the team won’t clock the time you’re hoping for. So, getting those client devices up to par with the latest technology isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for seeing any noticeable improvement in your network throughput.

Don't let those stunning access points go to waste! Ensure that the client devices—laptops, smartphones, tablets—are likewise capable of reaping the benefits of a faster network. Once you’ve got everyone on the same page, you’ll likely see the throughput leap you were expecting, proving that while access points are vital, the clients are just as important in this tech tango.

So, while you ponder your next moves in upgrading your wireless setup, keep this in mind: It’s not just about the gear you hang on your walls, it’s about the devices that actually connect to them. Invest in upgrades across the board and watch your network performance soar!