Why does a moved 2.4GHz WAP cause intermittent laptop issues?
A client with a 2.4GHz wireless network has stated that the entire office is experiencing intermittent issues with laptops after the WAP was moved. Which of the following is the most likely reason for these issues?
Community Votes
50% of anonymous learners picked answer D. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Community Insight
This question tests your ability to link a change (WAP move) to a wireless failure cause; reflection/multipath is the direct result, while microwave interference is an external distraction.
A moved 2.4GHz access point causing intermittent office-wide laptop issues is most likely due to multipath reflection, not microwave interference. Community comments split between reflection and microwave, but the key clue is that symptoms began only after the WAP was relocated.
Choosing D 'A microwave is in the office' — a common CompTIA 2.4GHz distractor, but it doesn't explain why the problem started after moving the WAP.
Community Discussion (5 comments)
Comments & Corrections
No comments yet — spotted an error or have a note? Share it below.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
The correct answer is B, “The signal is reflecting too much.” Moving a wireless access point changes the physical propagation paths, especially in the 2.4GHz band, where signals easily reflect off walls, windows, and metal objects. These reflections cause multipath interference, leading to phase cancellation, retries, and intermittent connectivity. The phrase “after the WAP was moved” is the crucial cue: the problem began when the environment changed, not because an existing source suddenly appeared.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A, “The network uses a non-overlapping channel,” is not a problem — non-overlapping channels are a best practice for avoiding interference, so this option would not cause intermittent issues. Option C, “The network has excessive noise,” is too vague and not specifically linked to moving the WAP; noise can come from many sources and would not necessarily arise immediately after relocation. Option D, “A microwave is in the office,” is a classic 2.4GHz interference source, but the issue began only after the WAP was moved. Even if a microwave exists, the question gives no evidence that the move placed the WAP near it, and microwave interference typically affects only the area around the microwave while it is operating.
Community Comment Notes
One top comment correctly explains that when a WAP is moved, its signal can bounce off different surfaces, causing reflection and interference, especially at 2.4GHz. Another comment suggests the microwave because intermittent issues and 2.4GHz are classic microwave signs, but it ignores the “after the WAP was moved” detail. The 43/43 vote split shows that many learners are torn between the ever-popular microwave distractor and the change-based reasoning that points to multipath reflection. On an exam, focus on the event that triggered the problem to avoid falling for a common but irrelevant trap.
Official Reference
Exam Strategy
Look for the keyword “after the WAP was moved” — it signals that the cause is a change in the wireless environment, not an always-present source like a microwave. Eliminate options that are good practices (non-overlapping channel) or unrelated to relocation, and choose the one that directly explains why moving caused intermittent problems.
Related Analysis
Practice All N10-009 Questions
Access 100 questions with complete answers and detailed explanations.
View Full N10-009 Practice Test →