Dlink AP2100 droping packets
I have a network setup that has a main office and 2 remote buildings included. In the main office building there is a Dlink 624 router with an external antenna. At each of the remote sites there is a DLink AP2100 (also with external antenna) set up as clients. These are used to connect 1 pc only at each remote site to the network connection at the router. Here is the problem.. At one of the remote sites we had a Lighting strike that destroyed some equipment including the PC using the AP2100. I've replaced all the equipment and rebuilt the PC. I tried to get reconnect to the network but after setting everything up I tried to Ping the router at the main office. the ping would succeed for maybe 3 or 4 packets and then start timing out. After some time the ping would succeed again for a few packets and then fail again. I suspected the AP2100 to be bad, so I replaced it, but the new AP does the same thing. Does anyone have any Ideas? this configuration worked just fine before the Lighting.
ASKER
Thanks for your response.
Yes, there is a Lightening arrestor in the antenna line. No, there are no switches, exacta. between the PC NIC and the AP. If you ping the AP directly (ping -t 192.168.0.50) the response never fails. Wouldnt that suggest that there is a problem on the wireless side? If the Lightening arrestor has failed (and it could be, although it shows no visible sign of failure), would you not expect to see NO successful pings to the wireless router? Also if you use the "Site scan" feature in the AP, the router shows up. Is it still possible the Antenna is bad?
Yes, there is a Lightening arrestor in the antenna line. No, there are no switches, exacta. between the PC NIC and the AP. If you ping the AP directly (ping -t 192.168.0.50) the response never fails. Wouldnt that suggest that there is a problem on the wireless side? If the Lightening arrestor has failed (and it could be, although it shows no visible sign of failure), would you not expect to see NO successful pings to the wireless router? Also if you use the "Site scan" feature in the AP, the router shows up. Is it still possible the Antenna is bad?
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ASKER
Thanks for your suggestions, I'll try all of them and get back to you in a day or 2.
Typically the lost packets are due to bad coverage - i.e. you may recieve reflections. Place access point just near to router and see if you have good connection. Then move it away and other place to see if you are hit by bad coverage w/reflections.
ASKER
No, reflection going on here, I now suspect a damaged antenna. I have another on order, I'll let you know the results.
ASKER
After replacing the antenna, problem went away. Thanks Johnjces:
ASKER
Thanks Johnjces:
A direct strike to the antenna could have burned out the connection. Also check and see if you have a lightening arrester between the antenna and the DLink. Those are sacrificed in the event of a direct hit and still no guarantee of protection to other devices).
Any switches/hubs between the DLink and your PC? You could have fried a port there and if a direct hit, your Cat5 cable could be burned adding a high resistance to the line.
Lastly, check for moisture in the connections in anything outside in the weather.
John