Bill H
asked on
Wireless Troubleshooting
Hey guys,
Is there a tool to troubleshoot wifi connectivity on a Apple Mac?
Is there a tool to troubleshoot wifi connectivity on a Apple Mac?
ASKER
OK i will do that, what information does that provide, and also is there any other tools?
Hi Cobra25,
I should've put this in with my last post, but here is a link to the "How To" (HT) from Apple: Link.
If you're looking to analyze your network for optimal configuration, I would recommend NetSpot. NetSpot has two Analyzers:
(1) Wi-Fi Survey & Wireless Scanner
(2) Wi-Fi Reporter
I've used both and really like the ease of use and quality of its reporting functions (including the ability to have a company branded print out of all WAPs, heat maps, channels, bands, etc...).
If you're looking for something more granular like packet capture, then Wireshark is always a good tool to use.
If you're basically just looking to troubleshoot the Mac's AirPort, then go to Sys Pref/network/wi-fi/
check the switch is toggled on/connected to the right SSID (if everything is good there) / move onto the "advanced" button in the bottom right-hand corner/ clear out the networks that you don't connect to in Preferred Networks (or all of them if you want to start from scratch) / then go to TCP/IP and check to make sure the Mac is pulling a legit IP (169. is self serving so that means it's not grabbing an IP from the WAP) / If it's got a legit IP but can't get out to the Internet check the DNS/ DNS is the next tab over (most likely it is pulling the DNS from whatever the router is giving it, so write those down but if they are stopping your progress, try using Google's 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4)
Hopefully this helps.
I should've put this in with my last post, but here is a link to the "How To" (HT) from Apple: Link.
If you're looking to analyze your network for optimal configuration, I would recommend NetSpot. NetSpot has two Analyzers:
(1) Wi-Fi Survey & Wireless Scanner
(2) Wi-Fi Reporter
I've used both and really like the ease of use and quality of its reporting functions (including the ability to have a company branded print out of all WAPs, heat maps, channels, bands, etc...).
If you're looking for something more granular like packet capture, then Wireshark is always a good tool to use.
If you're basically just looking to troubleshoot the Mac's AirPort, then go to Sys Pref/network/wi-fi/
check the switch is toggled on/connected to the right SSID (if everything is good there) / move onto the "advanced" button in the bottom right-hand corner/ clear out the networks that you don't connect to in Preferred Networks (or all of them if you want to start from scratch) / then go to TCP/IP and check to make sure the Mac is pulling a legit IP (169. is self serving so that means it's not grabbing an IP from the WAP) / If it's got a legit IP but can't get out to the Internet check the DNS/ DNS is the next tab over (most likely it is pulling the DNS from whatever the router is giving it, so write those down but if they are stopping your progress, try using Google's 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4)
Hopefully this helps.
ASKER
A few Mac's keep disconnecting here for no apparent reason, do you think NetSpot would be the most beneficial to find root cause?
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Here is a link to NetSpot's website: Link.
That should give you a good understanding of what it can do for you.
That should give you a good understanding of what it can do for you.
Hold the option key, while clicking on the WiFi icon and you can see basic stats to help you diagnose your current connection.
You can do some basic scans with the built-in Network Utility.app, which basically puts several command line tools into a GUI.
You can do some basic scans with the built-in Network Utility.app, which basically puts several command line tools into a GUI.
One of the best ways to troubleshoot Wi-Fi issues is built into the Mac itself.
By pressing the "Option" key and clicking the AirPort icon in the upper righthand corner of your screen, you can choose "Open wireless diagnostics". Just follow the prompts and it will diagnose what the issue is.