RUCKUS Access Points (AP) Frequent Channel Change

Summary

Wireless access points (APs) play a crucial role in providing reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. However, frequent channel changes can disrupt network performance and lead to client disconnections. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind AP channel changes and provide best practices for optimizing your RUCKUS AP deployment.

Question

Why Do RUCKUS APs Change Channels Frequently?

Customer Environment

Any RUCKUS AP managed by any RUCKUS Controller solution

Root Cause

Several factors contribute to AP channel changes, such as Environmental and Configuration Issues, Interference from neighboring APs or other devices, High transmit power settings, Short background scan intervals, Co-channel interference and Suboptimal SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio), etc.

Troubleshooting Steps

Troubleshooting Steps

When faced with frequent channel changes, follow these steps:

  1. Collect Deployment Details:

    • Obtain floor plan details and any AP deployment images.
    • Gather information about the Wi-Fi environment.
  2. Evaluate AP Placement:

    • Check AP distances from other APs.
    • Assess AP density (number of clients per AP).
  3. Controller GUI Analysis:

    • Verify if APs are flagged for airtime utilization, latency, connection failures, or total connected clients.
    • Investigate flagged APs to address client disconnection and performance issues.
  4. RF Neighbor Details:

    • In the your RUCKUS Controller GUI (based on what product you are using, SZ, RUCKUS One, Unleashed), review RF neighbor details.
    • Identify interfering APs on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands with good SNR values.
    • Optimize AP Zone/Venue configuration accordingly.
  5. Specific Recommendations:

    • 2.4 GHz Radio:
      • Set channelization to 20 MHz and channels to AUTO.
      • Decrease transmit power based on AP distance.
      • Increase the background interval (default is 3600 seconds) to reduce frequent channel changes due to co-channel interference.
    • 5 GHz Radio:
      • For densely deployed APs with high client counts, set channelization to 20 or 40 MHz and channels to AUTO.
      • Adjust 5 GHz transmit power as needed or enable Auto-cell-sizing.

Resolution

  • Varies based on environmental conditions and AP deployment specifics.
  • Increasing background scan intervals or using Channelfly can mitigate frequent channel changes.
  • Reduce the number of WLANs advertised in dense AP deployments.
  • Consider environmental factors when making changes.
  • Always review floor maps, site survey reports, and client service requirements before making configuration changes.

Remember: Changing configurations without proper assessment may not resolve issues effectively.

For real-time insights, consider using RUCKUS AI and monitoring client and AP statuses, along with RRM (Radio Resource Management) suggestions.

Article Number:
000014317

Updated:
May 20, 2024 08:39 AM (6 months ago)

Tags:
Performance, Configuration, Troubleshooting, SZ144, Ruckus Cloud WiFi, SZ300, Unleashed, virtual SmartCell Gateway, SZ100

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