Troubleshooting

Using tools provided in your operating system, you can find the source of common wireless networking problems.

Checking that client received IP address and DNS server information

Windows XP

1. Double-click the network icon in the taskbar to display the Wireless Network Connection Status window. Check that the correct network is listed in the Connection section.
2. Select the Support tab.
   Check that the Address Type is Assigned by DHCP. Check that the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway values are valid.
3. Select Details to view the DNS server addresses.
   The listed address should be the DNS serves that were assigned to the WAP. Usually a wireless network that provides access to the private LAN is assigned the same DNS servers as the wired private LAN. A wireless network that provides guest or customer users access to the Internet is usually assigned public DNS servers.
4. If any of the addresses are missing, select Repair.
   If the repair procedure doesn’t correct the problem, check your network settings.

Mac OS

1. From the Apple menu, open System Preferences > Network.
2. Select AirPort and then select Configure.
3. On the Network page, select the TCP/IP tab.
   
4. If there is no IP address or the IP address starts with 169, select Renew DHCP Lease.
5. To check DNS server addresses, open a terminal window and enter the following command:

cat /etc/resolv.conf

Check the listed nameserver addresses. A network for employees should us the wired private LAN DNS server. A network for guests should specify a public DNS server.

Linux

This example is based on the Ubuntu 10.04 Linux wireless client.

1. Right-click the Network Manager icon and select Connection Information.
   
2. Check the IP address, and DNS settings. If they are incorrect, check your network settings.