At the municipal library, one laptop lists the staff SSID and fails authentication, while a tablet at the same desk never sees the SSID at all. How should the tech categorize these two problems?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
Hearing the SSID but failing the handshake is a password/security-config problem. Never seeing the network at all is like the radio station not reaching your seat—an RF or band/visibility issue. Split those two buckets before you spin in circles.
Full Explanation
Technicians must separate 'SSID visible but authentication fails' from 'no beacon or BSS heard.' The first category points to security or profile configuration (PSK/Enterprise mismatch, wrong credentials). The second indicates RF coverage, band selection, or radio configuration preventing discovery. Treating both as the same root cause wastes time and can lead to unnecessary credential resets or RF escalations. Correct categorization is a core Domain 5 connectivity skill.