Endpoints and Media Types · Topic 5 of 5
Mobile Devices and Wireless Client Settings
Check connectivity on Android and Apple iOS devices, and understand wireless client settings such as the SSID, authentication method and WPA mode.
- 4 min
- Android and iOS show IP details and signal in the Wi-Fi information screen.
- Toggling Wi-Fi, using airplane mode, forgetting the network and restarting are standard first fixes.
- The SSID is the network name. A hidden SSID must be typed in.
What it is
Phones and tablets have no everyday command line, so you check their connection through the settings screens.
Every wireless client needs three things to join a Wi-Fi network.
- The network name, which is the SSID.
- A way to prove who it is, which is authentication.
- Agreement on the security mode, such as a WPA version.
If any of the three is wrong, the device cannot connect.
How it works
You look at the Wi-Fi details screen, then change the client settings or try the usual fixes.
Android and Apple iOS
Both systems show connection details for the Wi-Fi network that the device has joined. Menu names change from one version to another, so look for the Wi-Fi settings and the information option beside the network name.
The details usually show the signal strength, the IP address, the gateway and the DNS server. This is the same information as ipconfig gives on a PC.
Useful actions include:
- Switching Wi-Fi off and on again.
- Turning airplane mode on and then off.
- Choosing to forget the network and joining it again with the password.
- Restarting the device.
- Moving closer to the access point to improve the signal.
Both systems can also show whether the device is using Wi-Fi or mobile data. Some third party apps show more, such as a list of nearby networks and their channels. These help to find interference and weak signal.
The SSID
The SSID is the name of the wireless network. A person chooses it from a list of nearby networks.
Some networks hide the SSID. A hidden network does not appear in the list, so the user must type the exact name. Hiding the name is not real security, because the name can still be seen by someone who captures wireless traffic.
Authentication and WPA mode
Authentication decides who is allowed in. The mode sets how the wireless traffic is protected.
| Mode | How a client signs in | Typical place |
|---|---|---|
| WPA2 Personal | One shared password for everybody | Homes, small offices |
| WPA3 Personal | One shared password, with stronger protection | Homes, small offices |
| WPA2 or WPA3 Enterprise | Each user signs in with their own account | Companies, schools |
The client and the access point must support a common mode. An old device that only knows an old mode may not be able to join a network that uses only WPA3.
If the password is typed wrongly, the client reports an authentication problem. The settings are explained further in the security chapter.
Common wireless client problems
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Network not listed | Out of range, hidden SSID, or the wrong band |
| Asks for the password again | Wrong password or changed password |
| Connected but no internet | No IP address, wrong DNS, or a fault beyond the access point |
| Slow or dropping | Weak signal or interference |
What to remember for the exam
Six facts cover most questions on this topic.
- Android and iOS show IP details and signal in the Wi-Fi information screen.
- Toggling Wi-Fi, using airplane mode, forgetting the network and restarting are standard first fixes.
- The SSID is the network name. A hidden SSID must be typed in.
- Hiding the SSID does not make a network secure.
- Personal modes use one shared password. Enterprise modes use individual accounts.
- The client and access point need a WPA mode they both support.
A phone that is connected to Wi-Fi but has no internet should be checked for a valid IP address and DNS before anything else.
Common mistakes
These four errors appear again and again.
Treating a hidden SSID as security. The name can still be found, so use a strong password and a modern WPA mode.
Typing the SSID with the wrong case or spelling. The name must match exactly.
Blaming the internet when the device has no address. Check the IP address first.
Forgetting to forget the network. After a password change, the saved network can keep failing until you remove it and join again.
Joining an open network with no password means anyone nearby could read the traffic.
Check yourself
Work through these three questions.
What is an SSID?
The SSID is the name of the wireless network.
What is the difference between a Personal and an Enterprise wireless mode?
Personal modes use one shared password. Enterprise modes make each user sign in with their own account.
A phone keeps failing to join a Wi-Fi network after the password was changed. What fix is listed on this page?
Forget the network and join it again with the new password.
Topic 5 of 5 in Endpoints and Media Types
Test yourself on Endpoints and Media Types
The full Cisco CCST 100-150 Networking question bank has 749 questions, with timed practice exams and an explanation for every answer.
This study guide is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Cisco. Vendor names, certification names and exam codes are trademarks of their respective owners and are used for identification only.