Introduction
Error Message - User receives the "Packet to client 000b.cd5a.35d4 reached max retries, removing the client"
Resolution
This error message indicates that the Access Point (AP) attempts to poll the client a certain number of times, but does not receive a response. Therefore, the client is removed from the association table. This issue is commonly seen when the client and AP are attempting to communicate in a noisy Radio Frequency (RF) environment.
To resolve this issue, see if a snapshot reveals noise in the radio spectrum by trying to run a carrier busy test on the AP. Attempt to alleviate any unwanted noise.
Performing a Carrier Busy Test
You can perform a carrier busy test to check the radio activity on access point channels. During the carrier busy test, the access point drops all associations with wireless networking devices for around 4 seconds while it conducts the carrier test and then displays the test results.
In privileged EXEC mode, enter this command to perform a carrier busy test:
dot11 interface-number carrier busy
For interface-number, enter dot11radio 0 to run the test on the 2.4-GHz radio, or enter dot11radio 1 to run the test on the 5-GHz radio.
Use the show dot11 carrier busy command to re-display the carrier busy test results.
If there are several APs in the same area, they could be overlapping the channel signal or with any other wireless device in the surrounding area. Change the channels under Network Interfaces, Select Radio-802.11. There are three non-overlapping channels: 1, 6, and 11.
Note: If using non-Cisco clients, disable aironet extensions on the AP radio.
Problem Type
Error message
Products
Access point
Reference
Performing a Carrier Busy Test
Troubleshooting Problems Affecting Radio Frequency Communication
Radio Frequency and Site Survey
Site Survey RF Recommendations
