* A directional WAP is a wireless access point that emits a focused signal in a specific direction, rather than a circular or omnidirectional pattern12.
* A directional WAP can help to improve the wireless coverage and performance in a targeted area, such as an outdoor patio, while minimizing the signal leakage and interference in other areas, such as the building interior12.
* A directional WAP can also reduce the exposure to external interference and noise from other sources, such as neighboring networks or devices12.
* Disabling the SSID broadcast on the WAP in the patio area would not prevent the signal from bleeding into the building, nor would it improve the connectivity for the users. It would only make the network name invisible to casual scanners, but not to determined attackers3.
* Installing a WAP and enabling 5GHz only within the patio area would not prevent the signal from bleeding into the building, nor would it improve the connectivity for the users with older devices. The
5GHz band has a shorter range and a higher attenuation rate than the 2.4GHz band, which means it is more susceptible to obstacles and interference. Moreover, some older devices may not support the 5GHz band at all4.
* Installing a repeater on the back wall of the patio area would not prevent the signal from bleeding into the building, nor would it improve the connectivity for the users. A repeater is a device that amplifies and retransmits a wireless signal, but it also introduces latency and reduces bandwidth. A repeater does not change the direction or shape of the signal, so it would not help to isolate the patio area from the building5. References:
* [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 2: Wireless Networks, Section:
Wireless Access Points
* [Professor Messer's CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes], Page 15: Wireless Access Points
* [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 2: Wireless Networks, Section:
SSID Broadcast
* [Professor Messer's CompTIA N10-008 Network+ Course Notes], Page 14: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Frequencies
* [CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Certification Study Guide], Chapter 2: Wireless Networks, Section:
Wireless Repeaters