You are troubleshooting a client problem with a 2.4 GHz WLAN connection. The client is experiencing surprisingly low data rates during the work day. You analyze the workspace outside of business hours and detect a strong signal with a typical noise floor at the client location. During working hours, the user works with a laptop in the area and uses an external USB hard drive for continuous data access. The user also states that the laptop works as expected on her home network. The user working approximately 8 feet away from this client experiences no problems.

Based on this information, what is the likely cause of the problem?

A. The AP is overloaded during the work day

B. The drivers in the laptop are corrupt

C. The laptop has a failing wireless adapter

D. The external hard drive is USB 3.0 and is causing a significant increase in the noise floor when in use