Jump to content
The mkiv Supra Owners Club

Network engineers? Wireless question?


rob wild

Recommended Posts

Hello just a quick question ;)

 

If you were installing a wireless network in a traditional building three floors. Now their will be anywhere from 20 upto 200 wireless laptops using the network at anyone time. The network needs to be fast i.e 108bps. My question is really how many access points do you think per floor? as im worried about the bandwidth and their is no clarification on the cisco website as to how many users one access point will support for example 25 users all accessing the network at 108.

 

Any advice would be good :)

 

Thanks Rob

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Slightly off topic, but don't forget to set up the channels to maximise efficiency. You should use 1,6 and 11 to ensure efficiency. It's the only combination that allows 3 channels. See http://www.draytek.co.uk/support/kb_vigor_wlanchannels.html and http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/en/library/b064b275-604f-43e8-a699-cb8e4676874f1033.mspx?mfr=true

Link to comment
Share on other sites

108Mbps (I assume you meant Mbps, not bps? :D) will require 802.11'Pre-N' kit, or some manufacturer-enhanced 'turbo' 802.11b/g stuff, which could be limiting as you'll only be able to use 1 brand of kit (access point AND client).

 

Don't forget that;

1) any stated speed is the channel's speed, not the throughput (real bandwidth)

2) it's a theoretical maximum, for real-workld figures, halve the number, and then start sharing that between the number of clients you expect to hang off each access point (and reduce it a lot further if you end up having interfering APs on co-existant channels...

 

Check this out for how to be a bit cunning and use several Wi-Fi frequencies in the same building instead of the traditional 3.

http://www.cisco.com/application/pdf/en/us/guest/products/ps430/c1244/cdccont_0900aecd8027a5f7.pdf

 

Cisco have loads of really useful info if you search hard enough

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do you really NEED 108Mbps?? Top speeds and burst rates are great, but if they are just file sharers and internet users its stability not speed that you need.

 

I say this as there's much more 802.11g kit out there...which could give you more capability for you budget.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looks like Cisco have released something called the Aironet 1250, an 802.11n Access point....at $1200 a pop a few of these could see you right...possibly (not sure how available they are). Do lots of homework, and generally you can't go wrong with Cisco.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agree with the use of 11g for stability. We put in the new Cisco mesh at one of our sites that use up to 25 Handheld PDA's to take menu orders for anyone up to 300 people on a race night and that works perfectly. We have 4 access points in two large rooms and its spot on.

 

One of the other race course have a new 11n cisco access point and when more than 30 devices are connected the speed really drops off.

 

Saying that its still stable just slower.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What do you mean by traditional building over three floors, is this an open plan office or an apartment block?

 

When we roll out new wireless networks to cover large areas we do lots of work before hand like mapping the wireless areas that require covering, we can then position the APs in the most effective position.

 

Are you able to cable each AP or will some have to be wireless repeaters.

 

Your choice of antenna will also determine how many APs you will need to cover an area.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. You might also be interested in our Guidelines, Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.