Am I taking crazy pills?

[brianskurka]

All.

I'm just wondering if I am taking crazy pills. I need to find an access point with an antenna that can be put on top of a roof, and be able to support 100-200 connections. I'm having a trouble finding anything like that. Any ideas?

Thanks-

[lonnypaul]

Most 802.11b access points will provide support to serve up to 253 users. So, that should be the least of your problems.

As to an antenna, there are only several brands which allow for external antenna connection: SMC, D-Link, TrendWare and 3Com (I believe).

My question is, how do you anticipate handling the bandwidth needs of 100-200 users through a single access point?

[brianskurka]

I am actually setting up 4 access points to support a maximum of 520 users, in a 1/2 square mile radius. It is for an apartment complex, where is it very unlikely that every apartment will be using the internet. I am planning to run two T1 lines and capping each IP at 256k. If I am lucky, I should be able to support at least 250 people max. Thanks for the information about the external antenna.

[yonah]

Brian,

It sounds like you're outfitting an entire complext with Wi-Fi, I'm not sure how well this will work, given that the waves will break down when travelling through brick walls.

[brianskurka]

The apartment complex is fairly new (finished building in 2001), and there is not much brick or so I think. I tested my Linksys Wireless router from within my apartment, and I was able to connect from the outside up to 250ft. I am hoping using an antenna will boost my range, but only time will tell.

[sreachard]

check out intermec Mobilelan access 2100 I've used them before, it is a pretty tough unit, and the dual radio feature is handy if you need to put an AP someplace you can't easily wire(we had one on a light pole).

[mupdike]

Brian, an external antenna sounds like it would be an absolute necessity, but there is a danger. When you add an external antenna you will likely get one with built in amplification and that could provide a problem with your implementation. As you increase amplification at the antenna your signal becomes flatter (if using an omni-directional) and you will lose connectivity in areas that were weak. The best idea for you to do is get someone who is skilled at doing a site survey for your complex. That will tell you where to place access points, antennas, and any areas that will be inherently more challenging to get service to.
Good Luck.