AP's Upgrade

[fwwizards]

Hi List,

We're planning to replace our current Old linksys 4 APs
and we have at least 90+ users Simultaneously using
this AP's. Can you recommend what product should
i reconsider?, i'm thinking to get only 1 or 2 AP instead of
having 4.

Another question, Is there any way i can degrade the
wireless signal? i don't want users from the 2nd floor
of the building to connect to the AP. I put a hard metal
to the top of my AP but they can still connect to the
wireless router.

your inputs will be appreciated.Thanks!

[M/Q]

You may not want to decrease the number of AP's to two. That would mean 45 users per AP and if you are running 802.11a or g that still means 45 people per about 27 Mbps of bandwidth. That is not very much and you might have problems. I even think you are getting close to creating bottlenecks by having 20-22 users per AP.

As for the power control if you look at the better business class devices, they all have output power controls. I personally would suggest moving to business class equipment. If financial constraints restrict using the higher end devices, I would suggest the business class devices by NetGear. They work well and have the power control feature you were asking about. This link is one example.

http://www.netgear.com/products/details/WG302.php

[fwwizards]

Thanks M/Q...So,there is no way i can get a 2 AP's to handle
50 users each? this will be dedicated for browsing & email only.All
other services are blocked. I am leaning toward HP procurve &
Aeronet 1231 but i still need your expert suggestion :)
Are these two can blocked everything and permit only
http and smtp traffic? Thanks again.


Budget is about 4K USD

[M/Q]

I still think that 50 users divided into 27Mbps equals .5Mbps per user. I also like to allow a bit scalability (word). If management is OK with that amount allowed by 2 AP's, you can do what you are thinking about. Always get them to buy in, I am sure you know about CYA.

I also find that management may next week want to do something neat like VoIP or maybe streaming media. I always rather use more AP's and if need be reduce the power of each unit. I have over the years found that overkill when ever possible has always been the best approach.

I am having a brain fart right now, I should have asked why you are thinking 2 AP's when you have 4 now. That especially tells me that you have the infrastructure in place already, so it seems to be just a Plug and Play sort of thing.

You are getting good units by the way, very nice. I am somewhat embaressed that I mentioned NetGear in my last post. For once someone is thinking business class yeah!!!!

Sorry for the rambling post, but I had a long and hard battle with an email server today, and the jury is still out as to who won.

[fwwizards]

M/Q..our current AP's infra are sooo erratic! I have to reboot
it all the time just to make it online again.Its because we're
overload and linksys just can't handle the load and i want
something very stable that i can take a day off and not
thinking what AP's is down today :D

I think we'll get aeronet coz you can apply Time based ACL blocking
features.thanks again.

[M/Q]

OK, I am not sure what you are referring to, but best of luck and if we can help please ask for opinions.

[fwwizards]

Hi M/Q and other moderator.

Can you post a thread that member that seeking opinions and help
should not start their thread to please help, help me pls.,etc...They
should post the real problem so that it can be easily search or browse.

Thanks.