Wi-Fi for Hotel setup

[gujuusa]

I am a IT engineer that has a basic to intermediate understanding of wifi.

I also have with some friends an investment in a small hotel.

I am interested in setting up internet for our hotel. I have attached a diagram of the hotel showing distances between points.

The building is of brick construction. I have attached a sample picture of the property.

We are looking into some access points, repeaters, etc.

Some of the ones we are considering include:

1. Linksys WAP200E (http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1175232383681&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=8368193126B11)

2. Netgear WAG102 (http://www.netgear.com/Products/APsWirelessControllers/AccessPoints/WAG102.aspx)

3. Netgear WG302 (http://www.netgear.com/Products/APsWirelessControllers/AccessPoints/WG302.aspx)

with this antenna ..... ANT2409 (http://www.netgear.com/Products/APsWirelessControllers/AntennasandCables/ANT2409.aspx)

with this extension cable.. 5m or 10m (http://www.netgear.com/Products/APsWirelessControllers/AntennasandCables/Antenna_Cables.aspx)

Can anyone suggestion any recommendations?

Also, has anyone used the VisiWave Site Survey software? or similar?

After reviewing the diagram and picture attached.. can anyone make suggestions?

Thanks in advance? :)

RP

[Alan87i]

I recommend Not using an Omnidirectional antenna. !
A sector or panel antenna is a much better way to deploy from the spot marked as the internet line on your diagram.
A 15 dBi panel @ the internet line building will service a large area.
This all depends on the Brick !! Is it WIFI compliant LOL .
For the best results you need to do a site survey . Set up 1 AP and see how far you can get with a usable signal.
First scan the area with a laptop for other networks and avoid those channels like the plague.

Depending where you mount the AP in the Internet line building you might get away with 2 ap's in the same general location with panel antennas aimed in different directions. The rooms in the middle will have a choice.

90 % of you time spent on this project should be on surveying.
I also recommend using AP's with built in antennas made for outdoor use and have POE. No coax = no loss, no water getting in in 6 months causing havoc and they are quite often the same cost when considering install labor.
I also avoid repeaters as much as possible.

[gujuusa]

hi,

Thank you for your reply.

1. Can you suggest some makes/models for the sector or panel antennas?

2. Can you suggest some resellers for the sector or panel antennas?

3. Linksys WAP200E and the netgear antennas I pointed out are meant for outdoor use and have POE.


Any other ideas? or comments?

RP

[Alan87i]

One place has some need options is found here (http://www.pacwireless.com/products/RT24.shtml)

The rootenna is a neat enclosure with a built in antenna. If you device fits inside it's an all in 1 solution. They also have many other antennas to choose from.

[gujuusa]

What the typical range of one of these rootennas? I was leaning towards the netgear due to its easy setup and installation, good warranty and performance. If anyone feels otherwise... please advise.


If I place one router halfway in the building marked "Internet Line" and then place another halfway on the other building... should that be sufficient?

[Alan87i]

You will have to pick one mount it and survey the area . There are too many variables to make any guess.

[gujuusa]

Thanks. I thought there might be just an estimated range available. I know with the Linksys products they state an estimated range.

Any other suggestions are still welcome...

[gujuusa]

Alan87i, mentioned sector or panel antennas.... thanks for that.

There are many different types of antennas.... directional antennas, reflector grid antennas, panel antennas, yagi antennas, panel antennas, omnidirectional antennas, sectorial antennas, and other wireless Wi-Fi antennas.

Can someone suggest the best and most cost effective idea for my application.

[Alan87i]

Panel or a sector is your best bet.
The rest are directional witch means a strong but narrow beam and the omni of coarse witch would work for you if you mounted it in the center of the parking area.
Typically the higher the gain in dbi the more narrow the beam width. That's why I suggested a 15 dbi panel ,, an 11 or in between the 2 would be just a good .
Like I said until you get 1 and test it there's no way of knowing for sure how well it will perform.