Adding multiple access points?

[Kaido]

Just wondering how this network setup would work:

-central wired Router
-large Ethernet switch
-Multiple wireless access points (basement, second floor, outside rear deck)

How would you get the wireless network to mesh properly? Is it okay if all of the Wireless Access Points have the same SSID & security info, or would that create havoc?

 

[vorgusa]

I believe that you need WAPs that are capable of doing this, such as SOHO or Business WAPs. They will have WDS (wireless Distribution System) options. if it is possible to do it with a regular WAP then you will need to put them all on the same settings. check out the 3200 WAP from DLink I know they can

 

[Tencntraze]

Can't you configure some of the routers to run as repeaters?

 

[nweaver]

configuring as a repeater is less desirable then running a cable and plugging it in. The major issue with this would be that consumer grade AP's don't offer any roaming help, so you may end up walking from one area to another and have crappy reception, because your AP's won't help you roam.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: nweaverso you may end up walking from one area to another and have crappy reception, because your AP's won't help you roam.

Unfortunately, True.

Thus, SSID same, or different, is something that needs to be experimented with.

It would dependent on the roaming habits, and the signal strength at each point.

For some it works well using one SSID many use different name.

If every one should be able to use the Wireless everywhere security should to be the same otherwise it would a real nightmare.

BTW. Setting it the way it is described by the OP takes more work and might be more expensive, but that is the way any Real Wireless Network should be.

 

[nweaver]

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: nweaverso you may end up walking from one area to another and have crappy reception, because your AP's won't help you roam.

Unfortunately, True.

Thus, SSID same, or different, is something that needs to be experimented with.

It would dependent on the roaming habits, and the signal strength at each point.

For some it works well using one SSID many use different name.

If every one should be able to use the Wireless everywhere security should to be the same otherwise it would a real nightmare.

BTW. Setting it the way it is described by the OP takes more work and might be more expensive, but that is the way any Real Wireless Network should be.

AP Assisted roaming for the win!

 

[Kaido]

So what if I did this - set up a central wired router, then put various wireless routers configured as access points in various rooms, like the basement, first floor, second floor, deck? There would be some overlap but all would have the same SSID & security setup. Would that make chaos when your wireless card starts looking for a point to jump on?

 

[w0ss]

I run three ap's with the same SSID etc. I am running no encryption and can "roam" between them easily. I never bothered to setup security as I have it in a DMZ.

One thing to keep in mind is there are only three non overlapping channels. 1,6,11 some companies say you can run with 4 channels and see minimal impact but I do not recommend it. I run mine on separate channels but I did have an issue with an 802.11 phone where it would not roam between channels.