Big Problem(s)

[kwong]

Take note, this is my first post and I'm tired of reading stuff on wireless. I just need immediate help without paying a premium for consulting.

Premise: I live in a fraternity that is 4 levels. Long hall ways and at the end of each corridor are clusters of rooms and other hidden rooms in weird corners. Initially there was a wireless set up in house that essentially did not work. There are about 60 guys that live in the house on average and I would assume 30 would be on at one time throughout the day (actively). People enjoy streaming audio/video and all that jazz. In addition, everyone has their own NIC. Some people have microwaves, not everyone. No one has a cordless phone. Nothing really standard in the house. I was left with what seemed to me a mess and I think I made it worse. Lastly, the house doesn't have enormous funds. In fact, it sucks. I need a real bang for the buck and make sure I cover my bases.

Old set up: Qwest DSL (1.5Mbps) Service >> Actiontec Wireless Modem/Router >> 10/100 HUB >> Six different Cisco Aironet 340 series 11Mbps WAPs (802.11b)

note: there was an unutilized second DSL line available. problem with this: poor connectivity, poor or dropped connection (internet) and modem would need to be reset (unplug/plug).

First revision: Established both DSL Modems and wired them to a XinCom Dual WAN Router >> used a port to connect to an old PC that I re-outfitted to run Win Serv 2k3 (have yet to run services); another port to connect to a Netgear Gigabit Switch >> two of the switch's ports are 2 D-Link AP2100 WAPs (802.11g 108 Mbps) >> used 3rd LAN port to connect to a D-Link Gigabit Switch >> from the switch are 2 more D-Link AP2100 WAPs

note: I haven't ran any services really because I just wanted to get the internet completely stable and running smoothly. using CAT6 and placed 2 WAPs on the second floor and 2 WAPs on the third. unfortunately, people who have helped me have configured the same channels (6) on all of the WAPs. Some overall improvements but "resetting" modems occassionally were still necessary. no security yet either. The modems have DHCP disabled and the XinCom router leases the IP address.

So to me, there was a lot I learned about several things with wireless technology that might have been helpful before when first implementing the revamp in the first place. I wanted to assess what variables could be the problems one at a time but it seems a bit overwhelming.

Second revision/additions: I've turned an old D-Link WAP (802.11b) as a wireless extender for the fourth floor. It seemed to have helped a little. Just today, I bought the Linksys WRT54GSXv2 and plugged that into my NetGear Switch. I had the Linksys have a static IP and run it as a psuedo client AP for users to connect to the internet to. My main concern was that there is a lot of interference/range issues. When I take my G4 PB closer to WAPs around the house, it seems to work out okay. I still don't understand the whole "resetting modem" idea. BTW, second modem just failed. Calling Qwest tomorrow about that. sigh.

So questions...
What's wrong with my network?
Should I look into SOHO/SMB compnents?
Is range the problem?
Are the modems not meant for such heavy traffic?
Do I need more bandwidth?
Should I change my ISP?
Do I need more WAPs?
Or should I just extend my existing WAPs?
Buy and hack a couple WRTGs?
Everything...
Maybe someone can come over to the Seattle area and help...?

Thanks

 

[netsysadmin]

First off it sounded like the old system was decent, but maybe needed to cleaned up some. What are you using the Win2003 server for? Also why are you introducing a gig switch into the mix when you are dealing with wireless that cannot even utilize a 100 meg switch? If I were you I would stop trying to bandaid the new setup and re-think it. I think you are in over your head! I would say you need to give us more info on what the network will be used for.

John

 

[blemoine]

so you replaced Cisco Aironet AP's with Dlink? or did you just add the DLink's? either way. what i would do is try to Wire as many rooms in the house as possible and use the wireless for the rooms that can't be wired. also if you have Server 2k3 running on a machine you should be running DNS on it. set everyone to use it as their dns server. this should take some load off of your dsl line. i would definately see about getting a higher speed line. most dsl providers offer atleast a 3mbps service.

 

[spidey07]

sounds like you are having serious interferrence problems.

Try using on only channels 1,6,11 and make sure that no AP is on the same channel anywhere near another AP (meaning don't put two on channel 11 anywhere near each other)

The 340s are decent access points and probably much better than the d-link (don't know...not familiar with home gear). I believe the 340s are 30 mW.

 

[nweaver]

I would replace the Dlinks with Cisco 1200 series (100mw capable G radios). You could probably get by with 3 or 4 of those, and set up CCKM fast roaming on WDS.

 

[tthompson]

Couple (or more) things...

1. Why the need for more than one switch? Not enough ports?

2. Take down all the waps except one and start from there. Set up the wap, get your laptop and see what kind of range you have with it. Make a map of the coverage area. The n add another wap near the edge of the coverage area. Make note of conflicts, etc and fix them as you go. Use different channels, etc (as mentioned before). Proceed with adding waps and testing them as you go being always mindful of conflicts and coverage area.

3. Seems like the Cisco waps would be more stable for streaming, etc. Feels like your going for a speed boost with the dlinks. Note, however, that no matter how fast your waps say they are, you're never going to get throughput from the Internet that's faster than the connection itself (i.e. 1.5Mbps or 3 Mbps).

4. Good luck and let us know how it goes...

(feel free to pm me...)

 

[sparkyclarky]

That Internet connection speed sounds far too low for that number of users, unless all they are permitted to do is browse the web and e-mail. Simple downloads and gaming could make that grind to a halt, let alone any sort of file sharing. As far as the WAPs are concerned, I'd look into commercial grade stuff. If your uni has widescale campus wireless access, talk to the IT department and see what kind of APs they are using, as that sort of gear should work well for your situation (possibly overkill and possibly too much money).

 

[kwong]

okay so commercial/enterprise components are not feasible, unless donated which is only a dream. i wish, but it prob won't happen. so i guess i'll look into a faster connection. apparently i have a new problem. due to my lack of knowledge in networking and configuration, i cant seem to get both my modems to share the load on my dual wan router. one works fine (duh), but once i connect the second, it eliminates any access to the internet entirely. i tried changing the LAN IP for the second modem, but that didn't help. any help? i know this is asking a lot, but maybe a step by step instruction? i would think it works find with DHCP...