Use of three access points on a single network

[ldw]

Our church is just large enough that one WIFI access point will not do. Please imagine the following structure...

cable modem / router
__+ connects to a 32 port switch
____+ connects to nearby wired client systems
____+ connects to Access Point 1
_______+ connects to wireless client systems in area 1
____+ connects to Access Point 2
_______+ connects to wireless client systems in area 2
____+ connects to Access POint 3
_______+ connects to wireless client systems in area 3

( please read the '_' as an empty space and the '+' as the connector that connects the level above to the thing to the right, for example 32 port switch to access point 1 )

My question has to do with the SSIDs for each of the wireless access points. Do they each get the same SSID and password? Or do they each have a different SSID and password. ALso, I assume that I should put them on different channels - AP1 on channel 1, AP2 on 6 and AP3 on 11... for example. Right?

Thanks
ldw

 

[JackMDS]

In general you should use the same SSID and password while each using different channel.

Preferably, as you indicated above 1, 6, and 11.

 

[ldw]

Thanks Jack,
That's what I thought but wanted to make sure.

ldw

 

[kevnich2]

Look into unifi AP's or open mesh. Fairly cheap and work more automated for your purpose. The controller handles the channels automatically.

 

[Emulex]

Apple products handle this well with little work effort!