Wired Fraternity House --> Wireless

[DaCurryman]

Hello everybody,

I'm kinda writing this for the fraternity at my alma mater. It seems their house is currently wired with a broadband connection and routers and switches linking 12 people (6 on each of 2 floors). The problem is that there are wires running everywhere and people are always tripping over them. Not to mention the swicthes tend to get hit and break, so they've gone through a few of those. And they have to disconnect eveything during parties, so people don't destroy it. Now that you get the picture, I'll continue.

I'm trying to convince them to go all wireless through the house. This way no more switch-breaking problems or disconnecting wires for parties, etc. But before I try and sell it to them, I have to know that I can assure them that it's worth the investment and they will not lose any performance.

I recently turned my personal residence wireless, and it worked like a charm, but that was also only 3 computers (where all 3 are not on all the time), and plus I don't play games on my computer (that's what my XBox is for).

Basically they question is, do you think that they will or will not be disappointed with a wireless setup? Will there be a lower performance than what they have with a wired connection? Will it disrupt their gaming? And will it handle 12 people between 2 floors? Sorry for the long post, but all help is greatly appreciated!!

 

[ktwebb]

"do you think that they will or will not be disappointed with a wireless setup? "
How do they use their existing network?

"Will there be a lower performance than what they have with a wired connection?"
See question above but in general terms, absolutely. If they are on full duplex switched ports, and they do alot of file transfers then of course. However if all they do is share an internet connection, perhaps not if the WLAN is engineered properly.

"Will it disrupt their gaming?"
No

"And will it handle 12 people between 2 floors?"
Multiple AP's is advised, even if you go 54 Mb.

You didn't provide alot of pertinant information. It really depends on the environment of the house, what they use their network for, what their expectations are etc...

 

[amdskip]

I still think that wireless equipment will be wrecked during parties and everything and wireless is a heck of a lot more expensive. What I would do is run all the wires in the walls. Hook up the router/switch(es) in a closet or something out of the way and forget about it. What if there is a problem with the wireless network after you graduate? Who is gonna work on it? Wired really is the best thing for your situation and it is very possible to run all the cables in the walls.

 

[ktwebb]

Wiring is the better solution in just about every situation. Cabling can be a hassle but worth it with few exceptions. Wireless really isn't a backbone technology. It's a nice addition to a wired infrastructure for mobilities sake. Having said all that, I have installed many many wireless jobs that were depended on as a backbone and it can work well if done properly and the expectations are in check.