Wireless AP Channels?

[Nate_007]

Hey guys,

I am trying to optimize our access points in our office. We have about 4 APs, what channel should I assign each AP to? Also if someone can give me information how we can have better "handoff". Like I would get poor signal quality because it is still connected to the AP in the other side of the office and would not hand it over to the AP that's right beside me.

Thanks!

 

[JackMDS]

As far as roaming ("handoff"), it really depends on the hardware, entry level (sub $200) do not do it at all or are bad at doing it.

Put the same SSID and security code on all the APs and set one to 6, one to 1, one to 11 and the fourth one to the same as the AP that is furthest away from it.



😎

 

[Comblues]

Yep.

However - Cisco 526 Wireless LAN Controllers (SOHO) can be had for cheap on e-bay and they do what you are asking cheaply if your needs are modest.

Comblues

 

[Nate_007]

Thanks guys, I used 1, 6, 11 channel and other one is between 1 & 6. Because it seems like a lot of other AP in the building are using 11 channel. I downloaded WirelessMon just to monitor the behavior and I guess our AP is roaming just fine, the signal just needs to be really low like below -80dBm then it hands it over to the strongest AP. I guess we are looking for a LAN controller solution to enhance seamless handoff.

 

[Fardringle]

Don't use channels between 1, 6 and 11. Only use those three since any channels between those three will overlap both of the primary channels on either side.

So like Jack said, use 1, 6, 11, and 1, with the two on channel 1 on opposite ends of the building.

 

[alkemyst]

Don't use channels between 1, 6 and 11. Only use those three since any channels between those three will overlap both of the primary channels on either side.

So like Jack said, use 1, 6, 11, and 1, with the two on channel 1 on opposite ends of the building.

Very true. The channels in between should be forgotten about 99% of the time.

You want to draw it out with 1 6 and 11 in each cell and none of the same 'number' (channel) touching cells.

As far as roaming, most of the time it's really not needed.

 

[ScottMac]

Hey guys,

I am trying to optimize our access points in our office. We have about 4 APs, what channel should I assign each AP to? Also if someone can give me information how we can have better "handoff". Like I would get poor signal quality because it is still connected to the AP in the other side of the office and would not hand it over to the AP that's right beside me.

Thanks!

Power management (adjusting the power DOWN), and proper antennas (sector, hemispherical, etc.) are the other prime considerations for good coverage without blasting your signals all over the neighborhood.

 

[alkemyst]

Power management (adjusting the power DOWN), and proper antennas (sector, hemispherical, etc.) are the other prime considerations for good coverage without blasting your signals all over the neighborhood.

QFT, Wireless G and N don't like full power...more is not better with wireless always.