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Wireless network: Can I use more than one access point?

Z

Zorn

Senior member
I have set up a few wireless networks for myself and friends. I'm heading down to my sister's for Christmas and she has asked me to add a wireless network to the existing LAN in her house . They want full coverage throughout the house and the back patio. Problem is, the house is over 10,000 square feet. It's a new home and they have a sophisticated LAN, with dataports in virtually every room.

Can I install two (or more) access points, one on each side of the house in an effort to maximize coverage? I've never installed more than one access point or wireless router. Will there be any conflicts in doing this? Will it work?

Thanks.
 
Depends largely on the AP.
The biggest issue with this is not whether you can have more than one, but will the wireless clients need to roam effortlessly between them?
Most don't handle that at all, since most lower-end APs (and some higher-end) have no method to communicate (through which they could "hand off" roaming clients).

Check the specs of the equipment VERY carefully, because if that feature is supported, you can bet your booty the vendor will tout it, and charge for it!
 
yes ofcourse.all depends on the hardware but most of them do use load balancing.go ffor the cisco 350 seiries.or even lucent orinco.
 
Thanks everyone for the info.

I have used Orinoco products for installs in the past and had good success with the AP-500, even in large houses and I always use Orinoco Gold or Silver cards. I may give the SMC a try in this case. I use SMC switches here at the office and have an SMC router at home and I have had good experiences with these products.

A friend recommended the D-LinkAir DWL-1000AP as a cheap alternative with pretty good coverage. According to the product specs, the D-Link will search out other identical access points and support roaming "from cell to cell." At only $150 or so a piece, I may give a couple of these a try. They're available at most B&M stores, so I can always return them if they don't work and spend a little more dough if necessary.

Anyone have an experience with the DlinkAir?
 


<< Play around with location. High up in the middle of the structure is a good start. >>

And avoid placing either APs or STAs in close proximity to "large" metal objects. "Large" is a relative term.

My wife's laptop started seeing performance/connectivity problems. Turned out to be a metal desk organizer placed a hair too close to the PC Card. Moved it two inches away...problem solved!

g/l. sounds like a fun holiday project.!
wish my family gatherings involved networking and geek stuff [/envy]
 
TG, I know what you mean. I'm actually looking forward to the nine hour trip now. 😉

I'll also have an Athlon XP system to build for my niece when I get down there. I just finishing ordering from Newegg; I had everything from the motherboard to the keyboard shipped directly to my sister's house.

Nothing like getting away from the disfunctional family for a little quality geek time during the holidays. Just hope the wife doesn't kill me.

 
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