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Wireless Store LAN

O

owensdj

Golden Member
I'm going to be setting up a new, small(4-5 computer) network for a retail store. It looks like a wireless network(802.11a) might be a good way to go to eliminate the clutter of CAT5 wiring and to allow the computers to be moved around when the store layout changes. I've worked with cabled networks, but not with wireless, so I have a few questions.

1. Would it be OK to use a wireless PCI network card on the LAN's file server, or should I use a wired NIC and plug the server and the wireless access point into a hub? Seems like a waste of money to have a hub when all of the computers are using wireless NICs.

2. If the store is basically one big room(no walls), about how far away can the computers be from the wireless access point?

3. Does anybody have any links to reviews of WAPs and wireless NICs so I can determine the best equipment.
 
One caveat: it's helpful to be able to move the antennas around to deal with reception issues. PCI cards stick out the back end of the PC, where stuff gets cluttered, and external antennas will get knocked around in a store environment, I would imagine. Then there's the security issue. I imagine that some issues will depend on your budget.

If there's no walls or anything else, including electromagnetic interference, then a big store shouldn't be a problem -- but I've never been in a store without electromagnetic interference. YMMV.
 
I'd start with one AP and put it high in the ceiling of your store, antennas pointing down. Wander around with a laptop and check coverage across the store to see if you need more access points.

For your "back office" (servers, office workstations, etc.) I'd recommend not going wireless. Wired is more reliable, cheaper and much faster. Use wireless where you need to be mobile and wired where things are pretty much set.

Depending on your performance needs, consider 802.11b instead of A - I've got a fully feeling that 802.11a isn't going to be around very long, with higher-speed 2.4 Ghz technologies and protocols with enhanced security. Definitely something to look into.

- G
 
I'm on the other side. 2.4Ghz is already a very crowded RF spectrum. Being higher up the band, while having its negatives, is a big plus as far as interference is cocerned. .11g is still off in the distance as far as rollout is concerned. Time enough for .11a to take plenty of market share. I could be wrong, but if you go .11a, range is an issue, not sustaining power of the technology. Whatever you do, you want an Access Point. No question about it. Get and AP with detachable Reverse TNC connectors, standard on many AP's. That way you can get higher gain antennas. For a store, I would recommend some sort of ceiling mount antennas if you have dropped ceiling tiles. Nearly transparent under the right circumstances. We use Cushcraft. On the high end side price-wise but good antennas. SOmething like a 5-7 dBi squint omni. You'll likely need a pigtail.
 
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