Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[upgrades]

I have been out of the wireless technology for a while so I hope that someone can just spell out what I need.  I work in a large 18,000 Sqft facility with multiple floors (and a lot of walls) Right now,  I am running 4 different routers (as access points) each has their own SSID and they are a hodgepodge of A,B,G,N one of them is a DIR-825 the others are Dlink and an old LinkSYs. Also have a brand new unopened DIR-601  What I would like is to be able to roam without having to connect to multiple access points.  I guess from what I am reading I have to have them all on the same SSID, which as you can imagine with 4 different manufactures and different security settings, it is not working well at all.  I don't nee a "router" in the true sence of the word as I have Cat5 running all over the place that connects to our DHCP server and the rest of the wired network. I want to have high speed with the most compatibility with wireles devices like iPhones, laptops and tablets etc... We have one room that has AppleTV so it has to be able to stream data at high speed.  I need to have 3 access points on each floor so probably 7 or 8 of them to atchive full coverage.. 
 
My question, can someone recommend what hardware you would suggest. I can trash everything and start over, I just want to buy the right stuff and not have to worry about it for a while.
 
Thanks!
Jason

[FurryNutz]

When using the same SSIDs, each AP needs to be manually set for a different channel, then having each AP should work for roaming and changing AP when leaving and entering a different range and signal.

Turning a router into an AP.
You could still use the routers as APs however in your case maybe DAP model APs would be of better use. If your looking for wired connections while using APs that are wired connected to the host router, I would use the DAP-1522 or 1525. If your wanting to relay and extend wireless, the 1360 and the 1522 can relay wireless signals with out having to be wired to the host router. If you have LAN cable connections on each floor where you have good wired LAN connections, I would probably recommend using the DAPs in AP mode and wired for good connection. Then it would be just setting the DAP up for the same SSID and password then set each one to a different channel. You'd be limited by the channels (1-11) and overlap of the channels however if there are some APs that are close to each other by distance, you might change the power output levels from HIGH to Medium so it lowers some of the interference and noise being that close to each other. Thus creating a small broadcast foot print however still should be enough for WiFi access.

Wireless Installation Considerations

Try single mode G or N or mixed G and N?
Channel Width set for Auto 20/40Mhz or try 20Mhz only.
Try setting a manual channel to a open or unused channel.
What security mode are you using? Preferred security is WPA-Personal. WPA2/AES Only. Some WiFi adapters don't support AES, so you might want to try TPIK only or Auto.
Any other WiFi routers in the area? Use InSSIDer to find out.

[upgrades]

Thanks for the information.  I don't need to connect or bridge networks, just have a good side footprint for wireless access for all the wireless equipment.  Other than our area there is no other wireless equipment. I have a few laptops that are using G the rest is N...

So what model numbers given a liberal budget, would you suggest.  If that means dumping the DIR-825 and the DIR-601 that's fine.  I want to cover the most range of wireless equipment and for guests visiting. So some sort of mixed mode and then something that can move a lot of bandwidth. If that mean 11 APs I'l do it.  I just want to get it right the first time and not have to worry about it for a few years.

Thanks
Jason

[FurryNutz]

I would also take into account how many clients your going to be supporting at each AP. You have any idea about this?

I might suggest reviewing the DAP-1360 and 1522 and also the 1525.
I would use single mode G or Mixed G and N if you have N supporting customers or even if you want to support N mode for customers. Most places I've been, G is the max supported and offers the best coverage.

I would also contact DLink sales and talk with someone, hopefully a U.S. based person to talk to and has some good knowledge to help you make a good decision on what model to get. You seem like your on a business end of working with Wireless so it's possible that maybe a business class DAP might be even better as well. The DAP 13xx and 15xx series APs are generally designed for home and very small business users. There are DAP-2xxx series of APs as well. DAP 23xx, 25xx, 26xx, 35xx, 36xx are some models I believe.

You maybe also needed some external antenna connections as well however lets try to keep that as a last resort.

I would have some building plans handy if you have them to present to DLink sales rep so they have an idea of what your trying to accomplish so they might better help you in getting something in place. Let us know how it goes.