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[mvd7793]

Hello! We're hosting a computer contest, and would like to attempt wireless submissions. We would probably be using a Dlink DIR-655. All we're using the network for is a simple contest mangement software which doesn't use much traffic. We might have a maximum of 100 computers connected wirelessly, as well as 8 or so via ethernet + a switch. Would one router be able to handle all of these? What is the maximum number of clients that the 655 can reasonably handle?

Note: We will not be using the router for internet. We will only be using the contest software.

[bigeyes0x0]

This is a users support users forum, there're some D-Link mods here but you likely to get answers faster by calling them.

As for the load you said, I don't know about our DIR-655 here but the NETGEAR WNDR3700 can handle a lot according to NETGEAR in this review http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30925/96/1/4/

NETGEAR told me that the 3700 can actually support more than a thousand simultaneously-connected clients using WPA2 / AES encryption and around 350 using WPA / TKIP. So the 3700 looks like it could function very nicely as the centerpiece of a busy small-business WLAN.

[lizzi555]

As the DIR handles a class C network, you can connect up to 253 additional clients.

but even if there is not much traffic, the accesspoint has to manage the wireless clients.
There are some limits from practice for reasonable working with the wireless.

Under normal conditions, there should not be more than 20 wireless clients per Accesspoint.
If there is not much traffic or not all at a time you can increase the number up to 60.
But in worst case with 100 wireless clients no one will be able to run your contest management.

So if you add one or two additional Accesspoints you are on the safer side.

[bigeyes0x0]

Are you sure it's a Class C only device? The DIR IP, subnet and also DHCP range can be configured so you might use Class B or A subnet, no? I wanna try it out but well, the thing has been going for two days without running out of resources with my new settings so I opt for continuing stressing it.

[lizzi555]

You are right and you are not right.

I can save a different subnet mask


But I can not save another DHCP range:


I will test in a few hours whether the B subnet works or not.
But it should ...
Perhaps the DHCP is limited due to ressources.

But this does not help with the 100 wireless clients   

[mvd7793]

Thanks for the advice. We were thinking of 2+ routers. We have a sponsor who might be able to get us 5 routers, but they would all be HP. Do you think there would be any compatibility issues broadcasting the same network?

Edit: That looked somewhat confusing. I assume all the routers would have to be connected by ethernet. A couple more questions about that: First, do you connect them via a LAN port or a WAN, and do you disable the DHCP server on all but one?

[lizzi555]

Yes, all have to be connected via LAN ports
all need to have different LAN IP addresses but in the same subnet
only one DHCP server
All may have the same SSID and encryption

[mvd7793]

Might it be better to give them different SSIDs and different passwords so we can ensure a balanced load?

[lizzi555]

You are right, this would force the connection to a specific access point.