Client Density and Options

[Duke5A]

OK, let me just start out and say I'm not a wireless engineer by any stretch of imagination. With that out of the way, here is my issue: I'm looking at the possibility of moving an entire lab to wireless. The current layout of the drops is horrible and more than a few are broken. The lab teacher would like to have the flexibility to move the lab around without having to worry about the data cabling.

 

• 35 machines with AX wireless adapters already installed (Dell Optiplex Micros that were ordered this way)
  
• Room is 30x35ft
  
• A Promethean board
  
• One teacher laptop
  
• Potentially a guest network and I would assume every kid has a smartphone
  
• Current access point is a Cisco 1852 Wi-Fi 5 (ac)
  
• 5Ghz channel width is set to 40Mhz
  

 

I know, that's a lot of clients. Right now from practical experience I know that anything more than 30 clients on that model access point and performance falls off of a cliff. Here are my options:

 

• Replace the 1852 ac with a 9115 AX
  
• Install a second 1852 and move both to opposing corners of the room
  
• Toss the idea in the bin
  

 

Both access point models are 4x4.

 

I have both models of access points on hand and the drops are already in the ceiling. So only thing I'm out is time. I would rather not waste time though.

 

Would either of these scenarios increase client density to around 65 clients for that room?

 

Thanks.

[Oaktech]

Gut reaction - add an identical second AP to the room, maybe spaced diagonally across from one another. It should be fine at that.

[RedwayNetworks_Niall]

Same gut reaction, install the 2nd AP but maybe look at disabling the 2.4GHz radio. Dial the power down on the APs and see how it goes. Potentially investigate changing the channel width to get that balance correct.