fafster Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 I'm going to need to place a wireless access point in a gym in order for the teachers to do online registration. Any idea what would be a good protection for the unit from balls etc.?
SC-UK Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 Have seen it done in Gym's before with a metal cage over the AP. I know this is a big no-no as far as interference but depending on how much the AP is going to be used then if it works, go for it! If it's just going to be a teacher laptop connecting to conduct an electronic register then a metal cage shouldn't cause a problem. Tom 1
plexer Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 How about installing it inside a polycarbonate box shouldn't affect the wifi signal but will resist being hit? Ben 1
fafster Posted September 9, 2009 Author Posted September 9, 2009 Have seen it done in Gym's before with a metal cage over the AP. I know this is a big no-no as far as interference but depending on how much the AP is going to be used then if it works, go for it! If it's just going to be a teacher laptop connecting to conduct an electronic register then a metal cage shouldn't cause a problem. Tom Cheers for that. I'll make sure the protective cage isn't grounded, so it shouldn't be too bad. I was thinking either a few vertical bars, or maybe something like a shopping basket, but stronger.
SC-UK Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 If you can do it with the fewest bars possible it will be even better as far as signal is concerned. Borrow a ball or something from the department and test it out, what's the "minimum amount' of cage you can get away with whilst still protecting the AP. It will need to be fairly strong though, I know that it's exactly the sort of thing that students will be deliberately aiming for!
enjay Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 Could it not go in the next-door room or out in the corridor?
fafster Posted September 9, 2009 Author Posted September 9, 2009 Could it not go in the next-door room or out in the corridor? Not really considering it as a possibility at the moment due to the thickness of the walls. There's a tennis court outside the gym, and where I'm thinking of situating it will reach out there. If it comes down to it and is not feasible, then I'll try and find somewhere else.
rad Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 or in the back of a store room within the sports hall. The D+T department might be able to make a wooden cage if you are worried about signal with loads of holes in it at the required points.
p858snake Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 What about a metal cage with no top with the antenna sticking out the top.
bossman Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 @fafster: We installed WAPS in our sportshall with metal cages around them and have had no problems. They are cisco 1130s BTW. 1
ozzy Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 exterior-enclosure-box-70906 | switches-and-sockets-weatherproof | electrical | shop-buy-online | Diy Fix It these work;) 1
eean Posted September 10, 2009 Posted September 10, 2009 Always a fan of low-tech, pick-it-up-yourself: One of those cages you get from B&Q to protect a heating flue/tumble dryer output would be about the right shape and size.
Ric_ Posted September 10, 2009 Posted September 10, 2009 Always a fan of low-tech, pick-it-up-yourself: One of those cages you get from B&Q to protect a heating flue/tumble dryer output would be about the right shape and size. Exactly what I was thinking! Or, following the polycarbonate idea from plexer, a nice plastic cake box with a few holes drilled in it for ventilation - mount the lid to the wall, mount the AP in the centre of the lid and then push the bottom on
fafster Posted September 10, 2009 Author Posted September 10, 2009 Some great ideas, guys! Well, the AP (a D-Link DAP-1160) arrived yesterday, and I've set it up today with the little netbook (Lenovo Ideapad S10e) that will be used. I had an "Ooh, I wonder if that's still lying around..." moment when I remembered there was a spare antenna with a higher gain than the one that came with the AP. Turns out that this was a good idea, as I can now have an entire block between myself and the AP. Our school is pretty compact, so I'd need about four or five in total, and the whole school will be covered.
ricki Posted September 10, 2009 Posted September 10, 2009 HI I know this will sound like a silly suggestion but can you not mount it in the ceiling. Richard
mac_shinobi Posted September 10, 2009 Posted September 10, 2009 HI I know this will sound like a silly suggestion but can you not mount it in the ceiling. Richard I was just thinking that - take one of the ceiling panels off and put it in assuming you can get power and an ethernet cable up there and jobs a good un
beeswax Posted September 10, 2009 Posted September 10, 2009 I'm going to need to place a wireless access point in a gym in order for the teachers to do online registration. Any idea what would be a good protection for the unit from balls etc.? We use all-plastic outdoor (burglar) alarm bell boxes with some holes drilled in them.
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