Wireless Configuration

[TechSupp]

Going to be getting 30 netbboks to use in a classroom (trolley based) and due to there being so many to be connected at once I am going to share the connections between two access points on the trolley. Now just thinking about it (my greatest downfall!), do I have:

 

two separate SSID's

or

the same SSID but set both to different channels?

and

am I likely to face any problems having the two on top of the trolley together?

[TechSupp]

Anyone?

[chilbs]

You need the same ssid and two channels different channels which should preferably either be 1,6 or 11

 

I'd be supprised if you could get it to work properly with 2 unmanaged AP's. What access points are you using?

 

Chilbs

[TechSupp]

Netgear rangemax access points, as there will be do textbooks I thought two points would work better, what problems am I likely to have? I use the same single Netgear at another school with 25 networks and its mostly ok just a couple have problems logging on sometimes so thought would go with two this time.

[chilbs]

Mostly the logon issues really. I usually recommend a managed solution for that many devices in one area.

 

Chilbs

[TechSupp]

Don't think they will be able to afford a managed solution, so looking for the next best option for them.

[djm968]

A managed solution would be my recommendation also. Netgear do a reasonably priced WLAN controller (link below). Not sure how good the device is though, I usually specify ci$co!

 

NETGEAR ProSafe Wireless LAN Controller around £450

 

NETGEAR ProSafe Wireless LAN Controller - Misco.co.uk

[steveg]

If you can't stretch to a managed system, then although it would take a little more configuring, i'd recomend 2 different ssid's. For example, wireless1 for 1 ap and wireless2 for the other. On the first 15 netbooks set wireless1 as the prefered network, and wireless2 as the second in the list. On the remaining 15 netbooks put wireless2 as the prefered and 1 as the second.

 

They should then hopefullyt split 50/50 between the access points. If either point fails then they will all use the other one. Both ap's should be on different channels.

 

Steve

[TechSupp]

In a perfect world I would agree that a managed solution would be best but its not and they only just have enough money. If the system gets expanded then a managed system would be a must but at the moment it looks like two ap's.

[maestromasada]

Thanks for the links' tip, that is what I was looking!

I just will check if it support my current 'fat' netgears