there are other good replies,
but basically - we all need more of your details....

bertanis@gmail.com wrote:
> Hello,
>
> My group will be trying to deploy a large area wi-fi network in a
> computer conference. We are foreseeing a two problems I'd like this
> group comments on:

is this like a trade show arena,
or more like lots of breakout rooms for small working groups ?
ie - one large indoor/outdoor arena,
or trying to cover lots of little rooms ?

> 1 - Our set-up will cover the hole place using 802.11n on "fat" access
> points (we have no thin APs). That is in place and already work now.
> We are concearned with the fact that each AP have to be configured
> "on- site"... If we have strong reasons, we may change that.

802.11n - working - is it also to support b/g ?
"fat" are standalone devices vs the "thin" which go back to central
controller.
ok - which specific devices did you already deploy ?

How can it be "in place now", and yet, "have to be configured" ?
Do you mean, you have already installed a few AP's,
but will be installing a lot more to support your conference ?

As Jeff mentioned, the AP is merely a wireless bridge and knows nothing
about IP,
except for the required admin access & config... unless it is more than an
AP ?
Where and how will the users get their DHCP IP addresses ?
How many user connections are you expecting ? ie - more than 250 ?

> 2 - People will be allowed to bring their own APs. Our major concearn
> here is that these APs may interfere with ours (or with each other).
> ITOH, we wouldn't like to forbid people to bring their own APs. Is
> there a middle-ground? Maybe mesh networks?

If they bring their own AP's - how do they connect for Internet access ?
How will they be supported by you, controlled, troubleshooting,
and what about any security issues - access to your local internal network,
etc ?