Re: How would you guys handle this?

andy_corrin wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I've been asked to design a wireless network infrastructure for a
> school... Now, I am an ICT Manager but Wireless is defo not my strong
> point.
>
> Basically, i need total building coverage (and its a bloody awful shape
> with thick brick walls) and it needs to be able to handle a sh*t load of
> wireless laptops.... initially 40, but possibly expanding upto 120!!! i
> want one SSID and for these laptops to seemlessly roam anywhere in the
> building. This needs to be as damn near reliable as a physical network
> too (so as not to disrupt lessons).
>
> In terms of wireless points, my initial thought would be to cat5 one in
> every classroom(also using power over ethernet) to get total coverage
> and i hope this would also help with the burden of so many devices
> connecting through the network.
>
> I like the sound of some of the Netgear prosafe stuff but i dont really
> have a clue whats best out there... should i be looking at a, g or n?
> what equipement is best for handling such a load?
>
> Cheers
>
> Andy
>
>
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What you want to do with a single SSID and roaming is possible.

I would stick with 802.11g-based equipment (not many laptops come
standard with support for 802.11a). That'll provide plenty of
throughput. Cisco has some analysis tools that might help. I'd post on
the Cisco router forum on tek-tips.com and get some opinions from Cisco
professionals and people that engineer, install and manage complex
installations for a living.

If it were me, I'd go with Cisco 1231g or 1131g wireless access points.
Scatter them around for coverage. Probably don't need an access point
in every room. Use a centralized wireless LAN controller. That's where
the Cisco wireless access analysis tools will help.

Power over ethernet will help. It carries operating current from the
power supply over unused wires in the CAT5 cables. that will help in
placement since you won't need to have a power next to the access points
like when they are ceiling-mounted or high in a wall.

The Cisco website has EXTENSIVE documentation to help you through the
analysis and to help explain the options. Its hard to find and not
necessarily in a single location, but its there.

But I'd start by posting the question for comment on tek-tips.com in the
Cisco router forum.