Re: Multiple AP

On Fri, 9 Nov 2007 05:33:22 -0500, Richie4236
<Richie4236.2zs2af@no-mx.wirelessforums.org> wrote in
<Richie4236.2zs2af@no-mx.wirelessforums.org>:

>I have a question about the use of multiple AP in an office
>environment. I'm an experienced sysadmin, but haven't really touched
>wireless, except at home where I have a really simple setup.
>
>I recently started a new job and have some problems which may be
>related ot the way our wireless is set up. We have three AP. One is
>the internet router, one in an office just down the corridor and another
>around 100m away in the warehouse. As far as I can tell, all three are
>connected to the same switched LAN, use the same DHCP server to issue an
>IP, are on the same channel and have no encryption enabled.
>
>What I need to understand is this: Can the wireless network opperate
>in this way, with three AP overlapping, but with no knowledge of each
>other?

Yes. Ideally they should all be on non-overlapping channels (1, 6, 11).

>Is there a better way for this to be set up to increase
>resiliance and security? I'm not happy about the lack of encryption but
>have only every touched WEP and WPA in a single-AP environment.

You *definitely* need WPA encryption, preferably with RADIUS
authentication. Do not bother with WEP -- it's essentially worthless.

>We have some hand-held devices in the warehouse which keep falling off
>the network, and I wondered if our setup is what's causing this to
>happen possibly.

Depends on what "falling off" means, and what kind of gear you have.

>Any thoughts gratefully received!

Use the same unique SSID on all APs.
Provide lots more information on what equipment you're using.

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