Need help with wireless setup

[Superficial]

hi there

Im currently using three Linksys by Cisco WAP54G access points to get wireless to this care home down the road.

they work great individually (3 SSID's broadcasting) and can be set to "repeater" mode which is essentially a wireless range extender (to merge all access oints to one SSID) - the downside is that this mode severely reduces the bandwidth as the access points must communicate with each other via wireless too. (why cant you buy range extenders that communicate with the acccess point/router via ethernet cable so it doesnt degrade the wifi signal???)

can anyone recommend a wireless setup or even a range extender than is a better option? or do they all increase range but reduce bandwidth?

the problem is that in a few of the rooms no signal at all goes through the walls so a convential range extender (that amplifies a weak wifi signal) will not work.

can anyone put me straight? can i pay more money for more professional equipment?

edit: all rooms have an ethernet socket btw.

 

[vsmora]

...why cant you buy range extenders that communicate with the acccess point/router via ethernet cable so it doesnt degrade the wifi signal???...

You can... they're called WAPs and you already have 3 of them. Turn off repeater mode, set all your WAPs to the same SSID/security and wire them in to the most convenient ethernet sockets for good coverage. Devices will automatically connect to whichever WAP has the best signal in their vicinity. It's best to use independant channels (1, 6, 11) for neighbouring units so they don't cause interference.

Pro WAPs are available with extra-large antennas, but these cost a lot and although they will improve range, the main benefit will be reliability and performance with several users. You may be better to simply add a few more standard WAPs. You could also go for N (2.4GHz) kit instead of G, which will improve range, but only if the laptops have built-in N or are using N adaptors.

If you are a long way from getting the coverage you want, then it sounds like you would be better off getting a wifi consultant involved.

 

[Superficial]

You can... they're called WAPs and you already have 3 of them. Turn off repeater mode, set all your WAPs to the same SSID/security and wire them in to the most convenient ethernet sockets for good coverage. Devices will automatically connect to whichever WAP has the best signal in their vicinity. It's best to use independant channels (1, 6, 11) for neighbouring units so they don't cause interference.

Pro WAPs are available with extra-large antennas, but these cost a lot and although they will improve range, the main benefit will be reliability and performance with several users. You may be better to simply add a few more standard WAPs. You could also go for N (2.4GHz) kit instead of G, which will improve range, but only if the laptops have built-in N or are using N adaptors.

If you are a long way from getting the coverage you want, then it sounds like you would be better off getting a wifi consultant involved.

LOL really? it should have occured to me that the reason for repeater mode is simply for those area which could not have an ethernet socket installed.

I am going to test this - slightly embarressing really.

thanks

 

[vsmora]

Hehe we all have to start somewhere. Post back with how you get on.