Access point thresholds

[Raithlin]

Hey.

I've done a search on linksys and dlink websites, and on this forum, with no success. The question I have is this: How many clients can access one access point without degrading the service across the network? We're talking about a 802.11g spec network, with about 10-12 PCs connecting. How many APs would I need to maintain the network at a satisfactory speed?

Thanks in advance.

 

[th0rn]

Hi

The hardware can support up to 32 clients per AP generally, but thats not really the question answered.

How many clients can access one access point without degrading the service across the network?

1 Client, one has define an acceptable level of degradation.

It all depends on the use of the network. If you use it to share the internet, it will be more than suffient. If you use it for a LAN game event, its not going to cut it.

The speed when all 12 client are using the network will be around 4.5 Mbs (~450KBs).

What are your plans for this network?

 

[Raithlin]

Business LAN - replacing the current wired network. LAN gaming does take place occasionally but for the most part it is your average business traffic and internet.

 

[th0rn]

I think 1 AP would do the trick. Its the leaching at LANS that messes up the bandwidth.

But moving from a wired enviroment to wireless is IMO downgrading.

 

[Raithlin]

Maybe, but when you consider the laptops that are carried around here...

Perhaps a hybrid network would be the best option then...

 

[th0rn]

Perhaps a hybrid network would be the best option then...

I think it will be. We have got a hybrid at home, and it works well.

 

[PeekNPoke]

I recon to go below 10Mbit per PC should be the limit else you could just go back to the good old days and run BNC. On a business LAN, or your case WLAN, you probably will work off the server on files and will require speed. Some access points like the Gigabyte support Super G and should (in theory) allow you to run at 108Mbit, that means that you should (in theory) be able to run 10 pc's off it at 10Mbits each .... NOTE: in theory:|

 

[Raithlin]

Yeah, we're looking at the 54mb option - but to convince the boss is another story altogether.