Multiple access points - 1 network

We use 18 wireless laptops in one classroom, and that many computers is apparently way too many for one wireless AP. They authenticate very slowly and data access is also problematic. Some users report login times approaching 20 minutes. This actually doesn't sound unbelievable, considering an 11mbs connection, half duplex minus wireless overhead. So I would have no problem adding more APs, but I have some questions about the operation:

1. Can I use more than one AP without any kind of interference - does just using different channels do this?

2. How can I be sure that the load would be distributed between them - if I can use 3 AP's, how do I get 6 on each?

We will likely switch over to .11a to help speed up, but still would like to see about using multiple APs.

Also, if there's something I haven't thought of in this please let me know.

That long of a login time is not going to be the access point most likely...

Let me guess, XP laptops and a win2k server/Domain Controller? Look over at google groups, the problem should be the DNS on the server is not properly configured.


2. You can configure the preferred access point on each computer, so each one will try to connect to an access point at the top of the list.

18 is a lot to have on one Wireless segment (the actual throughput speed on 802.11b is around 5-7 Mbs, and it's very inefficient), it would cause slowdowns although I can't imagine it would cause a 20 minute login time, I think TeeDub's on the right track.

If you do use a second AP, make sure it's on a different channel too.

I used to sell Wavelan/Orinoco wireless products, and I seem to recall that one of the benefits of their Access Points was that they could accept two WiLan cards, and effectively run two separate wifi networks and balance the load appropriately. Your particular scenario was used as an example particularly when selling into educational markets. Sorry, can't be more specific than that, memory isn't what it used to be, but might be worth looking in to?

Hope this helps...

KV

Try providing each of the access points with a static ip adress within your network and that could help some with traffic flow.

You could also divide the wireless clients into groups with different SSID's to match those setup for each of the AP's. Say, SSID's:
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4, etc.

Quote:

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Originally posted by TeeDub
.....Let me guess, XP laptops and a win2k server/Domain Controller?

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That is correct, and I did think of that. However, I have 4 other stationary labs and 3 libraries with Windows XP computers, wired 10/100 ethernet. No delays at all. The only difference is these connect through wireless. I'm in contact with the vendor as well, and may send out a few units to have the wireless cards checked out.

Lots of other people are having similar problems...

See:

http://groups.google.com/groups?q=xp...=Google+Search

Update:

These notebooks are equipped with dual-band (.11a and b) wireless cards. We installed 2 .11a wireless access points, and set MAC filtering to allow only nine per AP. Going from 18 on one 11mbs AP to 9 on each 54mbs should help some of the problem. I'll keep you all updated as we see how it goes.

Teedub - I do understand the XP to W2K domain problem, and had already addressed that when we got our first XP computers in Summer 2002.

I did eliminate completely the old .11b AP, and was questioning the reliability of that unit, which may have been faulty to begin with.