How to set up a basic wifi network.
I needed some help regarding wireless implementation at a small site. I am doing some voluntary work for the library of my town. They have run out of network jacks and have to deploy new computers. I suggested wireless to them and they want me to do it fro them. Here is what they have:
T1-------Cisco 1600 Router-------3Com Hubs (2 at each floor)----------Desktop Computers
I need help in putting in an Access Point into this network and buying external Wifi cards for the new computer. Can you recommend some cheap brands and where to throw in the Access Points? They have 3 floors and I think we need 3 AP’s. Can I just take 3 cables out of the hub at each floor and plug into each AP? Is that it or do I need to do more? I don’t want to buy something unless I am sure, hence the email. Do the AP’s need to talk to each other? Anything else I should worry about?
Does anything change if going forward they replace hubs with switches?? Also, I need the max possible speed and range in the wifi that I need help with. Each floor is 100 feet long and 60 feet wide with lots of rooms.
T1-------Cisco 1600 Router-------3Com Hubs (2 at each floor)----------Desktop Computers
I need help in putting in an Access Point into this network and buying external Wifi cards for the new computer. Can you recommend some cheap brands and where to throw in the Access Points? They have 3 floors and I think we need 3 AP’s. Can I just take 3 cables out of the hub at each floor and plug into each AP? Is that it or do I need to do more? I don’t want to buy something unless I am sure, hence the email. Do the AP’s need to talk to each other? Anything else I should worry about?
Does anything change if going forward they replace hubs with switches?? Also, I need the max possible speed and range in the wifi that I need help with. Each floor is 100 feet long and 60 feet wide with lots of rooms.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
A wireless router is a wireless AP and Router all in one box and more common in home networks attached to broadband networks (DSL or Cable) and yes a Wireless Router will use dhcp on the outside interface to get IP address from the Internet provider and then it will dhcp addresses out to the pc's on the lan and almost always on a private address space such as 192.168.1.x
A Wireless AP (access point) is what you most likely want to go with and if your looking to DHCP addresses to the wireless clients- you should configure the 1600 router to do that since the network is flat (appears to be cascaded hubs).
http://www.linksys.com/products/group.asp?grid=33&scid=35 might help clarify the differences and options available.
A Wireless AP (access point) is what you most likely want to go with and if your looking to DHCP addresses to the wireless clients- you should configure the 1600 router to do that since the network is flat (appears to be cascaded hubs).
http://www.linksys.com/products/group.asp?grid=33&scid=35 might help clarify the differences and options available.
ASKER
1. What is the differance between a Wireless AP that I am talking about and a wireless router? Are they the same? I thought router would act as a DHCP and AP won't.
2. The antenna you suggested basically catches the signal from the AP and throws it further. Is it right? If so, does it bring down the signal strength? What are the disadvantages?