150+ user wireless network with 300m linear spread
I am overseas and have recently adopted a satellite internet system. I have two distinct issues with the system.
Situation: The network is intended to support 150 wireless users. The users are in three distinct areas.(b1, b2, and b3). b1 is the tallest building and thus supports the satellite. b2 is 120 meters from b1. b3 is a group of 4 buildings spaced within a 75 meter square and is approx. 75 meters to its center from b2.
The satellite contract reads 4.0 mbs down/1.0 mbs up with a 2/1 contention ratio.
Currently there are two networks defined NET1 and NET2.
Current hardware is as follows:
At b1:
Satellite and Nera Satlink 1000 - b1
Linksys WTR54GX4 - acting as an access point in b1
Linksys WTR54GS V3 - acting as an access point in b1
Linksys WTR54G V5 - b1 this router defines NET1
Linksys WAP54G - located in b1 connected to a DLink 10 dBi panel antenna oriented towards b2
At b2:
Linksys WRT54G V2.2 - This router defines NET2 connected to a DLink 10 dBi panel antenna oriented towards b3
Linksys WAP54G - configured as a bridge
At b3:
WAP54G v3.1
WAP54G v3.0
WAP54G v3.0
WAP54G v3.0
1. Network stability - The network is inherently weak between the bridge. I believe this issue to be because of limited line of sight to the antenna attached to the bridge and the panel antenna broadcasting from b1. Additionally we are seeing problems between the second panel antenna and the access points in b3 due to the same issue.
2. Bandwidth - the contract reads that contention ratio is 2/1. However, we are not seeing speeds I believe the issue is that with the current hardware (specifically the routers) we are only able to have 19 concurrent wireless users per router. This is particularly an issue in the b2 to b3 configuration because we have one router handling over 100 users.
I am a programmer and not a network administrator. Thus my knowledge is very basic. Please feel free to ask questions and clarify this issue. I am looking for someone who has had experience in either developing a wireless solution for 150+ users and/or someone that has experience in developing wireless access over a 300 meter linear spread.
Thank you for your help.
Jack.
Situation: The network is intended to support 150 wireless users. The users are in three distinct areas.(b1, b2, and b3). b1 is the tallest building and thus supports the satellite. b2 is 120 meters from b1. b3 is a group of 4 buildings spaced within a 75 meter square and is approx. 75 meters to its center from b2.
The satellite contract reads 4.0 mbs down/1.0 mbs up with a 2/1 contention ratio.
Currently there are two networks defined NET1 and NET2.
Current hardware is as follows:
At b1:
Satellite and Nera Satlink 1000 - b1
Linksys WTR54GX4 - acting as an access point in b1
Linksys WTR54GS V3 - acting as an access point in b1
Linksys WTR54G V5 - b1 this router defines NET1
Linksys WAP54G - located in b1 connected to a DLink 10 dBi panel antenna oriented towards b2
At b2:
Linksys WRT54G V2.2 - This router defines NET2 connected to a DLink 10 dBi panel antenna oriented towards b3
Linksys WAP54G - configured as a bridge
At b3:
WAP54G v3.1
WAP54G v3.0
WAP54G v3.0
WAP54G v3.0
1. Network stability - The network is inherently weak between the bridge. I believe this issue to be because of limited line of sight to the antenna attached to the bridge and the panel antenna broadcasting from b1. Additionally we are seeing problems between the second panel antenna and the access points in b3 due to the same issue.
2. Bandwidth - the contract reads that contention ratio is 2/1. However, we are not seeing speeds I believe the issue is that with the current hardware (specifically the routers) we are only able to have 19 concurrent wireless users per router. This is particularly an issue in the b2 to b3 configuration because we have one router handling over 100 users.
I am a programmer and not a network administrator. Thus my knowledge is very basic. Please feel free to ask questions and clarify this issue. I am looking for someone who has had experience in either developing a wireless solution for 150+ users and/or someone that has experience in developing wireless access over a 300 meter linear spread.
Thank you for your help.
Jack.
ASKER
Ok, realize that we are taking over what is essentially home use equipment. Can you suggest commercial grade equipment that meets the base needs of our situation?
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ASKER
I realize this is complicated and I would go to a consultant if one was available. Unfortunately where I am located I can not rely on local experts for many reasons, availability not be the least of them.
Your suggestion to shut down B3 is actually the way we have gone to this point. However we are still exploring other options.
Your suggestion to shut down B3 is actually the way we have gone to this point. However we are still exploring other options.
I think that using the flat panels on BOTH ends of the bridge to B2 will strengthen the bridge. 120m really is quite a distance; the kind of equipment you are working with was not meant for this. If you can strengthen the bridge from B1 to B2 and prove to yourself that it works reliably, then you have furnished your users in B1 and B2 with reliable access, and you have proven to yourself you have a solution for B3 that uses mostly what you already have.
Do you need help with IP address assignment or configuration issues? I think I know what you're up against here, and I want to help if I can.
Do you need help with IP address assignment or configuration issues? I think I know what you're up against here, and I want to help if I can.
ASKER
I think we have the configuration issues worked out at this point. The routers/APs in B1 are all on seperate channels using 192.XXX.XXX.1 The bridge is actually tied into another router that is broadcasting a seperate SSID with IP of 192.XXX.YYY.1. I don't know if the seperate SSID is even necessary. This is a holdover from the previous setup.
I am being purposely vague because I cannot disclose location and building layouts. Sorry if this cause more confusion but it is the limitations of my current situation.
Thanks
I am being purposely vague because I cannot disclose location and building layouts. Sorry if this cause more confusion but it is the limitations of my current situation.
Thanks
OK, let me know if you need more info. By the way, I worked in central Illinois back in the 70's with a guy named Wooten. Ring any bells?
You have wireless routers that support upto 54 mbps (802.11g). However, this is half duplex and shared between all users connected to that device. The 54 Mbps includes various wireless protocol over head. With 19 users you will be lucky to get 1-2 Mbps. You need to have fewer users per wireless device in order to get faster speeds.