Ok I am officially going crazy here..I just can't seem to find a reliable setup for my wifi network. I have spent so long looking at router reviews etc and can't work out how this can be so hard to set up.
The problem we have is that as soon as we have a few people connected to wifi the whole network freezes. This is especially if one or two people are making a skype call. The others have to wait until they have finished. At the moment we have 2 PCs on a LAN and a max of 10 wireless users at one time, but in the summer it can go up to 40+ users so I want to nail this before we hit busy times again.
I have tried 3 different routers in the last month. The latest is a Billion 7800N, this has worked the best but still we have slow performance/freeze ups. I have blocked torrent sites, porn sites, streaming sites etc.
We have a 8meg line (best we can get here) close to the exchange and have good speed into the building.
What do you guys use? I'd welcome any advice as I will soon be getting death threats from the guests. Cheers everyone
14 years
Hi.
I am using TP-link router which are pretty good. It's better to use N router since they have stronger signal.
Another solution for you is to connect another AP and connect it to the main router (you can even do a few like this).
Give the second router a similar name (Hostel-wifi1, hostel wifi2...) but with the same password. This will allow to decide the number of concurrent users on each router but you'll give only one password to all your guests.
Hope it might help.
14 years
I use a couple of Proxim Access points joined together with WDS to give increased range. Seems to work OK, although for some reason occasionally people can't "see" the network. I've found that any system has potetial problems - getting wifi to work well 100% of the time seems nigh on impossible. My advice would be to buy some second hand professional hardware, like cisco or some of the professional 3com range. These access points were designed with enterprise based solutions in mind, rather than domestic installations. I never believe a lot of the "3xthe range" claims made for a lot of the new N based hardware - often this is based upon using that manufacturers hardware on both ends.
Even if you have just 11b it will have ample bandwidth for your internet speed. It's more important to have a reliable access point than faster speeds. In fact if you have lots of people online at the same time you will want to limit each speed, not give them more. A single router solution I've had good experiences with is the Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 with DD-WRT firmware - this opensource firmware adds lots of features to the router, and it seems to get good coverage and be very reliable.
Good luck!
14 years
Thanks a lot for the input.
The router we have was supposed to be the answer to all the issues. It is a N router, designed for SME's so I thought it should cope? It has amazing reviews....I have 5 days to return it now before I am stuck with it, so I guess its going back in the next day or two and will use the basic router again given to us by our supplier until I try another solution.
Using the Billion 7800N we have a good strong signal throughout the building so I thought the use of WDS/APs was not needed or maybe I'm missing the point?? Plus I thought APs reduce bandwidth and have a load of compatibilty issues so didn't want to go down that path unless I needed to.
A guest who worked in networking recently suggested dd-wrt on a linksys E3000 so I might give that a go next.
(Scotch Argus - we sometimes get people who cannot see the network so we change the channel frequency, might help?)
Does anyone know what hardware/software coffee shops use?? What actual makes/models have you found works best in your hostel?
Thanks once again
14 years
I am using PFsense as a router, it's a software router hand have lot's of options other routers don't have like the separation of private network for the offices from the communal WiFi and more.
As WiFi access point's I am using Level one WAB 3001 professional access point's. Most important thing is that they have PoE - Power Over Ethernet - they get the power from the data line and don't require another power outlet/cord. they can also outdoor and very durable.
14 years
I would agree with Scotch here. I come from an IT background, and if you're getting go slows, freeze ups, etc, then a home router is not for you. You need a commerical/enterprise grade router, which can be costly, depending on the version you get. But if you buy a Cisco/3Com, who are dedicated network specialists, you are going to get a good product.
Another solution like Scotch said, is to get more Access Points (APs). I have a Netgear router at home, and connected to it are two Apple Airports, that act as repeaters. They give my house universal Wi-Fi coverage (live in a large house, which thick granite walls). I connect both Mac boxes to my Netgear via network cables. The Apple Airports have been very reliable, but I'm not sure how many connections they can handle. You want a similar product to this if you don't mind having cables trailing.
14 years
Thanks again everyone, this is useful information. I have a network company coming in on Friday as well to give me some solutions. I'll post what they suggest. Cheers
Related Pages
Log in to join discussion