Business Wireless Advice Needed

[mattaggie]

For wireless where I work we have a Senao NL-2611CB3 Long Range Wireless Multi-Client Bridge. It has a square antenna mounted next to it, rather than the antenna in the pic below.

Senao NL-2611CB3+Deluxe - * Wireless Multi-Client Bridge/Access Point. Up to 100mW RF Output Power. 11Mbps IEEE 802.11b Compliant *

It has served us well but is very outdated and lately requires unplugging/replugging about once a day for devices to see it. My question is, what device should I get to replace it? This is a retail store, about 30,000 SF rectangle. Our wireless demands are pretty mild. Only a few devices use wireless and our software is not very demanding. The wireless "B" has been pretty good. However, I realize that as smartphones and tablets become more popular for business purposes, I'd like room to grow over the years. I just want something very stable. I will hire a professional if needed, but hopefully this i something I can install myself.

It hooks into a Netgear FS750T2 switch

FS750T2

I appreciate any advice.

[glc]

I would think that any of the major name brand PoE (power over Ethernet) access points would do the job, and you can always add them as needed to cover weak spots.

[mattaggie]

So something like this?

Newegg.com - Bountiful WiFi BWAPG1000 Indoor Wireless Access Point

its hard to search on Newegg for what has PoE.

[glc]

Let's back up just a bit - your switch doesn't have PoE. Is your current access point plugged into AC power? If so, then any WAP will work. If not, is there a PoE injector in the line going to it? Can you get AC power to all locations where you may need access points?

[mattaggie]

The current AP uses PoE. I could plug it in it I have to, its on the 2nd story wall outside of an office, so its very feasable to plug in. Let me also clarify that currently we are only using one AP and I was hoping to continue this. The reason is that once our software connects to the server, switching APs would mean closing all windows and reopening them. Basically when it disconnecs from Server, you have to start all over.

[glc]

I would get a Linksys WRT54GL router, install DD-WRT firmware on it, and convert it to an access point. You can play with the Tx power and connect a high gain antenna to it if needed.

Newegg.com - Linksys WRT54GL Wireless Broadband Router 802.11b/g up to 54Mbps/ Compatible with Open Source DD-WRT (not pre-load)

[mattaggie]

ok, thanks. I guess that was what I was wondering: do I need some type of commercial AP or a "home" AP. The commercial type seem to require an IT who knows what they are doing to install, for security purposes I assume.

[glc]

DD-WRT is very versatile and configurable. Your only issue is going to be getting complete coverage!

I've stayed in mom and pop motels that use consumer grade wireless. The only reason to get commercial grade equipment would be for heavy use or if you want to have both a secure side and open side for public access.

[mattaggie]

yeah i dont need heavy use or open and secure side. And Im assume the bridge we currently have is "consumer" and it covers the building pretty well.

Is this the kind of antenna I need? Is this overkill?

Newegg.com - HAWKING HAO14SDP Hi-Gain 14dBi Outdoor Directional Antenna Kit

[glc]

Try installing it with the stock antennas and crank up the Tx power to 100 mw. See what kind of coverage you get.

If you need an antenna, the WRT54GL uses RP-TNC connectors, and the stock antennas are 2db gain. You can replace one or both.

Your old WAP is commercial, and it looks like it also uses RP-TNC, so you could try reusing your antenna.