I am advising the owner of a small event space (two-story house, really) on how to equip the space for use in a corporate meeting setting, with lots of laptops connected over wifi. She already has business class cable internet, so all that's left is the router. I think she just chose the most expensive one (Cisco Linksys Smart Wi-Fi AC 1750HD Video Pro EA6500 Review & Rating | PCMag.com) but I'm not sure she needs to spend that much...or maybe she does, I don't know enough. Opinions from those with experience is appreciated. Thanks.
Router for wifi in small event space with business class internet
- Thread starter Daniel Postilnik
- Start date
Re: Router for wifi in small event space with business class internet
If she already has an internet connection then she doesn't need a router, only an access point. I'd suggest a proper Cisco (not Linksys), the Aironet series:
https://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps12555/index.html
If she already has an internet connection then she doesn't need a router, only an access point. I'd suggest a proper Cisco (not Linksys), the Aironet series:
https://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps12555/index.html
Re: Router for wifi in small event space with business class internet
How many is LOTS of laptops? Depending on the construction of the building, a single access point may not be ideal. Signal strength in some areas can result in spotty connections.
The differences in routers primarily are going to be how they react under heavy loads. Cheaper routers will slow down or crash when you get too many users attached. The router selected appears to be decent for the needs. Personally, I'd consider the Apple Airport Extreme as an option as well. $179, so about the same price point. That's rated for up to 50 devices connected wirelessly. Extending the network on an Airport is pretty simple too.
How many is LOTS of laptops? Depending on the construction of the building, a single access point may not be ideal. Signal strength in some areas can result in spotty connections.
The differences in routers primarily are going to be how they react under heavy loads. Cheaper routers will slow down or crash when you get too many users attached. The router selected appears to be decent for the needs. Personally, I'd consider the Apple Airport Extreme as an option as well. $179, so about the same price point. That's rated for up to 50 devices connected wirelessly. Extending the network on an Airport is pretty simple too.
Re: Router for wifi in small event space with business class internet
From the client side, it's about getting RF where it's needed. No radio, no data.
My suggestion is that she plug in the Cisco and invite a bunch of friends (20 or more) over and try to stream video, upload/download social media, Skype, etc and see what happens. Without us knowing how the facility is laid out, the materials used, the number of users or the needs they have, it's an InterNet Guesstimation Game.
A local network designer/installer may be required.
From the client side, it's about getting RF where it's needed. No radio, no data.
My suggestion is that she plug in the Cisco and invite a bunch of friends (20 or more) over and try to stream video, upload/download social media, Skype, etc and see what happens. Without us knowing how the facility is laid out, the materials used, the number of users or the needs they have, it's an InterNet Guesstimation Game.
A local network designer/installer may be required.
Re: Router for wifi in small event space with business class internet
All the events that I do that require WiFi for the show to go on bring their own. The venue may supply an internet pipe of some specified bandwidth, but the APs and routers and antenna systems come with the event.
Supplying the WiFi gear implies a certain guaranteed level of service. Unless the venue owner wants to become an IT company, it's probably better to leave that part of the job to pros.
There are plenty of companies that supply this service.
Mac
All the events that I do that require WiFi for the show to go on bring their own. The venue may supply an internet pipe of some specified bandwidth, but the APs and routers and antenna systems come with the event.
Supplying the WiFi gear implies a certain guaranteed level of service. Unless the venue owner wants to become an IT company, it's probably better to leave that part of the job to pros.
There are plenty of companies that supply this service.
Mac
Silas Pradetto
Graduate Student
Re: Router for wifi in small event space with business class internet
This is incorrect. The internet connection typically only provides a single IP, to allow multiple computer to connect to the single connection a NAT router is required. An access point does NOT provide this.
Also, a single access point can only handle so many clients. Depending on expectations and speeds required, an enterprise solution may be required with multiple APs and a load-balancing AP controller.
This is incorrect. The internet connection typically only provides a single IP, to allow multiple computer to connect to the single connection a NAT router is required. An access point does NOT provide this.
Also, a single access point can only handle so many clients. Depending on expectations and speeds required, an enterprise solution may be required with multiple APs and a load-balancing AP controller.
Re: Router for wifi in small event space with business class internet
Silas is 100% correct on this. Solutions for wireless (802.11a/b/g/n) network access range from sub $25 consumer-grade gear to many thousands. My day job is network admin for a municipal ISP. The solution chosen needs to be scaled and chosen based on several factors including, but not limited to:
- Bandwidth requirements for network hosts
- Type, speed, and latency of internet connection (DSL, cable, PONS, and so on).
- Coverage area
It may be worth it to hire a network professional in your area to asses your friend's needs and submit a comprehensive and reliable solution.
Silas is 100% correct on this. Solutions for wireless (802.11a/b/g/n) network access range from sub $25 consumer-grade gear to many thousands. My day job is network admin for a municipal ISP. The solution chosen needs to be scaled and chosen based on several factors including, but not limited to:
- Bandwidth requirements for network hosts
- Type, speed, and latency of internet connection (DSL, cable, PONS, and so on).
- Coverage area
It may be worth it to hire a network professional in your area to asses your friend's needs and submit a comprehensive and reliable solution.
Well, yes for residential. Business connections often provide more than one IP address. I have a client that I provide audio and networking services for and his connection supplies 10 addresses. I use them to route through the firewall to different places from the Internet.
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Re: Router for wifi in small event space with business class internet
It's a very small venue, so there would never be more than 20 people using it at a time, and even then, it probably wouldn't be streaming video. I will take heed of those who posted that clients requiring specific rf distribution should be bringing their own equipment. It seems to be a reasonable request for a venue that is essentially just a converted residential property.
It's a very small venue, so there would never be more than 20 people using it at a time, and even then, it probably wouldn't be streaming video. I will take heed of those who posted that clients requiring specific rf distribution should be bringing their own equipment. It seems to be a reasonable request for a venue that is essentially just a converted residential property.
Re: Router for wifi in small event space with business class internet
Those don't sound like very demanding requirements. The router you have should be able to do the job just fine, as long as you can get the signal strength you need, where you need it. Remember that as your signal strength goes down, so does the speed of the connection. One bar on your wifi strength meter may still allow web browsing, but the speed is going to be diminished.
Those don't sound like very demanding requirements. The router you have should be able to do the job just fine, as long as you can get the signal strength you need, where you need it. Remember that as your signal strength goes down, so does the speed of the connection. One bar on your wifi strength meter may still allow web browsing, but the speed is going to be diminished.