CISCO AP with 2.4GHz antenna now having throughput problem

[derict]

Hi all expert,

Current i'm having problem with my AP running with WLC. For example, 1 AP in a room with 30 users, they are having throughput/slow connection problem.

Just want to know, if we dun add another AP but instead add-in 5GHz antenna, will it improve the conectivity or it will be the same ?? If there is other solution that incur lower cost will be helpful as well..

Regards,

DericT

[George Stefanick]

Hello,

Yes, Im not surprised you are seeing throughput issues with 30 users on 1 access point. Remember, wireless is a HALF Duplex and shared medium, like a hub. Yes, you are correct if you have a 5GHz radio in your ap you can share the load and help throughput if you enable the 5GHz.Or adding another access point in the area is also ideal. Power and ap position will be important to enhance clients connection.

What kinda of wireless clients do you have?

[derict]

clients mainly are notebook.. this is in a school environment.. I just need to confirm that 5Ghz antenna will help to improve throughput, then need to buy antenna for each of the AP...

Adding AP might be out of budget, that's why opting to only add antenna to it in order to improve it ... I guess the throughput won't be increased dramatically by adding 5GHz antenna only compared to adding AP.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps4570/products_white_paper09186a00801d61a3.shtml

refer to

Table 2. Approximate Throughput Comparison for 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g

Hopefully it will really improve throughput else, will have to fork out budget to add AP.

[George Stefanick]

I think your issue will be is how you will split the users 2.4 and 5 user base. If all the laptops can do 5GHz, what happens if they all GO to the 5GHz side. You are just moving your problem. If you own the PCs you could program the cards to connect to one or the other.

The next thing you need to think of is the lan side. Can a 100 speed port keep up with the wireless side traffic. I mean are all 30 student pulling down heavy media perhaps?

[derict]

thought about that problem before ...it can only be set in the client side? Can WLC configure it based on MAC address??

AP only have FE port, so we can't change that.. I believe 100based should be sufficient to it?

[George Stefanick]

Unless the AP is 802.11n, which has GIG. Then yes, FA is the only one you have.

As for steering, you can with the WLC steer clients to 5 GHz. But that will likely just put everyone on 5GHz, if they support 5GHz. This will likely be a manual effort.

[Leo Laohoo]

Whaooooooooooooo!

You have the following:

1.  30 clients all associated to ONE WAP;

2.  WAP is connected to a FastEthernet

I think the two reasons above are your issues and answers to your slow responses.

[derict]

i'll need to test it out 1st .. definitely its older model AP with only FE .. Hopefully with 5Ghz antenna will solve the problem.

[Leo Laohoo]

i'll need to test it out 1st .. definitely its older model AP with only FE .. Hopefully with 5Ghz antenna will solve the problem.

Mmmmmm ... Not it won't.    You just might make it alot worst.

Think about it before throwing good money:  2.4Ghz is low speed but long range (check!).  You have 30 clients all going to ONE AP over a FastEthernet connection (check!).  Next, due to the overwhelming amount of client traffic resposes slow down (check!).  Next you want to put all the clients into 5.0 Ghz radio but still on a FastEthernet link, which is HIGH speed but short range.

Still doesn't make sense?

Try this:  Think of the situation as driving along a narrow, pot-holed riddled dirt road with your, say, VW Golf.  Your intention is to run this strech at high speed while carrying the entire football team behind you.  Your solution is to remove the VW Golf engine and stick the engine of a Caterpillar D10T under the hood/bonnet.  (How the heck you'll be able to fit the monster in is a marvel of technology by itself!)

[George Stefanick]

I think he is trying all his options before purchasing a new ap ...

[Leo Laohoo]

I think he is trying all his options before purchasing a new ap ...