Wire vs. Wireless

Redlyfs · 07-30-2006, 09:40 PM

I'm now contempating whether to turn my office into a wireless network dependent and whether if it is a good idea. Any advice?

My office currently runs with around 10 active clients and a normal pc running as a file server on XP pro. We have a Planet FNSW 2401 switch and another router/modem.

The reason why i'm thinking of going wireless is because the current network we're running on is not very stable at times and couldn't connect to the file server even thought we are connected to the net.
In addition, less wire, more tidy (neatfreak me

)

If there's any other opinions do feel free to advice.

**Fox** · 07-30-2006, 10:01 PM

I would diagnose your current problem rather than start a new headache by making a wireless network, which is sort of pointless unless you'd like to connect a laptop to the network and be able to move it around. Otherwise, it just adds packet loss, a tremendous loss in speed with file transfers within your network, and the very real potential of your network becoming compromised by someone who could be driving around and see a security hole in it.

Plus when you have 10 client machines on one AP at the same time, your browsing will slow down to a crawl, since each machine will be jockeying for a time slot on the router.

Redlyfs · 07-30-2006, 10:07 PM

Ah shucks.. And I thought I could break in my spanking new laptop. But that could easily be solved with a wireless router right?

So i guess wireless network is a big no-no in order to have a smooth network?

Um.. as i'm new to forums should i:
a. Write a new post regarding my problem.
b. just continue here

**Fox** · 07-30-2006, 10:49 PM

I would start a new thread for those problems, but reference this thread if you want, to give people an idea where you stand.

And it really isn't that a wireless connection can't be stable, it's just with 10 machines that are all accessing the wireless access point at the same time, it'll get really bogged down. Plus, when you have servers running, it's always better to have them wired for speed.

You could theoretically add a wireless access point to your existing network, but make sure to read up on the documentation for setting up security. I recommend WPA-SK if it's an option.

**johnwill** · 08-01-2006, 10:09 AM

Ten machines connecting to a single WAP will be SNAIL-SLOW!

The connection is shared on a contention basis, and all the traffic is half-duplix. Since the maximum real throughput is around 25mbit on an 802.11g link, you do the math.

Redlyfs · 08-02-2006, 09:29 PM

If i do want to create a wireless network area but I want the connection to be smooth for say..10 - 15 laptops in a convention room, what would be your suggestion?

There's an alternative of wiring the whole damn place up but it wouldnt be practical if the room is just used for project meets and presentations.

**johnwill** · 08-03-2006, 11:49 AM

If you really want a smooth connection for all the laptops, I'd still have the wired option. Failing that, I'd setup three access points on channels 1, 6, and 11 to start. With three channels, you'll have less contention issues, since you can spread the wireless load.

Many conference rooms at my clients have a hub under the tables and a bunch of Ethernet cables that you can pull out and connect. One place has a slick reel system to pull the cords out.

07-30-2006, 09:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
Redlyfs Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 17 OS: WinXP Pro	Wire vs. Wireless I'm now contempating whether to turn my office into a wireless network dependent and whether if it is a good idea. Any advice? My office currently runs with around 10 active clients and a normal pc running as a file server on XP pro. We have a Planet FNSW 2401 switch and another router/modem. The reason why i'm thinking of going wireless is because the current network we're running on is not very stable at times and couldn't connect to the file server even thought we are connected to the net. In addition, less wire, more tidy (neatfreak me ) If there's any other opinions do feel free to advice.

07-30-2006, 10:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
Fox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 7,752 OS: XP Pro, CentOS My System	I would diagnose your current problem rather than start a new headache by making a wireless network, which is sort of pointless unless you'd like to connect a laptop to the network and be able to move it around. Otherwise, it just adds packet loss, a tremendous loss in speed with file transfers within your network, and the very real potential of your network becoming compromised by someone who could be driving around and see a security hole in it. Plus when you have 10 client machines on one AP at the same time, your browsing will slow down to a crawl, since each machine will be jockeying for a time slot on the router. __________________ Antec Neo Power 500W, ABIT IP35-E, Intel E2180@2.66Ghz, Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2-800, PNY 8800GT, 320GB Seagate * lazy college student alert *- If I've inadvertently ignored a thread, please Let me know about it Have I helped you solve your problem? Donate to Techsupportforums Klart Skepp!

07-30-2006, 10:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
Fox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 7,752 OS: XP Pro, CentOS My System	I would start a new thread for those problems, but reference this thread if you want, to give people an idea where you stand. And it really isn't that a wireless connection can't be stable, it's just with 10 machines that are all accessing the wireless access point at the same time, it'll get really bogged down. Plus, when you have servers running, it's always better to have them wired for speed. You could theoretically add a wireless access point to your existing network, but make sure to read up on the documentation for setting up security. I recommend WPA-SK if it's an option. __________________ Antec Neo Power 500W, ABIT IP35-E, Intel E2180@2.66Ghz, Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2-800, PNY 8800GT, 320GB Seagate * lazy college student alert *- If I've inadvertently ignored a thread, please Let me know about it Have I helped you solve your problem? Donate to Techsupportforums Klart Skepp!

08-01-2006, 10:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,787 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Ten machines connecting to a single WAP will be SNAIL-SLOW! The connection is shared on a contention basis, and all the traffic is half-duplix. Since the maximum real throughput is around 25mbit on an 802.11g link, you do the math. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

08-03-2006, 11:49 AM	#7 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,787 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	If you really want a smooth connection for all the laptops, I'd still have the wired option. Failing that, I'd setup three access points on channels 1, 6, and 11 to start. With three channels, you'll have less contention issues, since you can spread the wireless load. Many conference rooms at my clients have a hub under the tables and a bunch of Ethernet cables that you can pull out and connect. One place has a slick reel system to pull the cords out. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

07-30-2006, 10:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
Redlyfs Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 17 OS: WinXP Pro	Ah shucks.. And I thought I could break in my spanking new laptop. But that could easily be solved with a wireless router right? So i guess wireless network is a big no-no in order to have a smooth network? Um.. as i'm new to forums should i: a. Write a new post regarding my problem. b. just continue here

08-02-2006, 09:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
Redlyfs Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 17 OS: WinXP Pro	If i do want to create a wireless network area but I want the connection to be smooth for say..10 - 15 laptops in a convention room, what would be your suggestion? There's an alternative of wiring the whole damn place up but it wouldnt be practical if the room is just used for project meets and presentations.