Yet another RTS/CTS question
Last Post: July 8, 2010:
-
Brad,
Jon makes some good points. I'll either reiterate what he said and add some of my own thoughts.
- You have too many APs. This is extremely common among a few vendors. I'm not bashing their product, but I am critical of their motto "Install a bunch of APs and let the controller sort it out".
- If you are truly in a test phase, you have caught a major problem early. Good for you!
- RTS/CTS can help with the problem you have. It is a lengthy explanation, but you have what I have dubbed "hidden AP problem". I'm not suggesting this as a solution if you are willing to take other steps.
- You have massive co-channel interference. When two or more APs on the same channel can hear each other, you have the cumulative performance of one AP. Again, too many APs.
- The location of the APs may be a problem. If your APs are mounted in a long hallway, that contributes to co-channel interference.
- As Jon said, if you can choose other equipment at this stage (dual band APs, 11a VoIP phones) you should seriously consider it.
- With a proper site survey and the right equipment, I'd bet my next paycheck your Wi-Fi infrastructure could cost half of what your current estimates are based on the current "test floor" implementation.If you don't mind, where are you located? If you are somewhere near where I will be, which includes most of the U.S., I'd be more than happy to come by and look at what is going on. I'm not trying to make a buck here, I just like solving these problems.
If you want to try a fun experiment, just turn off every other AP in your facility. You may cause a few coverage holes in the beginning, but I can almost guarantee that your performance will improve.
Thanks!
GT
P.S. I always select all and copy my posts before I submit them. It has saved me a retype more than once. :)
- 1