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GilbertsGrape
07-11-2005, 03:58 AM
What is the best way to set up a wireless network that will cover a large area. and can you exted the distance of coverage by installing more wirelsess routers or is there another piece of hardware to use to extend distance like a wireless access point?

Also how can i secure the network? is there a way to make users log in to have access to the wireless network?
Jeffbx
07-11-2005, 04:47 AM
How large of an area? You talking indoors or outdoors?
GilbertsGrape
07-11-2005, 06:53 AM
a elementary school......... probably 250+ feet long and 40 feet wide, kind of has wings too
TruckStuff
07-11-2005, 07:04 AM
If you setup the WAPs to simply serve content (not give IPs also), then as long as you give all of them the same SSID, you shouldn't have any problems roaming from one WAP to another.
modena
07-11-2005, 09:00 AM
To extend service, there are better antennaes then the facotry ones. I used them and increased my service to my computer by about 40%.
speedracer120
07-11-2005, 10:21 AM
If you don't mind using non-standard firmwares, go with the Linksys WRT54G and get one of the opensource firmwares that allow you boost the power to the antennae. For example the alchemy firmware allows you to pump the wattage from the default of 80mW or so to 251mW. Works like a charm.
Jeffbx
07-11-2005, 10:52 AM
As stated above, you need WAPs (wireless access points) and/or external antennas. No routers. You could probably cover the building with 2-4 WAPs.

To secure the network? There are pages & pages dedicated to that. I'd recommend bringing in a consulting company to do it for you - they can have you up & running in a day or so - money well spent there.
GilbertsGrape
07-11-2005, 11:59 AM
is there a way to set soemthing like this program talks about for windows box.

http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/wireless/2001/11/09/nocatauth.html

this would be idea... so the wireless users would have to log in and things

how hard would this be to set up?
Jeffbx
07-11-2005, 12:58 PM
Are you setting this up as a public hotspot that anyone can access, or just for the faculty & staff use?

If just for faculty & staff, it can probably tie into whatever authentication you're using today, if you are on a domain.
GilbertsGrape
07-12-2005, 07:34 AM
hopefuly for just student and Staff use.... the network is a AD network alreadt. can you make that the authinication used to connect to the wireless network as well?
Jeffbx
07-12-2005, 09:33 AM
Sure - check out the Cisco offerings - they integrate directly into AD.