What are possible reasons for wireless network issues?
I work with a startup incubator, who is regularly experiencing issues with their internet connection. Are there any red flags with the current setup that it inadequate?
- 100/50MBPS broadband connection from Comcast Business
- DOCSIS 3.0 SMC modem/router
- 200 people using wifi on average. Peak of 400 for events
- (6) Wifi access points
- Sonic firewall
- Single floor open space in a high-rise
Solution 1:
In a no-interference environment with perfect conditions (which I'm sure you don't have), Cisco LAP access points are spec'd for 25-50 users each for acceptable performance with a "well....you can do it" maximum of 100 users per AP. Other top tier brands are going to come in right around the same figure. SOHO equipment will be much less, usually about 10-15 connections before things start getting ugly.
It sounds to me like you just have highly congested access points. I'd consider adding more, and also doing what you can to push users to 5GHz to cut down on interference.
Edit: Just as an anecdote, I deployed 2 Cisco LAP1142s to the lecture rooms at $LastJob, because they were 90+ seat rooms. This was our standard lecture room spec. The coverage was not the issue at all, but the potential clients per AP was a deal breaker, causing me to throw almost $1500 per lecture room at it.
Solution 2:
It's not just the number of APs you have, it's how they're distributed and how the clients are connected to them. Look to see if some are over-subscribed while others are idle. Look to see if there are issues with interference, etc. You may need to look at managed APs if these current ones are unmanaged. And of course if they are currently managed then much of what we're suggesting to you should be suggested already from the managment interface's reporting metrics.
Also, as to the connection itself - is that bandwidth guaranteed or is this essentially like the usual home or small business "best efforts" SLA? And what use is it being put to? 200 people all hammering the living snot out of youtube, facebook, skype and spotify all at once with a dozen other random websites open for each one is obviously not the same as 200 people checking your local news website and their webmail every hour or so.