How to position multiple wifi Access points

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PJ48

295 posts

Ultimate Geek

#120823 14-Jun-2013 22:36

Wondering if anyone can explain a simple way to decide where the signal level is low enough in a building to consider installing a second WiFi access point using the same SSID but on a separate channel, connected via ethernet. Can you use a wifi scanner program to look at signal, noise ratios in different locations, and if so, what is considered an appropriate level to justify putting in a second AP?

For instance I have noticed in our lounge I can see signal -46, noise -92, but in the bedroom it has dropped to signal -65, noise -92. Our current AP is a 2nd gen. Airport Extreme.

thanks if anyone can help with advice.

RunningMan

8955 posts

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#837098 15-Jun-2013 07:10

You've pretty much got the hang of it already.

cyril7

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#837115 15-Jun-2013 08:46

Hi, -70dBm is the minimum level we look for in school systems, so the level you are getting in your bedroom is still ok. Is this room the most farthest, if not then a 2nd AP may be recommended for this location.

Cyril

PJ48

295 posts

Ultimate Geek

#837244 15-Jun-2013 13:21

Thanks -that is really helpful. I will have a play around in different parts of the house and see what I come up with.

raytaylor

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#837442 15-Jun-2013 23:15

I like to see a signal level of at least -70 with a background noise no higher than -90
If the background noise is between -80 and -90 then you need to get your signal level up to -65 or higher to compensate

If the background noise is too high, the AP needs to have a smaller antenna, and more APs need to be used to create smaller coverage cells.

On windows xp, you use a program called netstumbler
On windows vista/7 i think the replacement is called InSSID

It will graph the signal level as you move about.

Ray Taylor

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cyril7

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#837593 16-Jun-2013 12:54

InSSID is the app to use, it works on XP and later, and yes 20dB carrier to noise is a good margin to aim for with -70dBm as a minimum level. Once you get InSSID running you will be able to see what other APs are about and interfering with yours, and then move your AP to the most clean channel, normally only using channels 1, 6 and 11.

Cyril

McNulty

152 posts

Master Geek

#838334 17-Jun-2013 20:15

Yup, but it is called InSSIDer and if you want to get some cool heatmaps overlaid over a drawing of your house you can use a free version of a survey tool such as this one [url=http://www.ekahau.com/products/heatmapper/overview.html]

ubernoob

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#838377 17-Jun-2013 21:53

cyril7: InSSID is the app to use, it works on XP and later, and yes 20dB carrier to noise is a good margin to aim for with -70dBm as a minimum level. Once you get InSSID running you will be able to see what other APs are about and interfering with yours, and then move your AP to the most clean channel, normally only using channels 1, 6 and 11.

Cyril

Oooo shiney, How do I change channels in my rooter/rowter. 1 has no overlapping, yet I'm on channel 6

Thanks

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hairy1

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#838385 17-Jun-2013 22:07

You will need to login to the router. It will be there somewhere in WLAN settings. Do you know how to login? There are plenty of instuctions on the internet. You will need to find the IP address of the router and type that into your web browser. From there you can change the channel.

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ubernoob

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#838395 17-Jun-2013 22:25

hairy1: You will need to login to the router. It will be there somewhere in WLAN settings. Do you know how to login? There are plenty of instuctions on the internet. You will need to find the IP address of the router and type that into your web browser. From there you can change the channel.

Cheers hairy1.... no interference now