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How many computers can each access point support?

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QUESTION POSED ON: 14 March 2005
How many computers can each access point support?


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There is no hard and fast rule to determine how many users can be supported by a single AP. Some APs do have fixed or license-imposed upper limits on the number of users, but you'll probably run out of bandwidth long before you hit those limits.

To estimate number of users, start by considering application throughput requirements for your WLAN users. Divide your AP's aggregate throughput by bandwidth per user to determine the average number of concurrent users. Throughput varies by AP and with distance, so you should really take sample throughput measurements in your own WLAN to estimate aggregate throughput in the coverage area where users will be located.

However, if you're planning your WLAN and you have nothing to measure yet, you can start with a rough estimate that peak throughput will be about half the maximum link speed, for users fairly close to the AP. For example, if you're installing 802.11g APs, you might get 20-30 Mbps aggregate throughput for nearby users connected at 54 Mbps. If your average user requires one Mbps, you might then estimate 20 active users per AP. No matter what you estimate, you'll want to verify actual results after AP installation and adjust your WLAN layout to meet user needs.




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