Does anyone knows how to calculate how many users which a single Access Point can support?

Question

i wonder that a single Access point can support how many users symuntansly????

Answer 1

The capacity of 802.11(a,b, or g) systems is limited by two main factors; 1) The capacity of the DHCP Server and router and 2) the available bandwidth of the radio interface.

The typical residential wireless router has a built-in DHCP server to automatically assign wireless (and wired) users an IP address. Residential DHCP servers usually max out at 256 users. Enterprise wireless networks use dedicated DHCP servers capable of handling 1000s of users.

The next limitation is the radio link. As you know, 802.11g supports link rates up to 54 Mbs. 54 Mbs is achievable only under the best conditions, meaning no other access points or users on the same channel in the area to generate noise.

As users are added, the maximum rate available to each user is lowered accordingly, until the number of users are generating more noise than usable signal and effectively jam the access point.

Another factor in radio capacity is called Near-Far affect. This occurs when one user has acquired service at a great distance with no interference. Then a second user, located much nearer to the access point, acquires service and the Near users strong signal over powers the Far users weak signal, effectively jamming the Far users and reducing the access point capacity.

Answer 2

IN THEORY, 256, 255 or 254 (depends which user manual you read).

In practice, though, it really depends on what each user is doing, the quality of the signal (poor signal = higher error rate=more retries=more bandwidth used) and how busy your network is.

While the AP can support 250-some connection, if they all try to do something heavy at the same time... well, bring a good book and maybe a packed lunch to pass the time while you wait :-)

Answer 3

Balancing bandwidth usage with bandwidth capacity is an art form more than a cut-n-dried numerical equation.

It always depends on many changing variables.

You need a good bandwidth monitor to find out what is going on with your network at any point in time.

Linksys offers a fine product called WebView with many of their commerical products.

The literature for their home based products usually say they can support upto 50 devices over a single access point.

I would say, with tongue in cheek, if you have 50 pc's in your house do you have room for anything else? Lol! ☺☺☺

Answer 4

regardless of what the books say the bandwidth per user reduces for each extra person linked to the access point (but it does depend on how much network stuff they are doing)

Answer 5

if you are talking about a linksys or similar, they usually claim 254. A commercial model is able to support many more