how many computers can a access point handle

[jroman12]

How many computers can a Linksys WAP54G handle. We have 2 Linksys WAP54G acting as AP, same name differen't channels and I keep having to replace them.
I have about 40 potential users but have about 20-30 at any given time. I have been considering upgrading to a business grade access point.

[kick-ice]

An access point is simply a radio and can handle many clients. 40 should not be a problem. What problem is showing up with your APs? Also what channels are you using?

[[Director] Joseph B]

The correct answer is "it depends". Check the specs on your access point. I have one that says it can handle 100 and I had another that didn't recomend more then 10. Also consider that the bandwidth may be shared so the more PC's on it the slower it may run.

[TSA AV Crew]

I would have upgraded to a business grade access point. Home network access points just aren't manufactured as well as business grade ones.

Upgrade if you can. We had a Cisco one at my community college I helped set up that handled as many as 40 or 50 at a time

[jroman12]

Any suggestions on which AP to get?

[TSA AV Crew]

That I have no idea. Our IT coordinator ordered the model and it was so long ago I don't even remember. Cisco is one of the standards though.

[tedanderson]

It sounds like you should have no problem with 40 computers but to answer your question (and some food for thought) Typically the average access point will facilitate 253 devices. Technically its 255 but the connection to the main hub and the access point itself counts as 2 devices. The 802.x standard allows up to 1024 devices on an ethernet network so if you were to get a commercial grade access point, your limit would be a little over 1000.

[RTDesigns]

The location of the access point related to the area of your users will also make a difference. I am in an IT dept of a company that has over a half million sp ft of mfg space, and it is all wireless. We are doing this with only 42 access points. These are mfg'ed by Symbol (div of motorola now). Yes, these points cost more than the joe homeowner devices, but you get what you pay for. I have had these installed for over 3 yrs, and have only had 1 to fail.