Maximum number of concurrent users per Wi-Fi access point

Monica Ferrari
Aug 29, 2017 · 2 min read

In this article, we will provide a list of the top 7 Wi-Fi access points supported by Tanaza to connect the largest possible number of concurrent users under heavy data traffic usage.

When designing your Wi-Fi network, you need to consider client coverage carefully. Indeed, different factors can affect the number of concurrent users a wireless access point can support. Here are the main variables to consider:

  • AP model: the first thing to keep in mind is that single radio devices handle a smaller number of connected users compared to dual radio access points. Look for the right dual radio Wi-Fi device for your installation with Tanaza: being multi-vendor, you can choose from a wide range of access point models from different vendors.
  • Bandwidth and throughput: depending on the internet usage of your customers your access point handles a different number of concurrent users. For instance, web browsing and instant messaging require a light bandwidth usage; social media medium/light usage; Skype voice calling medium/heavy usage; video calls and video streaming (Netflix, Youtube) require heavy usage. So, if the majority of guests are uploading pictures on Instagram, a limited number of users will be supported. Conversely, if all customers are sending emails, a larger number of clients will be simultaneously connected. Read this article to know how to calculate your Wi-Fi bandwidth need. Different web application requires different throughput requirements. For instance, web browsing requires approximately 500 Kbps, whereas high throughput apps such as HD video streaming up to about 3 Mbps. Read this article to know the throughput requirements for your Wi-Fi network.
  • Coverage and interference: independently of the access point performance, if users are not reached by a powerful wireless signal, the number of simultaneously connected clients in a location will be limited. At the same time, interference due to multiple Wi-Fi SSIDs operating on the same channels could affect the propagation of the signal, which would result in less supported concurrent users. Remember to perform a site survey to assess the environment and potential interference affecting your Wi-Fi network: for instance, by relying on a network stumbler or survey tool able to detect coverage and capacity.

Given these parameters, let’s now see the top 7 access points you can deploy with Tanaza when you need to provide your Wi-Fi connection to a large number of concurrent users.

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Tanaza

Tanaza’s blog: articles about wifi, routers, public hotspots, networking

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Monica Ferrari

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Tanaza

Tanaza

Tanaza’s blog: articles about wifi, routers, public hotspots, networking

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