We only install WiFi for events, nothing else.

There are so many issues surrounding bandwidth, Routers, AP’s and users technology that you will not be prepared for until its too late. I totally agree with the “single broadband for 250 users - NO” comment.

There is no discussion about load balancing, Quality of Service, security, isolation.

When you have a conference you employ professionals to prepare the invites, cook the food, provide the AV so why try and install a network on your own - just because it works at home doesn’t mean it will work with 250 users.

If you want something that works then visit us at http://www.maxwifi.co.uk and let us help you.

Should I flash these devices with enhanced firmware to deal with typical conference situations? Yes you can do - the WRT54GL is a classic modders friend lots of firmware out there which will help (make sure it’s not a beta!) You can also source firmwares with a Terms and conditions page which will help create viability for your sponsor

Go for dual channel or limit use to 802.11b? Duel channel probably better since most users now have G connections. Depending on your user mix you may be better to setup one AP for ‘B’ users only (and keep the others ‘G’) that way those pesky ‘B’ers won’t slow the whole network down

Limit bandwidth per connection? Probably best unless you are supporting press in which case they will get annoyed if you cap them again a custom firmware may help you out but you could also do it by VLAN

Test tools or cheap devices to simulate 200 simultaneous Wifi connections? tough one; netdoppler can run a ’simulated’ load and I think is free unfortunately the best thing is to get a couple of clients and set-up a batch script to pull from an FTP or similar

Other things to beware of: Clients themselves as some laptops have better radios than others.

Hope that helps

All the best from @tom_mcinerney

Trust me, the WiFi setup will not be your bottleneck.

One configuration tip would be to limit the Wifi to 802.11 B, this way you create less RF interference and less “switching” between B/G, thus stabilising the connections. Also decrease the lease time on the DHCP to avoid running out of addresses.