I’m trying to set up a wireless network for a condominium complex. The complex consists of 2 buildings w/112 units each on 10 floors. I tried to go w/a network consisting of pointing some antennas to the buildings to send the wireless signal, this plan has been scrubbed because of poor quality signal. So I have to go hard wire. This resort was not built w/internet in mind, so all cabling to the units is only telephone. But I can string 4 or 5 CAT5 wires along the conduits. Which would leave the option to install 4 Wireless N AP’s per floor.
Now, here’s where I need some input (since I’m not that knowledgeable with networks). I have to go thru the elevator shaft to set up the network, I was thinking of having a network switch on each floor to take care of each AP. One of my questions is, Will I need to set up one switch at the ground floor so I can feed each floor’s switch, or can I piggy back on each floor’s switch to reach the next floor? I don’t know if piggy backing would have a negative impact on the network. Also from the elevator shaft there’s not a problem to run the wires to each floor’s switch (the limitation I have on space is from each floor to the units).