[OCLUG-Tech] Heavy-duty linux wifi access point / server?
I recall there are some people on this list who have dealt with something
like I'd like to do.
I'd like to reach people with cellphones and tablets, gathered in large
(semi-public) congregation in Ottawa. Think OLS conference, for example,
except outside; and far less data transfer per user (maybe). I'd like to
set up an open wifi access point connected to a Linux webserver serving
static, or if possible, semi-static (cache-backed CMS) pages. At worst
case, all it would have to serve is one static page.
Never having done this before, I have no idea of how many associations or
connections to expect. I'm guessing a few dozen to 200 range.
Now I recall someone talking at the IPV6 conference last year about the
(APs?) being overloaded by people with wifi-enabled phones on OC Transpo
buses going by the building on the Transitway. I don't recall much more
than that.
I expect an i7 linux workstation I have could keep up with the web
requests.
So I'm wondering what it would take in equipment, especially wifi, for me
to set something up like this? I would NOT be able to set up any more than
one AP (or at least one AP location), given the physical limitations of
the setup, out of my control. The operational duration would be about one
week.
This is not a "mission crticial" project. It can fail from overload and
that's fine, but it would be nice if it didn't die at 20 accesses. If it
can work without too setup and cost (I cannot afford gear purchase, but
maybe rental) then I might try it. This is just a "guerilla outreach"
experiment I'd like to try if it's not way beyond my resources.
Any tips on this, thoughts, or websites or where to find out more about
this kind of setup and what's required?
Brett