Advice on network of office

[spudgod]

Okay, so I've inherited the role of "IT guy" in my workplace because I know a little about computers but I'm completely under-qualified for the things they are asking me.

Currently the whole LAN of around 30 devices are being dealt with by a single Draytek router but it doesn't seem to be coping as computers are sporadically not connecting to printers, NAS drives or other devices on the network. Now all the devices are connected wirelessly apart from 3 devices connected into a single switch which runs back into router.

What do you guys suggest as a remedy to this situation? Would adding another router to act as a WAP help ease the load or am I looking at things the wrong way?

 

[USAFRet]

At first glance, you need to wire up some of those devices rather than WiFi.

Printers don't move. Desktop PC's don't move.
Cat5e to those things.

 

[spudgod]

At first glance, you need to wire up some of those devices rather than WiFi.

Printers don't move. Desktop PC's don't move.
Cat5e to those things.

Yeah, I could wire up a few of them but it's actually a workshop so it includes CNC's and big saws so not really viable to wire them up. Plus it would still be one old router dealing with the whole network.

 

[USAFRet]

At first glance, you need to wire up some of those devices rather than WiFi.

Printers don't move. Desktop PC's don't move.
Cat5e to those things.

Yeah, I could wire up a few of them but it's actually a workshop so it includes CNC's and big saws so not really viable to wire them up. Plus it would still be one old router dealing with the whole network.

Then you need to bring in a local consultant, who can put eyes on the scene, and recommend a way ahead.
A room full of desktops is different that a room full of portable laptops is different than a workshop with CNC machines.

Building construction also factors hugely in here. A metal building is very different than a wood frame, especially regarding WiFi.

You can wing it, and pay for this 3 times:
Once to change things.
Once for someone else to take it apart when it dies.
Once for them to actually build it right.

Or you can pay for it once, with a good local consultant. And have it actually work right the first time.