Thanks.
Initial wireless deployment (Cisco, back in 2001-2002) was with the "wireless as a luxury" mindset. We also have offices with many "open" cubicle areas - wireless installs were designed to provide access to those users with the expectation that all users in an office would have wired drops.
When we switched to Aruba 3 years ago, I suggested that we plan for more usage and better coverage, but the decision makers were adamant that we were doing a "1 for 1" replacement. As we had never deployed 5GHz in our previous model, that also wasn't an option (we did get some for our main headquarters, but nothing for our remote sites). I do agree with you in regards to capacity. I gave my opinion on the new design, but I don't control the purse strings......so I work with what they give me ;)
Now fast forward to the iPad (and other tablets) and the explosion of BYOD, and I find myself spending half my time working out better placement and new installs.
This one site is what is confusing for me, as they have now shifted to more of a coffee shop/lounge design, which is going to concentrate more users in one particular area instead of previously being spend out in typical cubicle/desk space.
Add to that this location is in a downtown area - I count more than 30 nearby networks, most in the 2.4GHz spectrum, thus my hesitation to add another AP93.
I do have one extra AP105 laying around, and since most clients are iPad, I thought dual-band would be a logical choice. I'm also currently waiting on budget allowances to see what I have to work with.
I do monitor connections with Airwave and get alerts for APs with more than 15 connections (for more than 15 minutes). I currently only have 2 or 3 offices that have this problem on a consistent basis. Unfortunately for me, this "problem" office is our largest and most profitable, so I need to get them right.
As I go through and audit each branch office, realistically I'd like to double our AP count (currently 330+). Will adding AP105 along with the existing AP93 deployment cause any problems?
If I do deploy an AP105 to that location, do I need to worry about band steering? Will the 5GHz-capable clients automatically connect, or would they still prefer the 2.4GHz spectrum?
Looking forward, how much longer before we start seeing 802.11ac in production? I've already been asked about it several times, and I know it still isn't ratified, but is getting close.