We have an office at work with a single RJ45 network point on the wall. We've muddled through by using a 4 port hub, but now we're going to use it as a conference room.

Can I just buy a wireless access point and plug it in to enable multiple users in that room to connect their laptops to the company network?

If so, how many wireless devices does your typical access point support? On occasion, we might need 5-8 laptops connected in that room.

The gaffer asked me to get something set up quickly, so I'm limited to the likes of PC World, Staples and Maplin for options.
Does anyone think this any good for the task?

If your network isn't particularly locked down you should be able to. You might have issues with things getting a bit confused if the WAP wants to use the same range of IP addresses for wifi as you use on your wired network but even if it doesn't work automagically, the config job can often just be accessing a web page on the device and tweaking a few settings. You'll usually be fine with just one WAP, technically they can usually support 200+ devices, although they'd all get pretty slow access if you did.

if your wired network is locked down i.e. all devices have to be registered before they work on it and such like, you're obviously going to struggle.

That BT thing looks a bit overkill to be honest, unless you're planning to carry on having wired connections too. if you just want to provide wifi coverage in the room, one of these would probably do just as well.

What exactly is it that you want them to have?

Are they internal users who have a company laptop on the domain and need to do sales presentations and what have you using docs on your network drives? If so you want a simple access point like this
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/edimax-n300-w ... oint-n95hu
5 to 8 users won't be a problem.

If it's for guests not staff; they don't need access to your network shares and printers; and you want to prevent dirty internet wormy things from spreading and all that stuff - and if you don't mind that any sense of added security beyond that is an illusion - then a router like Jon's link will be fine.

It will be just to provide a wireless link to the network for internal users.

Thanks guys, I'll nip out and pick up a cheapo WAP this afternoon.

Most of the items listed on Maplin's website are old stock, no longer sold. A real PITA for the staff apparently.

Anyway, I picked up a cheap cable router and it works a treat.

Cheers

Unless you are trying to run a guest network, DHCP on the access point should be disabled, it should run over the existing DHCP server. If you want extra security, think about putting in a Radius server.

I don't think that's going to happen given the description, do you?