OT Wireless Network for home, 802.11G Options

[Howard]

Spiffy new laptop dvd+r/w 512/60meg/wide screen $700! Damn, these things are getting good.

Anyway, it has 802.11g wifi built in. What's the best router? Have a wired hub now for 2 desktops. Would this replace that, too?

[Series9]

If you want to do it really easily, get an Apple Airport Express. They're only $130 and all you have to do is plug it in and you're on. I have one that I carry with me for hotel rooms that have ethernet, but not wireless.

If the other pilot has a room next to me at the hotel, he's wireless too.

[ArtechnikA]

i use the LinkSys WRT54G and like it.

router, firewall, wireless. configures via a web browser interface from a locally-attached computer.

enable the security stuff...

[SirAndy]

if you live near a starbucks, you won't need a router!

if you decide to get a router, your neighbors will love it (free internet access!) ...
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif) Andy

PS: did you know that all major software protocols are "PLAIN TEXT" ???
i sure hope you don't have any *smart* kids living nearby ...

[Series9]

Here you go. It works with both Mac and PC. Anything 802.11g.


http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail...dpno~448199.asp

[skline]

QUOTE (ArtechnikA @ Feb 27 2005, 11:27 AM)

i use the LinkSys WRT54G and like it. router, firewall, wireless.  configures via a web browser interface from a locally-attached computer. enable the security stuff...

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/agree.gif)

I have to agree with the Linksys. I have set up quite a few of them and for a home, it is perfect and cheap. Do setup the WEP so your neighbors are not pimping your bandwidth. Its not that hard, if you have any questions, give me a call. You got the number. The Apple Airport is a nice unit but the expense just isnt justified, it only has the one port for a wired computer where the Linksys has 4. I have set up many of those too.

[Series9]

QUOTE (skline @ Feb 27 2005, 12:33 PM)

The Apple Airport is a nice unit but the expense just isnt justified,

Expense? It's $119.

[Bleyseng]

Dlink from Costco or the Apple Express as you can plug your stereo into it and play itunes thru it!
Download all your favorite Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra tunes onto itunes and play your own playlists.

Geoff

[serge914]

I can surf via my neighbour wireless access. The only problem is that I don't know who to complain to when it get slow (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/blink.gif)

[Series9]

QUOTE (Paul Heery @ Feb 27 2005, 12:46 PM)

Yep. $119 is way too much money to spend for a 802.11g router. Especially one as limited as the AirPort.

Well, you get what you pay for.

I use 802.11 networks all over the place and the only ones that work flawlessly are on Apple hardware.

How is the Airport limited? It'll support 20 wireless computers, you can plug your USB printer into it and print from any of those computers wirelessly and you can play music through your home stereo wirelessly. I mean, damn, none of them do dishes.

It always amazes me how there's always time to do (buy) something twice, but never time to do it right the first time.

[Aaron Cox]

im on a similar widescreen wifi laptop.

we have a linkyss wireless g router. 2 comps are hardwired to it... and 3 laptops roam freely around the house (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif)

[campbellcj]

I have a bunch of the Linksys stuff (home & 2 small offices) and it works well. Previously I used Netgear boxes because they "seemed" better built physically but had several hardware failures.

Linksys firmware does change frequently though and their earlier G stuff was buggy (for instance there were interoperability issues running B and G clients off the same WAP or router). So make sure you visit the web site and get any firmware or driver updates. This is probably a good idea no matter which brand you go with.

[campbellcj]

Oh yeah DEFINITELY enable the WEP security AND change the damn password on the router! I have tapped into so many networks left wide open and in some cases the admin password on the router was left at the default. A neighbor can not only hijack your connection but can lock you out...then you'd have to do a cold hardware reset and reconfigure everything again.

[Howard]

This club knows damn near everything! Thanks, all. Reviewed your comments and looked at the products. The Apple looks like the best with its go anywhere features, but the linksys at half the price sounds good for the home network. 54mbps, so should I expect performance comparable to a wired 10/100 hub?

[Rand]

Here's some references and prices:
Linksys Wireless Routers at CDW

I use the WAP54G

Yes, 54Mb is comparable to a wired connection... sort of. Wired connections vary greatly; 10/100/1000... the 54 fits in relative to those numbers. Plenty fast, and many times faster than your best high-speed broadband internet connection.

[Bleyseng]

Yep, the Apple unit is light years ahead but the PC guys still have their head in the sand, haha.

The Dlink is in the basement hooked up to the desktops while the Apple Express in upstairs in the kitchen for the music and WiFi for the laptops. I usually run the ole PowerMac tower downstairs to run the music off my fav internet radio or itunes.

I use Network stumbler all the time to sneak into peoples Wifi when I go to coffee shops or lunch. Sometimes they have free Wifi but upstairs are condos which a jump onto a Wifi network. Hooking up the Firewall is very important or I can sneak into your hardrive.hehe

Geoff (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/bootyshake.gif)

[iiibdsiil]

I have a linksys, it works great. At the offices though, we have been through 5 of them though. Finally said f-it and got a dell switch, no more problems there.

Make sure you put it on a good surge protector, that seems to be when they take a crap on ya.

[Rouser]

QUOTE

i use the LinkSys WRT54G and like it.

Ditto that, along with the high gain antennaes and antenna stand.

With the unit & stand upstairs and me in the back porch (Porsche?), I get a pretty-good signal on my Dell XPS through all the lumber & sheetrock. The wife has no complaints on her HP & Linksys wireless card.

Overall, a decent setup with all the required bells & whistles.

[Series9]

QUOTE (Paul Heery @ Feb 27 2005, 02:40 PM)

And, what is this Mac guy versus PC guy bullshit?

In no way did I start a Mac vs PC debate. I know better around here. I clearly stated in an earlier post that the Airport works with all 802.11g devices.

I simply offered my experience.

I swear, the easiest way to start a pissing match around here is to start talking about anything where the words 'Mac' and 'PC' can be used on the same thread.

[vortrex]

QUOTE (Howard @ Feb 27 2005, 12:30 PM)

This club knows damn near everything!  Thanks, all.  Reviewed your comments and looked at the products.  The Apple looks like the best with its go anywhere features, but the linksys at half the price sounds good for the home network.   54mbps, so should I expect performance comparable to a wired 10/100 hub?

keep in mind your WAN link is going to be probably in the neighborhood of 1-3Mbps so having a G wireless setup at 54Mbps will gain you nothing. you will notice absolutely no difference in a B or G with such a slow WAN link.