[NTLUG:Discuss] wireless network

[Paul Drew]

Howdy,
Below is my experience, and may not be shared by others. I just thought I 
would chip in since I have been developing my network at home for a while, 
and I went through alot of returns on poorly performing network equipment.

1. I am currently running 802.11b in my home, and my netgear range just 
SUCKS, but I really like the interface, and options it allows me. I have a 2 
story house, and I have an Netgear Access Point downstairs, and a Microsoft 
Access Point Upstairs because The signal can't get up there properly from 
below or down well enough from above.

2. B is the slowest, but the cheapest, and most widely available.

3. Security is as with anything only as strong as you choose to implement 
it. Out of the box these puppies are shouting out loud our info to everyone 
who wants it. 128bit WEP, and not broadcasting your SSID helps quit a bit.

4. Wired is MUCH faster, and throughput is better. I use Wireless for 
wireless internet, and not for large wireless transfers. The more encryption 
and distance/obstacles means less bandwidth, and throughput. 1mb is common 
in the next room honestly. But, I can surf my ass off still. :)

5. "A" is faster, but more expensive, and not cross compatible unless you 
spend LOTS more to get dual purpose stuff. "G" is probably your best best. 
Same speeds as "A" and backwards compatible with "B". The price seems to be 
much better than "A" but not as low as "B". I see "G" being the future 
standard for now with its decent 54mbps. It's range is pretty good and 
better than "A" as well.

(Scary fact! - My cheap $40 Microsoft Wireless Access point 802.11b has the 
BEST range and signal out of all the brands I tried. I tried Linksys, 
Netgear, U.S robotics, Seimens, and I have to take my hat off to Redmond on 
this thing. It could be antenna's or something of that nature, but I am very 
happy with Microsoft being solution for my wireless. Of course I have not 
tried to get Redhat, and Irix wireless though.)

Good luck either way. I probably should not post because I have yet to put 
my Linux box on the wireless at home, but ya know. I am posting anyways.

>From: Jack Snodgrass <jack+ntlug at mylinuxguy.net>
>Reply-To: NTLUG Discussion List <discuss at ntlug.org>
>To: discuss at ntlug.org
>Subject: Re: [NTLUG:Discuss] wireless network
>Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 19:46:32 -0500
>
>On Mon, 21 Jul 2003 16:49:42 -0700, Tom Tumelty wrote:
>
> > I am considering a wireless SOHO network. Are there
> > advantages to  802.11G over  802.11B standard? I know
> > G is several times as fast as the B standard.
>
>Don't do wireless unless you have to. Wired is
>always going to be faster / more reliable than
>wireless. Wireless is good for using your laptop
>on your couch.
>
>
> > how do security and other capabilities of these
> > standards compare?
>
>I'm not sure exactly... I am 100% certain that the
>more security/encryption you use... the slower the link.
>
>
> > what are the ranges these standards are capable of
> > working in ?
> >
>
>Basically, these are very low power radio transmitters.
>The distance will vary greatly.
>Open Air -vs- walls.
>Wood Studs -vs- metal studs.
>People walking through your lign of sight.
>lots of factors.
>
>Charts I've seen show speeds greatly dropping after 10
>feet.
>
>jack
>_______________________________________________
>https://ntlug.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss

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