[FAQ] - 802.11b networking

[thisbechuck]

hey everyone... I am thinking about setting up an 802.11b network for my house and was wondering what exactly I need. First off, I have 3 macs (2 laptops, 1 cube) and a Toshiba laptop (don't blame me, it's my brothers). I currently have the cube hooked up to dsl via wire, but I'd like to "air" the laptops. I am completely uninformed about laptops, so I need to know exactly what I need to get. (also, since airports are rather expensive, I'd rather go with a d-link wireless portal or something).

[vanguard]

It's really pretty straightforward. You'll connect the base station to the dsl and the cube to the base station.

The laptops will each need a pcmcia 802.11b card.

As for choosing the base station maker, the Cisco stuff is the fastest and it had the furthest range. However, if price is the chief concern you should look at the linksys or smc offerings.

Vanguard

[serpicolugnut]

Depending upon your DSL carrier, you may need a router between your modem and your wireless hub. I'm using a Graphite Base Station on AT&T Broadband, and I can't connect directly to my cable modem without using a router. Can't figure out why, but I've read that it's not uncommon with some providers.

I would definitely go with the D-Link Wireless Router. It's only $30 more than the access point, and seems to have alot more to offer.

Wireless rocks, however if you are going to be doing a lot of Mac to Mac or Mac to PC filesharing, you are going to find the speed very lacking. However, for websurfing it's more than fast enough.

[avg joe]

I just did this a few days ago at home. I went with the Linksys BEFW11S4 Cable|DSL router with 4 port switch. It was only $199.00 at CompUSA ($169.00 if you order online). The setup couldnt have been easier. Go on to the Linksys website and check if they have the instructions on setting up your ISP with their hardware. They aint "Mac" friendly (don't claim to support Macs at all), but their hardware seems to work just fine. My G4 and my Newton are connected via ethernet cable, and an iMac is connected via Airport card in another part of the house. I bought the wireless router and Airport card for the cost of the Airport Base Station!

[thisbechuck]

k, that sounds great. about the router deal... I have earthlink if that matters... could anyone inform me if a router is necessary?

[rliebsch]

They work great for me I have installed 6 of them without a hitch.

They are friendly to all PPPoE DSL providors,
They are friendly to all StaticIP DSL providors,
They are friendly to Mac, Win, and Linux...

Also, to extend the reach: Get a Lucent Pigtail...
its a 75dollar fancy antenna that will extend another 50feet.

[rliebsch]

wow, 72Mb is fast, however,

for home use, espeically with DSL, you are going to average
256K. From the Hardware you will get 2MB for peer to peer, and 11MB with a WAP. You need, what, a oc3 to get 11Mb to the internet.

[jaeyongdavid]

Recently I built a home network with a ibook and a PC. I bought a linksys BEFW11S4 and linksys WMP 11 at $256 for PC wireless card.
They works fine.