Wireless Network

jakep12 · Dec 19, 2002, 01:05 AM

I was interested in purchasing a wireless network for my home. Does anyone have any suggestions? (Brands)

I am not sure how well the wireless technology works.
Whether it would be worth the price for the convenience.

Does the signal fade when traveling through walls and ceilings.

Please any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You!

MikeDaMan · Dec 19, 2002, 02:48 AM

Yea, I was wondering the same thing. I have a cable modem on one computer and would like to get it on another computer. Or would it just be cheaper to get another modem and rewire everything?

ToshiroOC · Dec 20, 2002, 06:14 AM

I very recently set up a cable modem with two wireless G3 laptops, a wired Mac, and my wired PC right here, and I can very strongly recommend the Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless Router w. 4 port switch for splitting any cable modem connection to more than a computer or two who needs wireless or making a wireless network. Search around a lot for pricing - I found mine under about $150 from the original retail, but that might have been an exceptionally good deal that won't be happening again.

Links of use:
http://www.allaboutjake.com/network/linksys/befw11s4/
http://wirelessaddict.net/reviews/linksys.php
http://www.ibookzone.com/linksys.shtml
http://www.computerandvideogames.com...iews_story.php(que)id=82645

Wireless networks work pretty well, though they are very environment sensitive in that if there is a lot of local interference (2.4ghz phones, microwaves, and unshielded speakers are some of the few coming to mind right now), range goes down considerably, however I have used mine though several walls at a distance of 50m, though admittedly with a connection that intermittently cuts out.

In open air (a.k.a. your router is outside), I have seen line-of-sight usage at distances over 200m with a medium signal, meaning that line-of-sight in open air probably has a max limit of around 300m for a reliable connection.

ToshiroOC

For non-wirelss, I'm not totally sure, but I know that there is a cheaper version of this that does not have the wireless that works pretty well. Also go look and talk around at the dslreports.com forums, as that is the focus of everyone/everything there along with ISP info/rating.

Necrosis · Dec 21, 2002, 12:31 PM

First off let me say I am in no way an expert on wireless.

I've been running a D-Link DI-614+ w/ a DWL - 650+ (22Mbps) for well over six months now. The brands that seem to get good reviews are.

Linksys
Netgear
D-Link
Belkin

I know there is more but those are the manufactures I hear the most about. The previous post mentioned an issue with 2.4 GHz phones which is true. I have one of these phones and often experienced disconnects because of it. However, usually if the system is running before the phone gets any where near the network it seems not to have any problems. You can also tweak your wireless setup to work around this. However, don't expect to buy one of these routers/switches and expect a perfect signal all the time. Location of the router is a key factor and you may have to experiment with placement . You can also buy repeaters that will extend the range and strengthen the signal. I personally think USB wirless adaptors are better for PC's because you can find the sweet spot just by moving the adaptor and not your whole computer. Another very important note is if you change any settings or firmware you need to do this through a computer that is hard - wired to the router. If you do not you could have a bad firmware flash or worse be unable to restore the connection. Last but not least secruity is the biggest issue with a wireless setup. If you live in a highly populated area you "have" to enable wep encryption, the higher the better. Of course it is not 100% full proof but I doubt you want to share your bandwidth with any shmuck w/ a wireless card in their rig.

ToshiroOC · Dec 22, 2002, 02:17 AM

Ah, I found a way around the 2.4 ghz phone problem. Turn on the wireless phone, and start a conversation or something that will cause transmission. Then using a wired computer and a wireless computer, look at the signal stength and change between the 11 channels available for 802.11 (at least, there are 11 in my Linksys), and you will eventually find the one that gives the strongest signal with the phone on. If the phone is only occasional, also test with the phone off so you can see what channel is best for overcoming the local ambient noise, then see if its workable with the phone on... I spent the last few hours before I drove up here to San Francisco playing with this, so if you have questions, post/PM me

acorn3100 · Dec 22, 2002, 06:11 AM

Wireless networks work pretty well, though they are very environment sensitive in that if there is a lot of local interference (2.4ghz phones, microwaves, and unshielded speakers are some of the few coming to mind right now), range goes down considerably, however I have used mine though several walls at a distance of 50m, though admittedly with a connection that intermittently cuts out. this bothers me have several of these between the to systems

~~David~~ · Dec 22, 2002, 02:40 PM

Ill reccomend this cause I accually have done many wireless network setups.

First good to have a router/wireless transmiter. I like the Netgear MR314 . It provides a very easy setup, very feature rich, and great signal strenght.

Next you will need a wireless adapters for your pc. I will have to reccommend the usb ones here. I have tested the pci cards vs the usb ones and the usb win hands down . They seem to get alot better signal and ease of install is a no brainer. HERE is the wireless adapter I recommend. You will need one for every pc in your house .

Router placement is very important! Make sure its in a central location in your house without alot of eletronic devices around it.

ESSID make your ESSID is changed from fatory default. Incase someone wants to drive by your house and get free internet. Also use WEP encryption 128 bit is plenty.

Here are some things that might make you wanna spend alittle more and get 802.11A one is bandwidth throughput. 802.11b = 11mbit or 22mbit depending on the manufactor. (half duplex) so basicly 5.5mbit/11mbit is the fastest you can get.802.11a is 54mbit half duplex.

Number of computers on the wireless network. 802.11b hase a maxium of 25 channels or 25 computers total can be on the network. 802.11a has 72 channels.

Range 802.11b does have longer range. Generally if your in a house invirment you will never notice.

INTERFERENCE! 802.11b is so sencitive to phone/ microwave/ speakers/ cell phones . because it runs at 2.4ghz . 802.11a funs at 5.1 ghz and has alot less interference problems.

I hope that helps in your quest. If you need any additional information ask away.

Dec 19, 2002, 01:05 AM	#1
jakep12 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 6 Rep Power: 0	Wireless Network I was interested in purchasing a wireless network for my home. Does anyone have any suggestions? (Brands) I am not sure how well the wireless technology works. Whether it would be worth the price for the convenience. Does the signal fade when traveling through walls and ceilings. Please any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank You!

Dec 19, 2002, 02:48 AM	#2
MikeDaMan DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 874 Rep Power: 0	Yea, I was wondering the same thing. I have a cable modem on one computer and would like to get it on another computer. Or would it just be cheaper to get another modem and rewire everything? __________________ DFI Lanpart UT 250GB motherboard. 1GB 2X512 Crucial Ballistix PC 3200. AMD Athlon 64 3400+. Retail ATI Radeon X850XT PE AGP

Dec 20, 2002, 06:14 AM	#3
ToshiroOC Unbiased. Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 4,812 Rep Power: 0	I very recently set up a cable modem with two wireless G3 laptops, a wired Mac, and my wired PC right here, and I can very strongly recommend the Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless Router w. 4 port switch for splitting any cable modem connection to more than a computer or two who needs wireless or making a wireless network. Search around a lot for pricing - I found mine under about $150 from the original retail, but that might have been an exceptionally good deal that won't be happening again. Links of use: http://www.allaboutjake.com/network/linksys/befw11s4/ http://wirelessaddict.net/reviews/linksys.php http://www.ibookzone.com/linksys.shtml http://www.computerandvideogames.com...iews_story.php(que)id=82645 Wireless networks work pretty well, though they are very environment sensitive in that if there is a lot of local interference (2.4ghz phones, microwaves, and unshielded speakers are some of the few coming to mind right now), range goes down considerably, however I have used mine though several walls at a distance of 50m, though admittedly with a connection that intermittently cuts out. In open air (a.k.a. your router is outside), I have seen line-of-sight usage at distances over 200m with a medium signal, meaning that line-of-sight in open air probably has a max limit of around 300m for a reliable connection. ToshiroOC For non-wirelss, I'm not totally sure, but I know that there is a cheaper version of this that does not have the wireless that works pretty well. Also go look and talk around at the dslreports.com forums, as that is the focus of everyone/everything there along with ISP info/rating. __________________ [img][/img] [color=White]Peace be with you, Joe.[/color] Driverheaven Staff Member (Supermoderator)

Dec 22, 2002, 02:17 AM	#5
ToshiroOC Unbiased. Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 4,812 Rep Power: 0	Ah, I found a way around the 2.4 ghz phone problem. Turn on the wireless phone, and start a conversation or something that will cause transmission. Then using a wired computer and a wireless computer, look at the signal stength and change between the 11 channels available for 802.11 (at least, there are 11 in my Linksys), and you will eventually find the one that gives the strongest signal with the phone on. If the phone is only occasional, also test with the phone off so you can see what channel is best for overcoming the local ambient noise, then see if its workable with the phone on... I spent the last few hours before I drove up here to San Francisco playing with this, so if you have questions, post/PM me __________________ [img][/img] [color=White]Peace be with you, Joe.[/color] Driverheaven Staff Member (Supermoderator)

Dec 22, 2002, 06:11 AM	#6
acorn3100 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0	looking to go wireless Wireless networks work pretty well, though they are very environment sensitive in that if there is a lot of local interference (2.4ghz phones, microwaves, and unshielded speakers are some of the few coming to mind right now), range goes down considerably, however I have used mine though several walls at a distance of 50m, though admittedly with a connection that intermittently cuts out. this bothers me have several of these between the to systems

Dec 21, 2002, 12:31 PM	#4
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	First off let me say I am in no way an expert on wireless. I've been running a D-Link DI-614+ w/ a DWL - 650+ (22Mbps) for well over six months now. The brands that seem to get good reviews are. Linksys Netgear D-Link Belkin I know there is more but those are the manufactures I hear the most about. The previous post mentioned an issue with 2.4 GHz phones which is true. I have one of these phones and often experienced disconnects because of it. However, usually if the system is running before the phone gets any where near the network it seems not to have any problems. You can also tweak your wireless setup to work around this. However, don't expect to buy one of these routers/switches and expect a perfect signal all the time. Location of the router is a key factor and you may have to experiment with placement . You can also buy repeaters that will extend the range and strengthen the signal. I personally think USB wirless adaptors are better for PC's because you can find the sweet spot just by moving the adaptor and not your whole computer. Another very important note is if you change any settings or firmware you need to do this through a computer that is hard - wired to the router. If you do not you could have a bad firmware flash or worse be unable to restore the connection. Last but not least secruity is the biggest issue with a wireless setup. If you live in a highly populated area you "have" to enable wep encryption, the higher the better. Of course it is not 100% full proof but I doubt you want to share your bandwidth with any shmuck w/ a wireless card in their rig.

Dec 22, 2002, 02:40 PM	#7
~~David~~ Banned Join Date: May 2002 Location: Atlanta Posts: 959 Rep Power: 0	Ill reccomend this cause I accually have done many wireless network setups. First good to have a router/wireless transmiter. I like the Netgear MR314 . It provides a very easy setup, very feature rich, and great signal strenght. Next you will need a wireless adapters for your pc. I will have to reccommend the usb ones here. I have tested the pci cards vs the usb ones and the usb win hands down . They seem to get alot better signal and ease of install is a no brainer. HERE is the wireless adapter I recommend. You will need one for every pc in your house . Router placement is very important! Make sure its in a central location in your house without alot of eletronic devices around it. ESSID make your ESSID is changed from fatory default. Incase someone wants to drive by your house and get free internet. Also use WEP encryption 128 bit is plenty. Here are some things that might make you wanna spend alittle more and get 802.11A one is bandwidth throughput. 802.11b = 11mbit or 22mbit depending on the manufactor. (half duplex) so basicly 5.5mbit/11mbit is the fastest you can get.802.11a is 54mbit half duplex. Number of computers on the wireless network. 802.11b hase a maxium of 25 channels or 25 computers total can be on the network. 802.11a has 72 channels. Range 802.11b does have longer range. Generally if your in a house invirment you will never notice. INTERFERENCE! 802.11b is so sencitive to phone/ microwave/ speakers/ cell phones . because it runs at 2.4ghz . 802.11a funs at 5.1 ghz and has alot less interference problems. I hope that helps in your quest. If you need any additional information ask away.