TheFake007
join:2002-06-18
| Do I need a WAP?
Right now im running a wireless network with 3 pcs on 3 Intel HomeRF adapters. Yes I know its slow. 1 computer is hooked up to the internet through a cable modem and all the other comps are sharing that connection. Im going to upgrade the network soon to 802.11b and was browsing through adapters when I noticed that there are adapters and there are wireless access points. The access points are more expensive than adapters, so i was wondering if i could run the network solely on adapters as I am now? btw, the adapter i was looking at is here: »www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/···-5748134
plz also post what you think is the best 802.11b or enhanced 802.11b adapter preferably USB. I would read the reviews, but usually personal opinions are better. TIA |
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Nightfall
My Goal Is To Deny Yours
Premium,MVM
join:2001-08-03
Grand Rapids, MI
 ·Site5.com
 ·AT&T Midwest
 ·Comcast
| For your setup, you will need a WAP.
If you connected just adhoc via network cards, you could only connect 2 systems together. With a WAP, you can connect multiple systems to your network using the WAP.
I don't use USB adapters myself, so I can't help you there.
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Nightfall - »www.nightfall.net |
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Cyber2lz
join:2001-11-15
Odessa, FL
| reply to TheFake007
Nightfall is correct; you will need an Access Point from some manufacturer. I use both USB and PCI clients from both Linksys and Orinoco(Avaya). I'm partial to the USB adapters myself. I live in a wired house so wireless is not critical to me, but it is way kewl!
Your mileage may vary.
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If you're not livin' on the edge, you're takin' up too much space ! |
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cablemonster1
@rr.com
| reply to TheFake007
if you are running a proxy or ics sharing program on your main computer connected to the internet connection then you can absoulutely run just 802.11b clients in ad hoc mode. this is peering and it does not mean only two computers, you can have many on the peer to peer network just like a wired network. all just need to be on same channel and using same ssid in ad hoc mode. provided you have the internet sharing setup you will be fine without an access point, you will just have to leave the main computer on at all times. enjoy. |
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TheFake007
join:2002-06-18 | reply to TheFake007
ok, now im getting conflicting reports.  I would prefer not using a WAP cause its extra money. So what is it, no wap or wap? |
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psxndc
join:2002-08-14
Watertown, MA
| Actually, they are not really conflicting, you just need to merge them. You will NOT need a hardware Access Point from Linksys, Netgear, etc. You can easily buy a wireless PCI or PCMCIA card and hook it up to a computer. However, you will most likely need to run that computer as your access point. That computer will effectively become your WAP.
There are several modes you can run a card as: peer-to-peer, ad-hoc, and one or two others. I don't have too much experience with wireless, but I do have one of my machines using a US Robotics 2415 card and it is pretending to be a WAP. I don't know what operating system you have running, so I can't really point you to any articles right now. If you are using OpenBSD I can help you out. If it's windows I can't tell you much more than I have.
-p |
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Drogue8
join:2000-07-30
Altadena, CA
| reply to TheFake007
said by TheFake007:
ok, now im getting conflicting reports. I would prefer not using a WAP cause its extra money. So what is it, no wap or wap?
I agree with Cablemonster1 - you can create an ad hoc wireless network using just client cards, with one of the systems acting as the router. This system will have to have a separate, wired NIC that's attached to your cable/DSL modem, and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) enabled. That way the other systems can access the internet wirelessly.
That said, depending on how far apart these systems are and how many walls/floors are between them, you may find that you need an AP anyway. An AP has a larger antenna and is more powerful than any client card, and you may find that using client cards alone you're running at only 1 or 2 MB/s - which is no better than the HomeRF setup you currently have.
I would start with the wireless NICs, but be prepared for the possibility that you'll have to add an AP anyway. |
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TheFake007
join:2002-06-18
| reply to TheFake007
2 computers are running WinME and 1 is running Win98SE. I think I will only go for using adapters cause its cheaper and running only on adapters is working fine now. Anybody want to recommend a good USB 802.11b adapter. The cheaper the better.  Thanx for the help.
Edit: oh yeah, signal is no problem at all, doing some rough estimates in measurements and quick math id say that its only about maybe 30-40 feet from the gateway to the furthest computer. The Intel homeRF adapter has a excellent signal when you test it, but that is using the prog that comes with the adapters. I get around 60-65 KBs through the adapter which is ok, but the connection is very shaky which is why im upgrading, especially when doing bandwidth intensive stuff, the connection dies forcing a restart. Also, there are no 2.4Ghz phones in the house, but dont know about the neighbors, I can fix that. lol.
[text was edited by author 2002-08-16 13:04:40] |
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Drogue8
join:2000-07-30
Altadena, CA
| I wouldn't go with the cheapest adapters, because you're likely to get what you pay for. Linkys WPC client cards are cheap, but they have notoriously short range (even the v2 NICs, which are an improvement over the earlier version). Orinioco (and clone) cards are the best value. They have the best range, and if you want cheap just get the Silver instead of Gold. The only difference is 64 bit WEP instead of 128 bit WEP.
Also, distance isn't the only thing you have to worry about. If that 30 feet is through 3 or 4 walls, you may have problems. You shouldn't rely on your current experience to guide you. HomeRF uses a frequency that, although it cannot handle high speeds, travels farther and penetrates through obstacles better. WiFi (802.11b) signals don't travel as far or have the penetration of HomeRF, but carry greater bandwidth. However, as the signal decreases (or noise increases) the system will throttle-back the speed, and at the extreme range you may only be left with 1MB/s or less through-put. If I were you I would start by just purchasing two cards and make sure that you have the range you need. If not, you can purchase an AP instead of the third card - an AP isn't going to cost you that much more than another wireless NIC. Your third system can then be hardwired into the same router as the AP, and you'll only have to have 2 wireless clients. Something to think about.
[text was edited by author 2002-08-16 13:26:39] |
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TheFake007
join:2002-06-18 | lol, I would be SO HAPPY to get 1MB. Im only getting 480kbps from homeRF. Mind putting up links so that I know which orinioco cards are good? Looking for USB. Im not really worried about security so 64 bit WEP should be ok. |
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