My first wifi network

[JoSno]

Hi there,

Basically I'm trying to put together an idea of what i need for my first wifi network.

I've seen a linksys BEFW11S4 for really cheap and I think I only need 802.11b as 11Mbps seems fast enough for me. Is there anything else I should consider that would mean I should opt for the more up to date protocol except for speed as it is really only going to be to connect a couple of PC's to the net and therefore I don't need anything faster.

Also I see there are a lot of PCI cards for the 802.11b protocol and they range from £20 - £65 where I have seen them but I don't understand what could cause such a price variation. Presumably all wifi devices on the same protocol work with each other so what makes one so much more expensive than another?

Many thanks,
Jo

 

[cstarget]

You have a pretty good first time WAP. I have used both the linksys and D-Link as well as the Intermec 2100 but that is out of the price range for the average user. My main concern is security so be sure to enable WEP. even though is is hokey it is better than nothing. I am still looking into WPA which looks better.

As for the PCIMCIA cards, in alot of cases you will be paying for the name. Some will have better characteristics than others but all are virtually identical. I have used the D-Link and Linksys, various models, to great success for what I'm doing. I have also, in the past used Orinco and others. Be sure that they are Wi-Fi compliant and they should work good for the Linksys AP.

The biggest issue I've had in my network is placement. I ended up placing 2 APs one upstairs and one downstairs, for whole house coverage, and I get good connection. This is something you will have to determine for your own setup.

 

[cstarget]

You have a pretty good first time WAP. I have used both the linksys and D-Link as well as the Intermec 2100 but that is out of the price range for the average user. My main concern is security so be sure to enable WEP. even though is is hokey it is better than nothing. I am still looking into WPA which looks better.

As for the PCIMCIA cards, in alot of cases you will be paying for the name. Some will have better characteristics than others but all are virtually identical. I have used the D-Link and Linksys, various models, to great success for what I'm doing. I have also, in the past used Orinco and others. Be sure that they are Wi-Fi compliant and they should work good for the Linksys AP.

The biggest issue I've had in my network is placement. I ended up placing 2 APs one upstairs and one downstairs, for whole house coverage, and I get good connection. This is something you will have to determine for your own setup.