On Sat, 24 Dec 2005 09:09:36 -0500, "NotMe" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>Neighbor lady (she does brownies right!!) just called and she wants me to
>pick up a wifi AP for her to give to her family (I'm to install this on the
>QT) as a Christmas present.
>
>As I'm going to be responsible for supporting this install (did I mention
>she's a great lady as well as great cook?) what should I recommend I get
>that would best fit her needs.
Talk about last minute Christmas shopping...
I can't tell if this is a request for a specific model to purchase or
if you need basic instructions for how wireless systems work. Since
Christmas is 2 days away, this could turn into a crash course in
wirless networking and a hectic Christmas day getting it working.
There are also two ends to a wireless connection. She may also need
some hardware on the client computer end.
In order to determine what is suitable for her system, we need to know
what she already owns. What type of broadband connection? What model
of broadband modem? Is there an existing router? Do you want to
replace the existing router with a new wireless router, or just add a
wireless access point? How far and through how many walls is the
wireless expected to traverse? What type of client computers? How
many?
If you have to buy something immediately, then the Linksys WRT54G
recommended by others is a fairly safe bet. If the stock firmware
doesn't do what she wants, then alternative open source firmware
certainly will do the job. The catch is that Linksys screwed up badly
on the v5 model. Don't buy this one. It can be recognized by the
serial number starting with CDFB.
There are other makes and models that will also work just fine. If
her brownies are really that good, you might wanna splurge and get her
one of "pre-N" MIMO systems, that seems to work somewhat better than
most.
No matter what make or model you purchase, you will probably need to
update the firmware or drivers to the latest versions. Be prepared
for this exercise. I would give up on the idea of installing it
without her knowledge.
Also note that if she needs only an access point, all wireless routers
can be used as just an access point by simply ignoring the router
section. So, you're safe buying a wireless router as it can be
reconfigured for the occassion.
For some frantic last minute readings, tutorials, and reviews, see:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com
http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Wireless.php
--
Jeff Liebermann
(E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D
http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060
http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558
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