Some considerations for selecting the right WiFi device for your wireless network

[wirelessdan2002]

1. brand, and of course price – depending on how deep is your pocket: there are the branded and upmarket (Cisco, 3Com, Proxim, Orinoco etc.), the good value, tried and tested (Linksys, Dlink, SMC etc.), the cheap and unexplored (Enzer, Mercury, Fulbond etc.)

2. overall quality – packaging, finishing, reliability etc.

3. supports –driver/utility software/firmware, user friendliness, ie. ease of installation/configuration, security features, customer supports.

4. forms, fits and functions – to meet networking requirements, usage profiles and system configurations.

5. hearsay – just post here in the forum, ask the forum’s opinion on brand xxx model yyy, and start to count the votes.

6. lastly, but in my opinion, the most importantly, the wireless link performance in meeting the needs of the networking environment.

Will discuss in the following postings about wireless link performance considerations, including free space radio wave propagation calculation for range/path loss, effects of building structure to indoor WiFi (IEEE 802.11B) link performance, eg. reduction of signal strength by walls, floors, doors, windows etc.

[Murcielago]

tried and tested enzer's wireless router and pcmcia cards ... they sucked big time ... range was poor and i could neverf get it to work properly with my scv. when it did, browsing the web alone was heaps slower than dialup.

i've got them replaced with the linksys models ... the linksys wireless router and pcmcia cards were surprising. They flawlessly worked out of the box and with a firmware upgrade, the range improved somewhat ... i'm getting excellent (100%) signal strength and link quality even when the router is next door. directly one level down in the dining area, i'm still getting good reception (45~50%) and downloads are at full speed (180~200+ KB/s)

go for the wireless linksys routers and pcmcia cards (v.3) as they have been tried and tested. ;)

[wirelessdan2002]

basic unit for power measurement:
1. watt (w)
2. milliwatt (mw)
3. 1 watt = 1000 milliwatts

gain/loss of any analogue/RF system is best expressed by db = decibel, in log scale, to simplified computation.

Gain/loss (db) = 10log(base 10) P2/P1 where P1 = power input, P2 = power output

Eg. P2 = 10w, P1 = 5 w gain (db) = 10 log 10/5 = 10 log 2 = 10 x 0.3010 = 3 db
P2 = 100w, P1 = 1w gain (db) = 10 log 100 = 10 x 2 = 20 db

Most IEEE 802.11B WiFi equipment work in the milliwatts transmission power range
Using 1 mw as a base power unit in db scale:
10 log (1mw) = 0 dbm, or 0 db(mw)

all power values can be converted to dbm unit:

5 mw = 10 log 5mw/1mw = 10 log 5 = 10 x 0.69897 = 7dbm
10 mw = 10 log 10mw/1mw = 10 log 10 = 10 x 1 = 10 dbm
20 mw = 10 log 20 = 13 dbm
32 mw = 10 log 32 = 15 dbm
50 mw = 10 log 50 = 17 dbm
100 mw = 10 log 100 = 20dbm

to compute gain using dbm power level:

P2 = 20 mw (13 dbm) , P1 = 10 mw (10dbm)
Gain (db) = 13 dbm – 10 dbm = 3 db
Same as 10 log 20/10 = 3 db


........to be continued..........

[wirelessdan2002]

It is easy to compute radio link gain (amplification) or loss (attenuation) using the db (logarithmic) scale.

0 db = unity gain (no change) => 10 log 1 = 10 X 0 = 0db
3 db = 2 times gain => 10 log 2 = 10 x 0.3010 = 3 db
6 db = 4 times gain => 10 log 4 = 10 x 0.6 = 6db
10 db = 10 times gain => 10 log 10 = 10 x 1 = 10 db
20 db = 100 times gain => 10 log 100 = 10 x 2 = 20 db
30 db = 1000 times gain => 10 log 1000 = 10 x 3 = 30 db
40 db = 10000 times gain => 10 log 10000 = 10 x 4 = 40 db

-3 db = ½ (signal reduced to ½) => 10 log (1/2) = 10 x (-0.301) = -3db
-6 db = ¼ (signal reduced by 4 times) => 10 log (1/4) = 10 x (-0.6) = -6 db
-10 db = 1/10 (10 times reduction) => 10 log (0.1) = 10 x (-1) = -10 db
-20 db = 1/100 (100 times reduction or attenuation, or loss in signal strength)

example 1: a signal of 10 dbm going through a 3 db amplifier

output signal = 10 dbm + 3 db = 13 dbm

example 2 : a signal of 20 dbm going though a wall with -6 db attenuation

signal received after the wall = 20 dbm – 6 db = 14 dbm

table below shows effect of various materials on radio wave attenuation for the 2.4 GHz signal use by IEEE 802.11B WiFi

Air (low) - will discuss later free air attenuation
Building Stones (moderate) - eg. wooden Partition (-2 db)
Gypsum (moderate) - eg. partition wall (-2 db)
Composite Material (moderate) - eg. Plywood Partition (-2 db)
Asbestos (moderate) - eg. Ceiling (-3db)
Glass (moderate) - eg. window pane, Wall (- 4 db)
Water (moderate) - eg. wet Wood (-5 db)
Brick (moderately high) - eg. brick wall (-6 db)
Marble (high) - eg. wall (-10 db)
Cement Concrete (high) -eg. floor, wall (-10 db)
Bulletproof Glass (high) - eg. sentinel cabin (-15 db)
Iron (very high) - eg. partition, reinforced concrete wall (-25 db)


.......to be continued.......

[wirelessdan2002]

Path loss (PL) = attenuation of radio wave through free space (line of sight) as a result of range increase

PL (db) = 32.44 + 20 log (F) + 20 log (D)
F = radio frequency in GHz, D = distance in meter

Example: a WiFi link at 2.4 GHz over a range of 100 meter

PL (db) = 32.44 + 20 log 2.4 + 20 log 100 = 80 db

If an access point transmitting 20 dbm at point A, the power received at point B which is 100 meters away with no other obstruction

20 dbm – 80 db = -60 dbm

if there is a concrete wall in between, another 10 db attenuation

20 dbm – 80 db (PL) – 10 db (wall attenuation) = -70 dbm

........to be continued..........

[wirelessdan2002]

So far we only talk about transmitting power and how it is being attenuated through free space propagation + all other obstacles.

An equally important factor of how good a wireless link perform is the receiver sensitivity, or how low a signal the receiver can receive and still be able to clearly read the data sent, in more technical term, that the receiver still have 12 db signal to noise (S/N) ratio, or the signal is 16 times that of the noise being received.

Most Wifi products have receiver sensitivity in the region of -80dbm to -90dbm, ie. 0.00000001 mw to 0.000000001 mw, or 0.00001 microwatts to 0.000001 microwatts, or 0.01 nanowatts to 0.001 nanowatts ļ now you probably understand why dbm scale is used to work around RF power.

To compute how far can a wireless link go, lets take the Linksys WUSB11 USB adapter as transmitter, and WPC11 PCMCIA adapter as receiver. The WUSB11 has a transmitting power of 15 dbm, while the WPC11 sensitivity is -82 dbm.

the transmitter now has a 97 db margin over the receiver

15 dbm - (-82 dbm) = 97 db

in determining a robust wireless link, a fade margin of 20 db is usually introduced to cater for other environmental factors like weather, pressure, other transmission sources nearby and temporary obstacles introduced. Therefore in this case the usable margin is:

97 db - 20 db = 77 db = maximum allowable path loss.

Using the free space path loss formula:

PL (db) = 32.44 + 20 log (F) + 20 log (D)
77 = 32.44 + 20 log (2.4) + 20 log (D)
77 = 32.44 + 7.6 + 20 log (D)
20 log (D) = 37
log (D) = 1.85
D = 75 meters

Therefore in a free space transmission (line of sight), the Linksys pair of adapters has a range of 70 meters.

..........to be continued.........

[wirelessdan2002]

Link budget = transmitter power – receiver sensitivity

Link budget must be enough to overcome:

Path loss (maximum range) + attenuation from all obstacles + fade margin (12db)

Example: a typical 3 bedroom apartment
Maximum distance from 2 corners : 15 meters
Maximum number of walls between any 2 points : 2 brick walls + 1 concrete wall

Path loss (20 meters free space)= 32.44 + 20 log 2.4 + 20 log 15 = 32.44 + 7.6 + 23.5 = 63.5 db
attenuation of 2 brick walls and 1 concrete walls = 12 db + 10 db = 22 db

minimum link budget required = 63.5 + 22 + 12 = 97.5 db

using Linksys BEFW11S4 as transmitter and WPC11 as receiver:

RF power of BEFW11S4 = 18 dbm
Sensitivity of WPC11 = -82 dbm

Link budget available = 18 dbm - (-82 dbm) = 100 db > 97.5 db

Conclusion: Linksys BEFW11S4 and WPC11 combination is able to meet a typical 3 bedroom apartment WiFi need.


.........to be continued...............

[wirelessdan2002]

Access point

Linksys WAP11 power 18 dbm sensitivity -82 dbm
SMC 2655W power 20 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
Dlink DWL-900AP+ power 15 dbm +/- 2 sensitivity -84 dbm
Cisco Aironet 340 power 15 dbm sensitivity -83 dbm
Cisco Aironet 350 power 20 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Enzer EWA122 power 16 to 18 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Enzer EWA311 power 16.5 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Fulbond XI-1250A power 20 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm

AP/router

Linksys BEFW11S4 power 18 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
SMC 7004VWBR power 17 dbm sensitivity -80 dbm
Dlink DI-614+ power 15 dbm +/- 2 sensitivity -84 dbm
Fulbond XI-2300H power 20 dbm sensitivity -86 dbm
Enzer EWR884P power 16 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Senao SR2511SR+ power 23 dbm sensitivity -87 dbm

USB Client

Linksys WUSB11 power 15 dbm sensitivity -82 dbn
Orinoco USB Client power 15 dbm sensitivity -82 dbm
Netgear MA101 power 13 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
Dlink DWL-120 power 19 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
Enzer EWU311 power 17 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
Fulbond XI-725USB power 15 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Senao SL2511UB power 15 dbm sensitivity -83 dbm

PCMCIA Client

Linksys WPC11 power 15 dbm sensitivity -82 dbm
Dlink DWL-650+ power 15 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
Orinoco Silver power 15 dbm sensitivity -82 dbm
Cisco 342 power 17 dbm sensitivity -83 dbm
Cisco 352 power 20 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Enzer EWM311 power 16.5 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
Fulbond XI-325H power 20 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Senao SL2511CD+ power 23 dbm sensitivity -87 dbm


………to be continued……..

[wirelessdan2002]

these are products that i have used without any problem, and real value for money, in my opinion.

Linksys BEFW11S4 4-port wireless router - $227, good quality finish, extremely user friendly, works out of the box most of the time. output 18 dbm (60 mw).

Linksys WAP11 access point - $250, 18 dbm output

Linksys WUSB11 USB adapter - $126, usual Linksys quality finish, user friendly, output 15 dbm (30 mw)

Linksys WPC11 PCMCIA adapter - $98, again good finishing close to the upmarket Cisco's client products, 15 dbm output.

Dlink DWL-120 USB adapter - $135, good finishing close to that of Linksys, but having the strongest output of 19 dbm (80 mw) among all USB adapter, mean almost 60% longer range than the Linksys WUSB11.

Enzer Skyroam Silver PCMCIA card - $79, cheapest PCMCIA WiFi adapter around, yet has commendable finishing, and higher power output than the Linksys WPC11, at 16.5 dbm (45 mw), translating to 20% more range.

Cisco Aironet AP352E2C access point - Rolls Royce of WiFi products, unparalleled finishing and quality, power output of 20 dbm (100 mw), used in most hot spots. at $1000, it is not real value for money, but for people who can afford it.

Cisco Aironet 342 PCMCIA card - possible to get it at $120, which will be a good value consider its brand name, quality, user friendliness as well as the 17 dbm (50 mw) output.

Cisco Aironet 352 PCMCIA card - $250, but some will pay for its quality and 20 dbm (100 mw) output, which means 70% longer range than the Linksys WPC11's 15 dbm output.

Orinoco Silver PCMCIA card - price has dropped to $129 from almost $200, if Cisco is the Rolls Royce of WiFi, and Linksys is the honda, then Orinoco is the Mercedes. a plus point is its ability to support also Linux and Mac OS. 15 dbm output.

Orinoco Silver USB client - price has dropped to around $160, support all OS, good quality and 15 dbm output.

Mercury KL-470 4-port wireless router - at $180, probably the cheapest 4-port wireless router in the market. can't compare its quality with that of the Linksys, but it does its job dutifully, easy setup, performs convincingly with output of 16 dbm.

some products which i am keen, and will be trying them out soon:

Fulbond XI-1250A - at $169, the cheapest access point with 20 dbm (100 mw) output, i.e. 25% longer range than the Linksys WAP11.

Senao SL2511SR plus 4-port wireless router - at $250, it is the highest output wireless router with 23 dbm (200 mw) output available locally, means 805 longer range than the Linksys BEFW11S4, good for multi-storey home.

Senao SL2511Cd plus PCMCIA adapter - $145, with 23 dbm (200 mw ) output, highest output of any PCMCIA WiFi adapter, 125% longer range than the Linksys WPC11, but guess it will reduce notebook battery life by quite a bit, still, worth a try to be how far it can go.

some products to avoid for now, until they are being improved"

Mercury USB adapter - cheap at $99, but the utility program causes USB device conflict under WinME.

Planex (PCI) USB adapter - $109, utility program cannot work properly in WinXP.

SMC USB adapter - $125, no utility program for WinXP, need to use WinXP built-in utility whch is not user friendly in its current version.

SMC PCMCIA adapter - $95, same as its USB adapter, no utility for WinXP.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by CCITT
Thanks for your great effort, enlightening, maybe we can use this thread to exchange our experience with wireless network setup.

To all the moderators: can we make this thread a sticky thread?

haha, guess no point, as most forumers are probably too busy to read all these heavy stuff.

thanks anyway.

[Theoden]

can anyone tell me, why is it that most people are using the 802.11B network routers or acess point, but no one is using the 802.11G based? i thought 802.11G is suppose to be better? pls correct me...i very green in these stuff.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Theoden
can anyone tell me, why is it that most people are using the 802.11B network routers or acess point, but no one is using the 802.11G based? i thought 802.11G is suppose to be better? pls correct me...i very green in these stuff.

firstly 11G product is still in its infancy period, the cost is still very high, at 3 to 4 times the price of 11B's. you pay only $100 for a 11B PC card, but more than $300 for a 11G PC card,

next, 11B's data transfer rate of 11Mbps is more than enough for most of us, the DSL downstream is only 512 Mbps, so 11 Mbps is already more than 20 times of the DSL speed. even for files transfer, you can transfer a 4 MB MP3 files in 5 seconds, with the 11 Mbps speed.

so, unless you really have lots of extra money to spend, common folks like us don't need the 11G.

just an analogy: with our road speed limit of 90 KMPH, i am happy with my Toyota, it can bring me from Changi Airport to Raffles Country Club in 35 minutes. do i need a Ferrari, which may be able to do the same job within 30 minutes (not breaking the law), but it costs 6 times more?

[Theoden]

hehe, i get wat u mean...i thought if can get 11G for future expansion mah. well, u noe how technology advances really shock us. :D

[noraa]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


firstly 11G product is still in its infancy period, the cost is still very high, at 3 to 4 times the price of 11B's. you pay only $100 for a 11B PC card, but more than $300 for a 11G PC card,

more?


the price of the pc card is only $126++ at www.buy.com

http://www.buy.com/retail/computers/specialty_store_2.asp?loc=16749

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by sharon



the price of the pc card is only $126++ at www.buy.com

http://www.buy.com/retail/computers/specialty_store_2.asp?loc=16749

thanks for enlightening, guess we will see more downwards pressure for the 11B products.

[bebeQ]

WHat about Draytek 2600WE?

Wireless Router with Built-in ADSL modem.

Anyone try before? How's the response? I'm deciding whether to buy this or not?

Please Advice.... thanks

BebeQ

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by bebeQ
WHat about Draytek 2600WE?

Wireless Router with Built-in ADSL modem.

Anyone try before? How's the response? I'm deciding whether to buy this or not?

Please Advice.... thanks

BebeQ

any idea what is the selling price?

[EDDY777]

Hi wirelessdan2002,

I am a newbie here:). However, may I know does more power really mean longer range?

I am thinking of getting a DLink 900AP+ with maybe a DLink DWL-650+ or Enzer Skyroam Gold to get 22 mbps. However, I am now concerned about their range since their power ratings are quite low. FYI, I am living in quite a big house :).

Thanks. Regards.

Eddy.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by EDDY777
Hi wirelessdan2002,

I am a newbie here:). However, may I know does more power really mean longer range?

I am thinking of getting a DLink 900AP+ with maybe a DLink DWL-650+ or Enzer Skyroam Gold to get 22 mbps. However, I am now concerned about their range since their power ratings are quite low. FYI, I am living in quite a big house :).

Thanks. Regards.

Eddy.

higher power does mean longer range. and wider bandwidth means shorter range too, i.e. with the same power and sensitivity, a wireless adapter working at 22Mbps will have shorter range than a wireless adapter working at 11 Mbps.

so ask yourself if you really require 22 Mbps. bearing in mind that the broadband downstream is only 512 Kbps for ADSL, or 1.5 Mbps for cable.

at 11 Mbps, a 4 MB MP3 file can be transfered between PCs in 5 seconds, a 100 MB video stream can be transfered in 2 minutes.

the Dlink DWL-650+ range (15 dbm output) is roughly (indoor, line of sight) 8 meters at 22 Mbps, 15 meters at 11 Mbps, 20 meters at 5.5 Mbps , and 30 meters at 1 Mbps. so even if you use the DWL-650+, most of the time the data transfer rate will be at below 11 Mbps.

so if you are staying in a big house, go for a system that
having at least 20 dbm (100 mw) output, 11 Mbps is good enough. i have installed a 20 dbm system for a 3 storey terrace house, no problem.

if you want to be more sure, there is 23 dbm (200 mw) system now, the Senao SL2511SR+ wireless router and Senao SL2511CD+ wireless PCMCIA card, retailing at a bundle price of $350, with this you shuld not have problem for a seamless link for a 3 storey big house.

also a point to note, the 11B plus extension (22 Mbps) system is not WiFi certified, and i understand that defferent manufacturers have different standards for this WiFi extension, so mixing brands may not work for 22 Mbps link (no problem for 11 Mbps link though).

as a rule of thumb, every 6 db more of power means double the range - the "6 db rule", so 23 dbm will give you more than double the range of 15 dbm (8db difference).

[EDDY777]

I see..thanks wirelessdan2002,

I am indeed living in a 3-storey terrace :).

Maybe I should get the Fulbond access point cos it's cheap, but what about the pcmcia card? I don't see any 20 dbm cards except the Cisco one which is really expensive? Should I get a card with lower power rating?

I am actually quite apprehensive about getting the Senao solution (or even the Fulbond) as I have never heard of their brand before.... don't know how is their support or user-friendliness...

Regards......Eddy.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by EDDY777
I see..thanks wirelessdan2002,

I am indeed living in a 3-storey terrace :).

Maybe I should get the Fulbond access point cos it's cheap, but what about the pcmcia card? I don't see any 20 dbm cards except the Cisco one which is really expensive? Should I get a card with lower power rating?

I am actually quite apprehensive about getting the Senao solution (or even the Fulbond) as I have never heard of their brand before.... don't know how is their support or user-friendliness...

Regards......Eddy.

just found out that Fulbond has brought in the 20 dbm PCMCIA card XI-325H http://www.fulbond.com.sg/PRODUCTS/WIRELESS/XI325H.htm

G2-Tech at 6th floor Sim Lim Sq is selling it for $110, less than 1/2 price of Cisco Aironet 352. think the luck is with you :)

i have just tried the XI-1250A AP, kind of work out of the box too. Fulbond's range of Wifi products are actually from the more reputable Z-Com from Taiwan, the same unit is sold in Europe as Z-Com XI-1250A, and in USA as ZComax. surprisingly SMC carries the same AP as SMC2655W, being sold here for $220 http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?sec=Products&pg=Product-Details&prod=76&site=c

oh yeah i last posted that the XI-1250A was sold for $169 from IT Hub, i actually got it from NM (Network Mobility), #06-74 Sim Lim Sq, for $160, and is 18 months 1 to 1 exchange.

[EDDY777]

Oh....you bought the Fulbond XI-1250A? How is it? Any reviews or comments from u?

Thanks...

[ComicBook]

Hi wirelessdan2002

thanks for your very informative research. Ü
I am living in a 5 room HDB flat,
intending to connect 2 desktops with SCV.

for my case. 1 desktop in each room, SCV modem in the living room. Thus, expecting to have max 2 walls in between each desktop.

Am I rite to say that I should get:

Fulbond XI-2300H AP router X 1

Dlink DWL-120 USB Client X 2

in order to get the strongest signal?

I am interested to get the highest speed, not the longest range.

Answer mi if you have time.
Thanks~ Ü

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by EDDY777
Oh....you bought the Fulbond XI-1250A? How is it? Any reviews or comments from u?

Thanks...

after almost a whole weekend of usage, i should say the Fulbong XI-1250A is quite a good value for money.

the setup was easy, living up to its name "smart AP", just plug it into 1 of the LAN ports on the router, and it work straight away.

performance wise, despite its small size (slightly larger than the Linksys WUSB11 USB adapter), believe it does deliver the promised 20 dbm (100 mw) power, using Enzer Skyroam Silver PC card on my notebook, the signal strength consistently beat the Linksys BEFW11S4 which is rated at 18 dbm.

recommending this as the wireless addon to existing wired router network, at $160.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by ComicBook
Hi wirelessdan2002

thanks for your very informative research. Ü
I am living in a 5 room HDB flat,
intending to connect 2 desktops with SCV.

for my case. 1 desktop in each room, SCV modem in the living room. Thus, expecting to have max 2 walls in between each desktop.

Am I rite to say that I should get:

Fulbond XI-2300H AP router X 1

Dlink DWL-120 USB Client X 2

in order to get the strongest signal?

I am interested to get the highest speed, not the longest range.

Answer mi if you have time.
Thanks~ Ü
i would agree with the DWL-120, though it is among the most expensive USB wireless adapters around, most shops are selling it for $145, but thought i saw it in some shops asking for $135, however please make sure that you get the latest version, the one sold in Unlimited is an older version. please check up Dlink website to see the image of the newer version. http://www.dlink.com/products/wireless/dwl120/

with 19 dbm of power and -90 dbm of sensitivity from DWL-120, i believe you do not need a 20 dbm AP/router, in this case you will have more choices. i have not tried the Fulbond XI-2300H and also not sure about its price. still recommend Linksys BEFW11S4, at $227 its 18 dbm power should be more then sufficient for a 5-room HDB apartment, assuming :

maximum range 15 meters
2 brick walls in between contributing to -10 db loss

free space path loss (15 meters) = 32.44 + 20 log(2.4) + 20 log (15) = 65 db

total link budget considerations:

18 dbm (BEFW11S4) - 65 db (path loss) - 10 db (2 walls) - 12 db (fade margin) = -69 dbm

-69 dbm power would arrive at the USB client, which is still 21 db stronger than DWL-120's -90 dbm sensitivity, which should be able to work at 11 Mbps rate, even with 128 bit WEP applied.


BEFW11S4 is one of the most popular AP/routers, it is very user friendly and easy to setup, and the price tag of $227 is attractive too.

[ComicBook]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002

i have not tried the Fulbond XI-2300H and also not sure about its price. still recommend Linksys BEFW11S4, at $227 its 18 dbm power should be more then sufficient for a 5-room HDB apartment, assuming :




How about getting Senao SR2511SR+ at $250?
That will be the most powerful combination I think...

Is it advisable to mix Router AP and USB clients of different brands?

If there might be issues of incompatiblity, I would rather take the whole set from Linksys...

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by ComicBook



How about getting Senao SR2511SR+ at $250?
That will be the most powerful combination I think...

Is it advisable to mix Router AP and USB clients of different brands?

If there might be issues of incompatiblity, I would rather take the whole set from Linksys...

in term of specifications, the Senao combination should be great, but i have no idea how's the setup and user interface like. also they are sure to be overkill for your apartment, and if you are not using WEP, all your neighbour will be logging on to your hot spots :)

no problem with mixing brands as long as they are IEEE 802.11B WiFi certified, but please take note that the so called 11B+ (22 Mbps) system is not an IEEE 802.11B extension, different manufacturers come out with their own standard eg. Orinoco Gold, Enzer Skyroam Gold, Dlink AirPlus, chances that they are not compatible, so safest to stay with 11B's 11 Mbps.

Senao's SL2511 plus is not the 22 Mbps system, the plus is refering to higher power, as in Fulbond's H extension.

[hj]

Originally posted by Murcielago
tried and tested enzer's wireless router and pcmcia cards ... they sucked big time ... range was poor and i could neverf get it to work properly with my scv. when it did, browsing the web alone was heaps slower than dialup.

i've got them replaced with the linksys models ... the linksys wireless router and pcmcia cards were surprising. They flawlessly worked out of the box and with a firmware upgrade, the range improved somewhat ... i'm getting excellent (100%) signal strength and link quality even when the router is next door. directly one level down in the dining area, i'm still getting good reception (45~50%) and downloads are at full speed (180~200+ KB/s)

go for the wireless linksys routers and pcmcia cards (v.3) as they have been tried and tested. ;)

i don't recommend linksys. they pump only 32mW with the sample i tried. Better option is Aironet 350/1200 which pumps at 50mW.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by hj


i don't recommend linksys. they pump only 32mW with the sample i tried. Better option is Aironet 350/1200 which pumps at 50mW.

Aironet 342 series card is giving 50 mw, its cost has been brought down to $120, from almost $200.

Aironet 352 gives 20 dbm 100 mw, but the $250 price tag can get 3 Enzer Skyroam Silver ($79 each).

the Enzer's 16.5 dbm (45 mw) performs better than Linksys WPC11's 15 dbm (33 mw), is by far the best buy on the market.

if the environment is real challenging which requires higher power, try Fulbond XI-325H, which produces 20 dbm 100 mw too likes the Cisco Aironet 352, but costs only $110.

and if you need to surf from mother-iin-law's flat using your broadband from your own flat in the next block, try the Senao's SL2511CD plus, 23 dbm (200 mw) for $140.

[dereth]

Erm... Dan...

Do you have any recommendations for USB ROUTERS? Preferably Wireless. :)

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by dereth
Erm... Dan...

Do you have any recommendations for USB ROUTERS? Preferably Wireless. :)

hi dereth,

only heard of the Draytek model but it is not wireless, just a 4 port wired router. and for the price of $270, you will be better off buying an ethernet modem at $160 + a wired router for $100.

have not heard of any USB wireless router, guess even if there is, it is unlikely to be cost effective.

[Vladimir]

Hi wirelessdan2002

Newbie questions here. I intend to try wireless. Need to your kind recommendations please.

Living in 4-rooms HDB flat
Magix PremiumSurf (ATM) using Alcatel Speed Touch Pro
1 laptop at master-bed room, WINXP Home
1 desktop pc at another room, WINXP Pro (2 walls blocking - 19ft apart)

I intend to get rid of Alcatel STP. What is your recommendation?

Thanks!

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Vladimir
Hi wirelessdan2002

Newbie questions here. I intend to try wireless. Need to your kind recommendations please.

Living in 4-rooms HDB flat
Magix PremiumSurf (ATM) using Alcatel Speed Touch Pro
1 laptop at master-bed room, WINXP Home
1 desktop pc at another room, WINXP Pro (2 walls blocking - 19ft apart)

I intend to get rid of Alcatel STP. What is your recommendation?

Thanks!

hi,

not too sure what do you mean by getting rid of the Alcatel STP? as i thought it is an ethernet modem which is suitable to work with a router/access point? or do you mean you want to switch over to the ADSL service?

anyway your setup should be quite a simple 1 without much hassle.

if the modem and point can be at the same room with the desktop, you can install a wireless router costing from $180 onwards (must be able to support PPPoA used by Magix). the desktop will connect to the router by cable, and the laptop by wireless, which need a PCMCIA wireless card form $79 onwards. 19 feet and 2 walls should not be a problem for your laptop to have a good link.

if the modem and point have to be somewhere else, then you will need to get an USB wireless adapter for the desktop, from $100 onwards.

hope this helps, regards.

[dereth]

Thanks for the advice Dan.
I was asking on behalf of a friend. :)

Oh yah btw... if Vlad's using still using PremiumSurf and wants to get rid of the STP I think the right protocol to support is CIPoA since it's ATM.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by dereth
Thanks for the advice Dan.
I was asking on behalf of a friend. :)

Oh yah btw... if Vlad's using still using PremiumSurf and wants to get rid of the STP I think the right protocol to support is CIPoA since it's ATM.

you are wlecome dereth.

oh thought for Magix is PPPoA, thanks for your information too.

so you have resolved your DWL-900AP+'s problem?

[asd78]

Originally posted by dereth
Thanks for the advice Dan.
I was asking on behalf of a friend. :)

Oh yah btw... if Vlad's using still using PremiumSurf and wants to get rid of the STP I think the right protocol to support is CIPoA since it's ATM.

woah man..how u guys know so much abt this stuff? working in this line? anyway, i have a problem and hope u guys could help me out...

recently, my fren decided to wired up her 3 storey terrace house so her dad and brother could share their broadband....how would u guys suggest she do it? could u recommend the specific hardwares she would have to get?

thks for the help in advance...:)

[dethangel]

Originally posted by Vladimir
Hi wirelessdan2002

Newbie questions here. I intend to try wireless. Need to your kind recommendations please.

Living in 4-rooms HDB flat
Magix PremiumSurf (ATM) using Alcatel Speed Touch Pro
1 laptop at master-bed room, WINXP Home
1 desktop pc at another room, WINXP Pro (2 walls blocking - 19ft apart)

I intend to get rid of Alcatel STP. What is your recommendation?

Thanks!

Hmm ... sorry to barge in .... but getting rid of your speedtouch pro ?!?!..

If you have read through Azacamis's forums, you'll find that you're able to set the STP in DMZ mode, thus getting the Linksys Wireless router with 4 Port switch (forgot the model =p ) would work for you.

This setup is being used by a friend on ATM Magix currently.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by asd78


woah man..how u guys know so much abt this stuff? working in this line? anyway, i have a problem and hope u guys could help me out...

recently, my fren decided to wired up her 3 storey terrace house so her dad and brother could share their broadband....how would u guys suggest she do it? could u recommend the specific hardwares she would have to get?

thks for the help in advance...:)

you can start by doing a mapping of the intended home networking, i.e. where is the modem point (be it cable or ADSL) at which the wireless router will be placed, where are all the desktops/notebooks PCs. draw a straight line between the PC and the modem point and chart out what is the distance and how many/what type of obstacles walls, floors, reinforced structure, furniture etc.) lie between.

you will need to take the worst case so as to determine how much power you need for the link to be robust, you can compute it yourself based on what i have gathered on top, or just post it here and we can work it out together.

what are needed include a wireless router, wireless client adapter for each PC, and replace the modem if it is not the right type.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by dethangel


Hmm ... sorry to barge in .... but getting rid of your speedtouch pro ?!?!..

If you have read through Azacamis's forums, you'll find that you're able to set the STP in DMZ mode, thus getting the Linksys Wireless router with 4 Port switch (forgot the model =p ) would work for you.

This setup is being used by a friend on ATM Magix currently.

agree that STP has lots of potential, and probably Linksys BEFW11S4 wireless router would work perfectly with it.

[angscang]

hi wirelessdan2002,
Thanks 4 the extremely gd inside!
r u in this line of Wireless installation 4 corporate etc.?
any companies hiring such people?
btw, did u get urself certified (CWNA)?
in ur earlier post, u mentioned abt Fullbond giving a high power rating n sensitivity. i m curious if it does provide secure authentication using 802.1x/EAP/Radius like Cisco (34x/35x series) or even Orinoco?
btw, did u own all the products that u tried out, or do they belong 2 ur company? just curious ;)
Thanks!

;)

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by angscang
hi wirelessdan2002,
Thanks 4 the extremely gd inside!
r u in this line of Wireless installation 4 corporate etc.?
any companies hiring such people?
btw, did u get urself certified (CWNA)?
in ur earlier post, u mentioned abt Fullbond giving a high power rating n sensitivity. i m curious if it does provide secure authentication using 802.1x/EAP/Radius like Cisco (34x/35x series) or even Orinoco?
btw, did u own all the products that u tried out, or do they belong 2 ur company? just curious ;)
Thanks!

;)

not really working for any company but have been providing freelance consultations for some corporate setups.

not Cisco qualified cause too old to study :)

experienced Cisco qualified professionals are still in good demand, experience and explosure are important, my advice is be prepared to start at lower levels even one is Cisco qualified.

Fulbond's products catering more to SMEs, SOHOs and home users, just like most Taiwanese players eg. Linksys, Dlink etc. Cisco and Proxim-Orinoco are in the different class, EAP/LEAP/PEAP are catering more to enterprises and public hot spots setup which require added security and authentication, not viable for SMEs/SOHOs/home users products.

i do own some of those products i tested, some belong to my business associates/clients.

[angscang]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002
not really working for any company but have been providing freelance consultations for some corporate setups.
not Cisco qualified cause too old to study :)
experienced Cisco qualified professionals are still in good demand, experience and explosure are important, my advice is be prepared to start at lower levels even one is Cisco qualified.
Fulbond's products catering more to SMEs, SOHOs and home users, just like most Taiwanese players eg. Linksys, Dlink etc. Cisco and Proxim-Orinoco are in the different class, EAP/LEAP/PEAP are catering more to enterprises and public hot spots setup which require added security and authentication, not viable for SMEs/SOHOs/home users products.
i do own some of those products i tested, some belong to my business associates/clients.
how do u engage them or get the business 2 consult them initially?

CWNA is part of the CWSP certification n is vendor neutral, provided by planet3, it's different fr CCNA, CCIE etc. fr Cisco.

what does start fr lower level means??? :confused:

i m not against Taiwanese products, but some Dlink, LinkSys products or models r known 2 hv security flaws like the revealing of the SSID and WEP using a certain software, as they r using the same prism chipset n provided by the same chip vendor/manufacturer who came out with the software. even WinXP wireless zero config hv a security flaw as shown by a jpn professor.

i think security shouldn't b taken 4 granted, as shown by always-on broadband conn. my FW shows a high sniffing n scanning n even DOS attack on certain occasion.
Cheers!;)

[Vladimir]

Thanks for replying wirelessdan2002 & dethangel

There is no such all-in-one wireless equipment?

My STPro 'K' version with the firmware KHDSBA3.281 is not UPNP and is not H.323 compliant. Using netmeeing is a problem. The only way to get around it is to do a NAT pinholing. Thus I thought of changing this hardware.

This is my intended shopping list:
Linksys BEFW11S4 4-port wireless router - $227
Linksys WPC11 PCMCIA adapter - $98

Will keep my STPro for the time being. Btw, what u think about Cisco 827H? Or do u have any good and reliable adsl modem to recommend which will works with Magix ATM?

[erba28]

hi wirelessdan.. i am v new to this wireless thingy n need yr advise. i intend to get the linksys W11S4 router and i have 2 PCs. One of them is on the 1st floor n the other on the 2nd. so for the connection, do i need to get 2 pcmcia cards and adapters for each of the PCs? does the pcmcia cards sold come together with the adapters? i am currently using cable for surfing.

Thanks

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by angscang

how do u engage them or get the business 2 consult them initially?

CWNA is part of the CWSP certification n is vendor neutral, provided by planet3, it's different fr CCNA, CCIE etc. fr Cisco.

what does start fr lower level means??? :confused:

i m not against Taiwanese products, but some Dlink, LinkSys products or models r known 2 hv security flaws like the revealing of the SSID and WEP using a certain software, as they r using the same prism chipset n provided by the same chip vendor/manufacturer who came out with the software. even WinXP wireless zero config hv a security flaw as shown by a jpn professor.

i think security shouldn't b taken 4 granted, as shown by always-on broadband conn. my FW shows a high sniffing n scanning n even DOS attack on certain occasion.
Cheers!;)

business contacts more through clients networking.

thanks for enlightening about CWNA.

"starting from lower level" advise is more for new entrants into networking line. most networking solution providers are particular about experience on top of qualifications, in order to accumulate experience, one should not be too choosy especially about job titles, also value any chance of hands on opportunity.

heard about flaws in Taiwanese products, but this Jap professor's finding is new to me, anywhere i can get more information? thanks in advance.

agree security should not be taken for granted.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Vladimir
Thanks for replying wirelessdan2002 & dethangel

There is no such all-in-one wireless equipment?

My STPro 'K' version with the firmware KHDSBA3.281 is not UPNP and is not H.323 compliant. Using netmeeing is a problem. The only way to get around it is to do a NAT pinholing. Thus I thought of changing this hardware.

This is my intended shopping list:
Linksys BEFW11S4 4-port wireless router - $227
Linksys WPC11 PCMCIA adapter - $98

Will keep my STPro for the time being. Btw, what u think about Cisco 827H? Or do u have any good and reliable adsl modem to recommend which will works with Magix ATM?

Cisco 827H is popular with SMEs, but can be a little overkill for home user, unless there is lobang for some cheap deal.

dereth mentioned CIPoA is used for Magix Premium plan, also dethangel mentioned about enabling DMZ setting, will it help in your netmeeting? Linksys combination should not have any problem.

btw, if you are selling your STP, i am keen to take over it if your price is reasonable :)

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by erba28
hi wirelessdan.. i am v new to this wireless thingy n need yr advise. i intend to get the linksys W11S4 router and i have 2 PCs. One of them is on the 1st floor n the other on the 2nd. so for the connection, do i need to get 2 pcmcia cards and adapters for each of the PCs? does the pcmcia cards sold come together with the adapters? i am currently using cable for surfing.

Thanks

you mean you want to use PCMCIA wireless card on desktop PCs by using PCI to PCMCIA adapter?

i strongly advise against it. firstlythis is going to be costly, the Linksys WPC11 PCMCIA adapter is $100, the PCI converter is at least $50, total will be $150.

you can get Dlink PCI wireless adapter card for $125, but it is still not a good way. the best solution for desktop PC is still USB wireless adapter, like to Linksys WUSB11 at $125.

PCI wireless solution means the antenna unit will be at the rear panel of the CPU. the metal casing (most of the time it is connected to ground) of the CPU is a perfect shielding for radio wave. furthermore most people place the CPU below the table, worst still the back of the CPU most of the time faces the wall. with this the radio signal strength can drop by as much as 10 to 20 db, ie. the range can be reduced by 60 to 80%.

most USB wireless adapter comes with long USB extension cable, therefore you can place it at higher level eg. on top of the monitor for maximum range performance.

[angscang]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002
business contacts more through clients networking.
thanks for enlightening about CWNA.
"starting from lower level" advise is more for new entrants into networking line. most networking solution providers are particular about experience on top of qualifications, in order to accumulate experience, one should not be too choosy especially about job titles, also value any chance of hands on opportunity.
heard about flaws in Taiwanese products, but this Jap professor's finding is new to me, anywhere i can get more information? thanks in advance.
agree security should not be taken for granted.
i do hope i have the opportunity like u 2 do more hands-on work, or b involved in this area more ;)

No problem, i think u r gd enough 4 the certification :)

i do know of Dlink pdts being setup with vpn using L2TP or PPTP just like Cisco etc. w/o incurring add. cost of buying other HW or SW. it is written in ExtremeTech.

email me (PM), i'll pass u the info ;)
btw, do u use spectrum analyser like AirMagnet, SnifferWireless etc.? or the free ones like Netstumbler, Weintenzier (not 2 sure abt the spelling)?
cheers!

[dethangel]

Originally posted by Vladimir
Thanks for replying wirelessdan2002 & dethangel

There is no such all-in-one wireless equipment?

My STPro 'K' version with the firmware KHDSBA3.281 is not UPNP and is not H.323 compliant. Using netmeeing is a problem. The only way to get around it is to do a NAT pinholing. Thus I thought of changing this hardware.

This is my intended shopping list:
Linksys BEFW11S4 4-port wireless router - $227
Linksys WPC11 PCMCIA adapter - $98

Will keep my STPro for the time being. Btw, what u think about Cisco 827H? Or do u have any good and reliable adsl modem to recommend which will works with Magix ATM?

STPro K version comes with an inbuilt Firewall (good) .. and its a rare item! ..... Don't get rid of it!!.... Nowadays finding a STPro in classifieds or yahoo is like a gem. I only managed to get 1 from Yahoo Auctions for a friend.

827 Like WirelessDan says.. its an overkill.

The nature Netmeeting works is crazy. If its a term i would want to use. It opens up a wide range of ports for its use. So ideally, setting your STPro to DMZ mode and your linksys wireless router to DMZ mode for THAT particular IP address of your computer SHOULD allow you to use netmeeting without much problems.

[elfelle]

How about Cable Modem cum Wireless Router?
Any other good brands comparable to this model shown below? Is this good? Where can I get it & at what price? StarHub got sell this? I am wondering is it the right time to invest in this product as the new Cable ITU standard DOCSIS 2.0 is completed as in Dec 2002. Wonder if the product can support software upgradeble to 2.0? Since DOCSIS 2.0 is backward-compatible to 1.x, guess it can be upgraded by software driver ...
Is it IDA Approved? Any disadvantage of using this model?

Motorola SBG1000 SurfBoard Cable Modem/5-port Wireless Router/Print Server. http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/sbg1000.html

=== Cable International Standard ===
DOCSIS 1.0 (High Speed Internet Access)
DOCSIS 1.1 (Voice, Gaming, Streaming)
DOCSIS 2.0 (Capacity for Symmetric Services)
http://www.cablemodem.com/downloads/slideshow.ppt

Pls enlighten me as above. Thanks.
:angel:

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by elfelle
How about Cable Modem cum Wireless Router?
Any other good brands comparable to this model shown below? Is this good? Where can I get it & at what price? StarHub got sell this? I am wondering is it the right time to invest in this product as the new Cable ITU standard DOCSIS 2.0 is completed as in Dec 2002. Wonder if the product can support software upgradeble to 2.0? Since DOCSIS 2.0 is backward-compatible to 1.x, guess it can be upgraded by software driver ...
Is it IDA Approved? Any disadvantage of using this model?

Motorola SBG1000 SurfBoard Cable Modem/5-port Wireless Router/Print Server. http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/sbg1000.html

=== Cable International Standard ===
DOCSIS 1.0 (High Speed Internet Access)
DOCSIS 1.1 (Voice, Gaming, Streaming)
DOCSIS 2.0 (Capacity for Symmetric Services)
http://www.cablemodem.com/downloads/slideshow.ppt

Pls enlighten me as above.
:angel:

the SBG1000 is a great product for cable users, just hope Starhub will approve it (there shouldn't be aproblem for IDA 's approval). guess the price will be quite high probably in the region of $600 to $800.

i have brought in a cheaper Taiwanese OEM version which is confirming to DOCSIS 1.1, with 4-port + wireless AP but no print server, at $300 a piece. but Starhub has declined to approve the use of this model, i am still persuing with them but seems to me that is slim chance.

for those who do not know, all cable modems for Starhub cable access are to be approved by starhub so that individual MAC address will be registered, without this registration you will not get a connection.

[wirelessdan2002]

have been really satisfied with the local brand Enzer Skyroam Silver PCMCIA wireless card, which is sold for $79 (cheapest in the market) and performs as good as if not better than leading Taiwanese brands like Linksys's and DLink's.

just tried out another local product, the Compex WLU11A USB wireless adapter, at $85 it is also the cheapest USB adapter in the market.

very neat packaging wth good finishing, much more compact than the Linksys WUSB11, almost a credit card size except the thickness.

installation was easy. performance wise semes to be as good as the WUSB11 indoor, getting 50% signal strength with 2 brick walls in between link, and 35% with 3. will be carrying out some outdoor tests to determine its range performance,

overall a very competent product, at $40 discount to the Linksys's price tag of $125, it is definitely a good budget buy.

[darr]

Originally posted by Theoden
can anyone tell me, why is it that most people are using the 802.11B network routers or acess point, but no one is using the 802.11G based? i thought 802.11G is suppose to be better? pls correct me...i very green in these stuff.

There are 2 groups of people why they are using 802.11b and not 802.11g.
1 - 802.11b products are cheaper.
2 - knowing 802.11g is not finalized yet.

Do not rush to get the 802.11g products yet. It took so long for the dust to settle (2 years in fact) for 802.11g to use OFDM (the modulation used by 802.11a) to obtain 54Mbps. Before that you will have seen multiple support for different speeds and such....

Wait till 802.11g standard is ratified, and you can expect it to be earliest at July this year. Even then check the features supported carefully. Don't end up with what many people are having problems now with the 802.11b networks.

I won't list the technical issues here, but just to tell those interested. 802.11g products vary at this point of time and I bet you that most will not be full-802.11g compliant (not even with firmware upgrades) when the standard is finalized.

This is the same issue why people get varying performance with different 802.11b products, you don't simply keep testing products and come to a conclusion. I can list down all the different protocols, features and tell you which combination of products give you the best speeds and security.

For the easy way out for consumers is still to stick to one vendor or combine products that are Wi-Fi (WECA) certified. At least they did the testing the logical way: a 802.11b product that you see off the shelf won't necessary be fully compliant or support the standard feature set, because no one said so. You can find 802.11b wireless card working at a turbo mode of 22Mbps but go back home you find it not to be so, simply because your AP and other existing wireless cards are not from the same vendor or even the same family.

[wirelessdan2002]

good points here by darr, let us just enjoy the downwards price pressure on 802.11B products due to more competition especially our 2 local players Enzer and Compex. leave the 802.11G to the more adventurous few.

[darr]

Thanks. Your testings must have helped a lot of people making wise decisions also.

Just an added info on the 802.11g. Most of the issues yet to be resolved are mostly trival to users. But it is very important to ensure that the 802.11g product you get fully supports 802.11b such that it recognise the modulation scheme used by 802.11b and this is not firmware-upgradable. Why important? 802.11b user-base is too large, and not everyone will simply flip over and embrace the new standard. Beside 802.11b has the range advantage and would thus hang around for a long time in places where range is priority over bandwidth.

Also recently announced was an additional compliance for WPA (Wireless Protected Access), a certification requirement by WECA to strengthen security, but that's the side issue because compliant or not it has nothing to do with throughput or compatibility. So don't be too concerned if the new wireless card you intend to buy does not have WPA because it is firmware upgradable when it's available and that's if you need it.

I have restrictions to discuss certain security issues so I shall not say more. But what I have said here is sufficient for the masses.


Have fun networking. But remember wireless have no boundaries, take care of your security. You will be surprised how easy to snoop data off the air. So I advise you not to perform wireless sensitive transactions unless you know your security implementations.

:bounce:

[wirelessdan2002]

a white hat out there mr. darr? :)

agree that 11B is here to stay, especially with the downwards price pressure contributed by more and more players into the market, and the upcoming launch of the 11G's range.

chances that the prices of the 11B's range will be lowered to a very very competitive range, $30 to $50 for client products, below $100 for APs/routers. in this case it will be even more cost effective and practical than the wired networking once WPA is in placed, considering the cost of laying cables and trunking and the terminals.

though teething problems can be expected for the 11B-11G compatibility issues, with the much more coordinated efforts by all agencies and big players, the 11G's launch should be pretty smooth, and the scene of wireless networking will be really interesting.

[zard]

Hi wirelessdan2002,

I am using Singtel Magix PremiumSurf but on ethernet using a Efficient 5660 modem router. I connect the 5660 to a Linksys 5 port switch. Recently, after connecting for a while, my internet connection will suddenly disapper (cannot connect to internet).

I have 2 desktop connected to the Linksys 5 port switch. I also have a notebook that I cannot to the switch during weekends. I suspect the Linksys switch might be going to 'konk-off'.

In this case, like to seek some advice from you. Can I use the Fulbond XI-1250, connect to my 5660 and get 2 usb wireless adaptors for my 2 desktops? For my notebook, can I use my office's cisco wireless pc card?

If the above is possible, what would you suggest for the usb wireless adaptors?

The 2 desktops would be side by side in my room. My notebook, either use in my room or out of my room (behind one wall of the room).

Is the Fulbond XI-1250 cheapest wireless AP with good results?

Thanking you in advance for your advise.

My email is zard@myrealbox.com

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by zard


not too sure if the problem is really due to the failing of the switch, infact it is unlikely for semiconductor switch to have deteriorated condition, which usualy happen in electro-mechanical devices.

but if you are ready for wireless networking since your notebook is already wireless capable, no harm using this as an excuse to go ahead :)

in fact you came at the right time, if it was few days ago before i discovered this latest gem in the Compex WLU11A USB wireless adapter, i would have suggested you to get a wireless router instead as it would save you quite a bit by connecting the PCs to the wired LAN ports, since the only 2 USB adapters that i trusted were the Linksys WUSB11 ($125) and the DLink DWL-120 ($135).

with the Compex being priced at only $85, and performs very well and very user friendly, using it to replace NIC + network cable is now more viable with the narrowing price gap.

Fulbond XI-1250A is currently the lowest price AP on the market, and also the highest powered at 100 mw. have tested it myself and very satisfied with it.

the Cisco card (either Aironet 342 or Aironet 352) is the best you can have for your notebook, very stable, good sensitivity (means longer range) and great security feature (not required in your home network though).

welcome to the wonderful world of wireless networking!

[dethangel]

Hmm ..

Sorry to barge in again :D

For Zard's case, no use getting another router as the 5660 ITSELF is a router.

No use doing NAT twice as more complications will arise. Plus the 5660's inability to do DMZ is another factor. So no use going out to grab a wireless router. More money spent.

Either get the Fulbond AP and a combo of other WLAN adaptors for your use. Or get another switch as network switch costs has fallen, IMO you can get a new switch quite cheaply.

So its: SS5660 -> Fulbond AP -> WLAN Clients

I had the 5660 hooked to an Intel wireless gateway once for sharing on 2 PCs on WLAN adaptors in my home before.

Wirelessdan2002:

Point to note also, i've had encounted alot of problems with friends and clients using compex products. Not so reliable IMO. A nightmare infact =p

[wirelessdan2002]

thanks for your inputs deth.

love 5660 too it is one hell of a router, though mine is actually a born again 5260 after firmware upgrade.

had bad experience too with Compex products during its ealiest days, not so much on relaibility problem, but poor setup instructions and software supports.

but decided to give it a second chance since this new verion of WLU11A looks pretty cool, and at $85 if it works should save many some bucks for better use.

so far almost 1 week, the 2 units that i have installed has no reported problem, performing well and have been very stable.

a point about these USB adapters, the packaging and chipset designs are not as standard as the PCMCIA adapters, i had lots of problems with few other cheaper brands:

1. Mercury version ($99 from Unlimited), its utility causes serious USB devices conflict in WIn ME platform, just seen from its site that a new software version has been published, hope it solves this problem.

2. Planex (PCI) version at $109, also utility problam, and even the driver too is causing starting problem in Win 98 platform.

3. the earlier version of Dlink DWL-120, problem in installing driver for Win ME platform.

4. an OEM brand adapter, its Win XP driver causes serious USB devices conflict.

so far only have faith in the Linksys WUSB11 Ver 2.6 (though 1 batch has come contact problem with its USB connector) and the latest verson of the DLink DWL-120, so hope this Compex will bring some pride to made-in-Singapore products.

i have full respect for Taiwanese hardwares, just look at the notebooks that they are producing, but sad to say, they are extremely weak in software, guess most of us have 1 time or another, experiencing problem with Taiwanese products dirvers and utilities program. problem with too much piracy, that advances in software technology has been retarded in someways?

suppose many will agree with me that Singaporean companies are doing much better in term of software standard, though piracy exist here too (well it exists also in USA and other developed countries, look at the number of Ang Mohs here buying pirated software).

[doulos]

Anyone used/tested Netgear wireless before? Care to give some advice?

Cheers,
Doulos

[Asheron]

Any comments on SMC wireless products, especially those newly launched products?

Thanks !

[wirelessdan2002]

not sure about Netgear, have not used 1 before, hope others will give their value added opinions.

always have the impression that the SMC products are not as user friendly as the Linksys, just bought the SMC7401BRA ADSL modem+ router at $155, the cheapest on the market, but the setup is really not that straight forwards as expected, nevertheless once setup it performs really well, love the price.

[ngbc]

Hey wirelessdan2002,
From your experience, does antenna play a part in the performance of a wireless device? ie. does those with dual antenna better than those with only one?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by ngbc
Hey wirelessdan2002,
From your experience, does antenna play a part in the performance of a wireless device? ie. does those with dual antenna better than those with only one?

yes antennas do play a very important role in the link quality. 1 of the main plus of system wit 2 antennas is the ability to cover different physical o the network. for example in a multi-storey house, you can set 1 of the antennas of the AP to vertical position for the best coverage of clients in the same floor, while the other antenna is set horizontally so that it gives best coverage for clients at 1 floor up, or 1 floor down.

[doulos]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002
not sure about Netgear, have not used 1 before, hope others will give their value added opinions.

always have the impression that the SMC products are not as user friendly as the Linksys, just bought the SMC7401BRA ADSL modem+ router at $155, the cheapest on the market, but the setup is really not that straight forwards as expected, nevertheless once setup it performs really well, love the price.

I did some searching and found that the spec of Dlink 900AP+ have a speed up to 22 Mbps, 10/100 Mbps Eth port & 256 bit WEP. So wirelessdan2002, snice u use Dlink before, is Dlink coverage better than Fulbond?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by doulos


I did some searching and found that the spec of Dlink 900AP+ have a speed up to 22 Mbps, 10/100 Mbps Eth port & 256 bit WEP. So wirelessdan2002, snice u use Dlink before, is Dlink coverage better than Fulbond?

the DWL-900AP+ is quite a competent AP with 15 dbm (33 mw) nominal output, in term of specification it is lower than the Fulbond XI-1250A which gives 20 dbm (100 mw), however at $199 the 900AP+ is the lowest priced AP with the so called 11B+ 22 Mbps capability.

the Dlink 11B+ Air Plus system may not be compatible with the similar system offered by the other manufacturers, eg. the Orinoco Gold range, the Enzer Skyroam Gold range etc. none of these manufacturer claims that their 11B+ is an industrial standard.

have not really tested the 900AP+ with the XI-1250A side by side, but believe that the Fulbond should have slight edge in range, probably by at least 30%. and at its price of 100 mw, it is probably the cheapest AP in term of $/mw.

[khtan]

I'm planning to setup a wireless network in a 5 room hdb flat. I'm looking at 11,22 or 54 Mbps. Below is the plan view of the 5room flat

|-----------------------------
|
| Living room
|
| PC 3 --------
|--------------- |
| | |
|Bedroom 1 | |
| PC 2 /
|---------------/ Kitchen
| PC 1 \ |
|Bedroom 2 \ |
| | |----------
|-------------- | |
|
|
| master bedroom
|
|
|-----------------------------

I planning to place the wireless router at bedroom1 with pc1 connected to it. PC2 and PC3 with wireless client. Any recommendatation to acheive 100% siganl strength? thanks

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by khtan
I'm planning to setup a wireless network in a 5 room hdb flat. I'm looking at 11,22 or 54 Mbps. Below is the plan view of the 5room flat

|-----------------------------
|
| Living room
|
| PC 3 --------
|--------------- |
| | |
|Bedroom 1 | |
| PC 2 /
|---------------/ Kitchen
| PC 1 \ |
|Bedroom 2 \ |
| | |----------
|-------------- | |
|
|
| master bedroom
|
|
|-----------------------------

I planning to place the wireless router at bedroom1 with pc1 connected to it. PC2 and PC3 with wireless client. Any recommendatation to acheive 100% siganl strength? thanks

first of all if you have read through this thread and my other postings, you should know that in my opinion, there is no point going for the 54 Mbps and also the non-standard 11B+ (22 Mbps) system, 11B's 11 Mbps is more than enough for our home networking need.

next there is no such thing as 100% signal strength, probably what you mean is to get a vey good coverage without loss of link, which is aa more realistics expectation.

looking at the layout of your apartment, there should not be of much problem with most brands and models. so the question now is if you are looking for a more budget combination, or you do not mind paying more for something more upmarket.

as usual my "value for money" combo is the Linksys BEFW11S4 wrieless router at $227, Compex WLU11A USB wireless adapter at $85, Enzer Skyroam Silver PCMCIA card (for notebook if any) at $78.

for $100 more you can get a all Linksys Combo, WUSB11 USB adapter at $125, and WPC11 PCPMCIA card at $98. honestly this combo does not offer you an performance advantage over the "value for money " combo, but many would feel good having a "All Linksys" system.

i assure you that either system will provide you with perfect coverage for your apartment.

[dethangel]

Point to note also... the linksys wireless router / switch has antennas that are upgradeable if you want better coverage.

IMO, the linksys is quite a good buy for the whole set if you're looking for performance. I've got a friend whom i recently reconfigured the entire wireless network, her house, 3 storeys, is running on that exact router WAP. Performance is above average.

[wirelessdan2002]

agree with deth that the Linksys BEFW11S4 performs well even in a multi-storey house. incidentally i have just installed a Linksys system in a 4-storey house (3 storey above ground level + 1 basement.)

the challenging part is the SCV point is only at the top floor, and hence the wireless router has to be there too. 2 PCs at the same floor (easiest), 2 PCs 1 floor down (not too bad just 1 floor + 1 wall away from the router/AP)

no PC required at the ground floor living room and kitchen (2 floors down)

the most difficult is the PC at the basement study room, which is 3 floors down. to solve this i have to place the USB wireless adapter (Linksys WUSB11) near the window facing the backyard, and have to set both antennas of the BEFW11S4 (3 floors up in the top floor) to horizontal position, in order to have the antenna coverage extend further downwards (and upwards), with this i managed to achieve better than 35% signal strength and 70% link quality for the WUSB11 serving the study room PC to work at 11 Mbps with 64-bit WEP.

note that when the antennas of the AP are in usual vertical postion, it has the best lateral coverage, for best vertical coverage, the antenna should be set to horizontal position.

after the installation, i decided to hook up the Compex WLU11A to the same PC to compare it against the WUSB11, the result was very close with the WUSB11 having a slight edge to justify its 50% more cost.

also picked up 1 of the neighbours' AP transmission without WEP, guess it could be due to their ignorance, or they have no choice but to disable the WEP in order to get the coverage for the whole house.

[Dev]

Hi wirelessdan2002, hope you can advise for my situation. Thanks in advance.

I'm currently on Singnet 256K Unlimited BB using an Efficient 4060 USB Modem.

I have 2 PCs one with win98SE and the other with win2000 Pro.

I hope to setup a wireless network between these 2 PCs, but I am thinking of switching to Starhub MaxOnline 1500 after the contract ends for SingNet.

Which wireless router or equipment is recommended to support both the Singnet ADSL and Starhub cable modem?

In addition, am I right to say that the wireless USB adapter can be used for both PCs and notebooks? How does it differ from the PCI and PC-card meant intentionally for the respective systems?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Dev
Hi wirelessdan2002, hope you can advise for my situation. Thanks in advance.

I'm currently on Singnet 256K Unlimited BB using an Efficient 4060 USB Modem.

I have 2 PCs one with win98SE and the other with win2000 Pro.

I hope to setup a wireless network between these 2 PCs, but I am thinking of switching to Starhub MaxOnline 1500 after the contract ends for SingNet.

Which wireless router or equipment is recommended to support both the Singnet ADSL and Starhub cable modem?

In addition, am I right to say that the wireless USB adapter can be used for both PCs and notebooks? How does it differ from the PCI and PC-card meant intentionally for the respective systems?

first of all almost all wireless routers can't work with USB modem, they can only work with etehrnet modem. therefore if you plan to switch over to cable, no point to get an etehrnet modem costing about $150. i suggested that you find alternative method for your networking for now. here are 2 options:

1. simple wired networking between the 2 PCs for now. 1 of the PCs is configured as the internet gateway/software router, and share the internet connection with the other PC. what you need are 2 NICs (if there is no built-in LAN port) for the 2 PCs, and a crossed ethernet cable linking the 2 PCs. use Windows built-in network setup wizard and internet connection sharing program to configure the network.

2. similar to method 1, but instead of NICs, get 2 USB wireless adapters costing $85 each, and link them up by wireless link. network setup is the same as method 1, using 1 of the PCs as internet gateway/router. the USB adapters can still be used later when you use wireless router after switching over to cable.

both methods require the main PC to be on when the other PC needs to surf. but it should be alright since it is only temporary.

about USB wireless adapter, it is the best solution for desktop PC. PCI adapter has very poor range performance as its antenna is at the back of the CPU, with the CPU casing shielding off most of the radio wave.

for notebook, the best solution is still PCMCIA card, using USB wireless adapter is not as convenient, as the USB adapter will be kind of hanging lose from the notebook.

[keith66]

dan
do you know the dbm output and sensitivty for

(1) Netgear FM114P Firewall / Router / Print Server Wireless Router

(2) Compex USB Wireless Adaptor

I cannot find it on the specs on the individual websites.

Is the dbm data given by the respective vendors accurate actually?

An extra information needed is, what is the warranty given for fulbond wireless routers?

is it comparable to the 5 yrs warranty given by Netgear.


Thank you for taking time to reply.

[wirelessdan2002]

FM114P is expensive because of the true SPI firewall, which is a good feature and that makes the FM114P $100+ more expensive than the other wireless router. but i should say the natural firewall offered by most routers is adequate for our daily use.

i can't find the RF specifications of most of the Netgear WiFi products. instead Netgear specifies the expected range performance for all the WiFi products, i am a bit concern with what was specified for the FM114P, where the indoor range for 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps and 1 Mbps are 30 m, 50 m, 70 m and 90 m respectively, which is much lesser than what were specified for the other router and access point, ie. MR314 and ME102, both are expected to provide 53 m, 82 m , 122 m and 152 m respectively for 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps and 1 Mbps, about 70% more than that of the FM114P. which means that the RF power output of the FM114P is probably 4 to 5 dbm lower than the MR314. remember the indoor range specified is line of sight without obstacles, each brick wall for example will reduce the range by half. you may want to check your networking environment, if it is not too challenging, the FM114P may just be able to do the job. you can read the range specifications of Netgear products by going to the datasheet link for the product's page.

as for Compex WLU11A, i have measured it against the Linksys WUSB11 which has an output of 15 dbm, and its performance is comparable, therefore i believe its output could be around 15 dbm too.

the Fulbond range of products are given 18 months warranty 1 to 1 exchange, nothing close to that of the Netgear, however you may want to read tghe fine print of the Netgear's warranty term.

[keith66]

Thanks for ur help. Maybe i can give Netgear a ring up and ask them about the points you highlighted to dig out more information about this device.

Btw. do you know to get the best price for Orinoco Silver and Gold PCMCIA card?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by keith66
Thanks for ur help. Maybe i can give Netgear a ring up and ask them about the points you highlighted to dig out more information about this device.

Btw. do you know to get the best price for Orinoco Silver and Gold PCMCIA card?

i remember seeing some shops in SLS selling the Silver card for $129, and Gold card for $149. maybe you should visit SLS and find out.

saw this auction in Yahoo, can try bargain down to $80.

http://page.auctions.shopping.yahoo.com/sg/auction/72641500?aucview=0x23

[keith66]

Hi, I heard abt the UPnP feature in wireless router. How useful and important is this feature? Anyone care to comment on this? and give examples on which wireless routers have this feature?


I found out the following
Netgear MR314 No UPnP
Netgear FM114P UPnP

However, like what Dan mentioned FM114P does have a lower range than MR314.

What other brands have this feature in it?.

[dethangel]

Not too sure about UPnP... But it can be found in WinXP / 2000 (correct me if i'm wrong) ...

Its not recommended to enable / use it due to certain security flaws.

Read up the flaws through google.

[keith66]

Dan,
I am a bit blur abt power and sensitivity for wireless pcmcia card and usb adaptor,

Let's use these two as examples.
Cisco 342 power 17 dbm sensitivity -83 dbm
Cisco 352 power 20 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm

How do we determine a good adaptor or card?
(1) high dbm (power) , smaller number -dbm (sensitivity)
(2) high dbm (power), larger number -dbm (sensitivity)

Please advise.thanks

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by keith66
Dan,
I am a bit blur abt power and sensitivity for wireless pcmcia card and usb adaptor,

Let's use these two as examples.
Cisco 342 power 17 dbm sensitivity -83 dbm
Cisco 352 power 20 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm

How do we determine a good adaptor or card?
(1) high dbm (power) , smaller number -dbm (sensitivity)
(2) high dbm (power), larger number -dbm (sensitivity)

Please advise.thanks

higher power is better, ie. 20 dbm is better than 17 dbm.

higher sensitivity is better too, higher sensitivity means can pick up the signal at lowest power, ie. -85 dbm is lower power than -83 dbm, hence 352 has higher sensitivity than the 342, since it can pick up signal which is 2 db lower in power.

[keith66]

Pardon me if I am wrong, I hear u mention that cisco card is better than senao card.

Senao SL2511CD+ has
power 23dBm
sensitivity 87 dBm

pardon me if I see wrongly.thankss

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by keith66
Pardon me if I am wrong, I hear u mention that cisco card is better than senao card.

Senao SL2511CD+ has
power 23dBm
sensitivity 87 dBm

pardon me if I see wrongly.thankss

you are right in term of specifications, Senao seems to be a better card.

but Cisco Aironet 352 is still unparalleled in terms of its security features for enterprise applications, and stability.

and to my surprise, i tested them both side by side, and the 352 outperforms by a certain margin. don't ask me why.

cost wise, 352 is still costing almost $200, and the SL2511CD plus can be bought for alightly above $100.

[keith66]

Yo.Thanks. There's a lot to learn from u. You are one good teacher. Thanks

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


you are right in term of specifications, Senao seems to be a better card.

but Cisco Aironet 352 is still unparalleled in terms of its security features for enterprise applications, and stability.

and to my surprise, i tested them both side by side, and the 352 outperforms by a certain margin. don't ask me why.

cost wise, 352 is still costing almost $200, and the SL2511CD plus can be bought for alightly above $100.

[doulos]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


you are right in term of specifications, Senao seems to be a better card.

but Cisco Aironet 352 is still unparalleled in terms of its security features for enterprise applications, and stability.

and to my surprise, i tested them both side by side, and the 352 outperforms by a certain margin. don't ask me why.

cost wise, 352 is still costing almost $200, and the SL2511CD plus can be bought for alightly above $100.

Hi Wirelessdan2002,

just curious, what is the "certain margin" like, 10% or 20%, etc? If in an office space of less than 100m, I believe the "certain margin" will be insignificant compare to the price, right?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by doulos


Hi Wirelessdan2002,

just curious, what is the "certain margin" like, 10% or 20%, etc? If in an office space of less than 100m, I believe the "certain margin" will be insignificant compare to the price, right?

did not have chance to do a thorough test, just had the 2 cards side by side moving around several corners in an apartment, the Aironet 352 consistently having about 20% more in signal strength.

you are right for this 20%, the Senao SL2511CD Plus at almost 1/2 the price is still a good buy.

[angscang]

anyone use smartBridges' airBridge or airPoint? how's the performance n features/functions? what abt its cost? Thanks!

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by angscang
anyone use smartBridges' airBridge or airPoint? how's the performance n features/functions? what abt its cost? Thanks!

only tried Airpoint Pro, paid more than US$300 last year. was 1 of the earliest long range APs, with 100 mw output. however these days there are many cheaper alternatives.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by doulos


Hi Wirelessdan2002,

just curious, what is the "certain margin" like, 10% or 20%, etc? If in an office space of less than 100m, I believe the "certain margin" will be insignificant compare to the price, right?

heard this shop at SLS #05-57 is selling the Senao SL2511Cd plus 200 mw card at $99, you may want to go grab it fast :)

[vincy2001]

I think $126 u referring is in US Currency

1.753 X $126 = S$220.878

Ya hor - also very costly.

But I dun think need of Wireless-G unless leashing T3 LAN, rite?

B will be more than sufficent for MaxOnLine, Singnet or Pacific B B.

:angel:

[khtan]

Will 11Mbps wireless network be sufficiant in watching movie from another PC?

[dethangel]

So far...

If you're talking about low quality DiVXs and VCDs, it should be fine..

If you're talking about high res DVD Rips on DIVX. Then its a big no no. I've watched Blue Crush on DIVX DVD rip, the minute the bitrate goes up, the video starts to get choppy.

It came to a point where i got so irritated, i juz dug out a UTP cable and hooked my laptop directly to my switch.

[JamesOwen]

1) Does Senao SL2511SR have the DMZ feature?

2) Where can this router be purchased? Is it available at the IT Show?

Thanks for the wealth of info !!

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by khtan
Will 11Mbps wireless network be sufficiant in watching movie from another PC?

no problem for video stream of VCD quality:

consider 650 MB in a VCD for 70 minutes of video, the data bit rate should be 650 MB / 70 = 9.3 MB / min = 9.3 MB / 60 = 0.155 MB / sec

1 MB (megabyte) = 8 Mb (megabit)

0.155 MB / sec = 1.24 Mbps

IEEE802.11B date transfer rate is 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mps and 1 Mbps. therefore it has no problem handling VCD quality video stream transfer unless the transfer rate drops to 1 Mbps at the worst case (extreme range) situation.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by JamesOwen
1) Does Senao SL2511SR have the DMZ feature?

2) Where can this router be purchased? Is it available at the IT Show?

Thanks for the wealth of info !!


yes the SL2511Sr Plus supports DMZ.

best place to buy is still from SLS, Cybermind (4th floor) is selling it for below $250.

Senao was not represented during the IT show.

[Micheal]

Is it a concidence that router with higher RF power will come with USB client of lower RF power of the same brand? Is there any brand with high RF power for both the router and USB Client, or is it possible only under mix and match of different brands?

Thanks.

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002
Access point

Linksys WAP11 power 18 dbm sensitivity -82 dbm
SMC 2655W power 20 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
Dlink DWL-900AP+ power 15 dbm +/- 2 sensitivity -84 dbm
Cisco Aironet 340 power 15 dbm sensitivity -83 dbm
Cisco Aironet 350 power 20 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Enzer EWA122 power 16 to 18 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Enzer EWA311 power 16.5 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Fulbond XI-1250A power 20 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm

AP/router

Linksys BEFW11S4 power 18 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
SMC 7004VWBR power 17 dbm sensitivity -80 dbm
Dlink DI-614+ power 15 dbm +/- 2 sensitivity -84 dbm
Fulbond XI-2300H power 20 dbm sensitivity -86 dbm
Enzer EWR884P power 16 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Senao SR2511SR+ power 23 dbm sensitivity -87 dbm

USB Client

Linksys WUSB11 power 15 dbm sensitivity -82 dbn
Orinoco USB Client power 15 dbm sensitivity -82 dbm
Netgear MA101 power 13 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
Dlink DWL-120 power 19 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
Enzer EWU311 power 17 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
Fulbond XI-725USB power 15 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Senao SL2511UB power 15 dbm sensitivity -83 dbm

PCMCIA Client

Linksys WPC11 power 15 dbm sensitivity -82 dbm
Dlink DWL-650+ power 15 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
Orinoco Silver power 15 dbm sensitivity -82 dbm
Cisco 342 power 17 dbm sensitivity -83 dbm
Cisco 352 power 20 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Enzer EWM311 power 16.5 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm
Fulbond XI-325H power 20 dbm sensitivity -85 dbm
Senao SL2511CD+ power 23 dbm sensitivity -87 dbm


………to be continued……..

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Micheal
Is it a concidence that router with higher RF power will come with USB client of lower RF power of the same brand? Is there any brand with high RF power for both the router and USB Client, or is it possible only under mix and match of different brands?

Thanks.



it must be a coincidence.

no problem in mixing brand as long as they are IEEE802.11B compliance products.

[Asheron]

Is it right to conclude that a much higher RF power router (eg. Senao router power 23dbm with a range of up to about 1200m outdoors) working together with a relatively lower RF power USB Client (eg. Senao USB Client power 15dbm with a range of up to about 400m outdoors) will not be ideal, since the USB Client is effective only up to 400m away from the router, and with a range of up to 1200m (router), the router is an overkill? Should one get a router with about the same range (400m) for ideal performance-cost ratio?

[lchungwe]

wat s e maximum range for wireless

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Asheron
Is it right to conclude that a much higher RF power router (eg. Senao router power 23dbm with a range of up to about 1200m outdoors) working together with a relatively lower RF power USB Client (eg. Senao USB Client power 15dbm with a range of up to about 400m outdoors) will not be ideal, since the USB Client is effective only up to 400m away from the router, and with a range of up to 1200m (router), the router is an overkill? Should one get a router with about the same range (400m) for ideal performance-cost ratio?


need to explain a bit here again on how the range performance is derived:

firstly the link budget is the most important parameter determining the range performance.

link budget = transmitter power (AP) - receiver sensitivity (client adapter)

eg. Senao SL2511SR Plus power = 23 dbm, Dlink DWL-120 sensitivity = -84 dbm

link budget = 23 dbm - (-84 dbm) = 107 db

link budget = Path loss (maximum range) + attenuation from all obstacles (0 for free space line of sight) + fade margin (12db)

path loss = 107 db - 12 db = 95 db

using the formula path loss = 32.4 + 20 log 2.4 + 20 log D

95 = 32.4 + 7.6 + 20 log D
log D = 2.74

therefore D = 562 meters


the range specification in the product data sheet actually uses the power output and the sensitivity of the same product, ie. for SL2511SR Plus, the link budget is 23 dbm - (-87 dbm) = 110 db therefore range = 800 meters

what i want to bring out here is that the actual range performance between 2 WiFi products is not the lowest range specified in the data sheet. the best way is to take the difference between the wireless router/AP's power output and the client adapter's sensitivity to work out the available link budget, the biggest the number the better, eg. 199 db link budget is better than 90 db link budget.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by lchungwe
wat s e maximum range for wireless

if you have the time and patience, you can read the forst few posts of this thread on how range performance is calculated.

if not here is a rough and quick guide:

most IEEE802.11B WiFi products have a line of sight outdoor range between 100 meters to 400 meters, for indoor, range is not the real problem but rather ow many obstacles in between the link, most of them have no problem going through 3 brick walls.

[Xperts]

Dan,

Can u give me some enlightenments on how those big antennas can do to APs and routers?

Thank you.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Xperts
Dan,

Can u give me some enlightenments on how those big antennas can do to APs and routers?

Thank you.

the antenna with gain will increase the link budget, eg. a 6db gain antenna will increase the transmitting power by 6 db (4 times) , or the receiver sensitivity by 6 db.

some directional antenna has gain of more than 10 db to 24 db.

6 db rule: for every 6 db increase in link budget, the range increases by 100%.

[Xperts]

Thanks!

So does that means that I can share my connection with my neighbours?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Xperts
Thanks!

So does that means that I can share my connection with my neighbours?

yes in fact some people are sharing their broadband with their in-laws' flats few hundred meters across the road. :)

[Xperts]

Thanks dan. tommorrow me go buy antenna liao kekeke...

[hbc]

where to buy antenna?

[hbc]

Anyone knows how about the wireless router ,brand accton AC-IG2004W?

[Xperts]

AT level 5 Media Pro. Saw this antenna by Dlink but i think need some customisation to be done at level 3.

[ColdFusion]

Dan is a patient guy. :D Thanks man. Learnt alot from him. :)

[xllms]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


yes in fact some people are sharing their broadband with their in-laws' flats few hundred meters across the road. :)

hey, tats wat i intend to do soon, to link up my office from my home where i can access broadband in my office using home's account since my home is less than one kilometres from my work place!...kekekke

xllms

[xllms]

Originally posted by ColdFusion
Dan is a patient guy. :D Thanks man. Learnt alot from him. :)

yup...the best adviser in HWZ by a mile (no offense to anyone)

xllms

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by xllms


hey, tats wat i intend to do soon, to link up my office from my home where i can access broadband in my office using home's account since my home is less than one kilometres from my work place!...kekekke

xllms

haha smart guy, why let the office broadband idle at night?

many folks in Texas are doing so, saw 1 guy installed an 1 foot parabolic at his rooftop to tap his office broadband 2 km away.

[Xperts]

Yeah Dan is indeed an Expert in Wireless and Networking Stuff. Learnt alot from him.

So Dan, when can i buy u lunch to learn more ?

hehehe :P

[Teaken]

wirelessdan2002:
i'm staying in 3 room flat and moving to bigger flat at the end of the yr.
which is the best combo with a wireless ap and usb client?
a combo of Senao SR2511SR+ power 23 dbm sensitivity -87 dbm and Dlink DWL-120 power 19 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm possible?
budget is ard $350.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Teaken
wirelessdan2002:
i'm staying in 3 room flat and moving to bigger flat at the end of the yr.
which is the best combo with a wireless ap and usb client?
a combo of Senao SR2511SR+ power 23 dbm sensitivity -87 dbm and Dlink DWL-120 power 19 dbm sensitivity -84 dbm possible?
budget is ard $350.

i don't think you need the power of Senao even with your new apartment, a simple rule is an AP with 15 dbm (33 mw) is enough to penetrate 3 brick walls, or 1 reinforced concrete wall + 1 brick wall.

the Senao SL2511SR Plus cost $248, and the Dlink DWL-120 is $130, total $378.

if you do not need a print server, Linksys BEFW11S4 ($230) + Compex WLU11A USB client ($85) should be good enough, if you need print server, SMC7004ABWR ($239) + Compex WLU11A ($85) is still within your budget.

[Teaken]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


i don't think you need the power of Senao even with your new apartment, a simple rule is an AP with 15 dbm (33 mw) is enough to penetrate 3 brick walls, or 1 reinforced concrete wall + 1 brick wall.

the Senao SL2511SR Plus cost $248, and the Dlink DWL-120 is $130, total $378.

if you do not need a print server, Linksys BEFW11S4 ($230) + Compex WLU11A USB client ($85) should be good enough, if you need print server, SMC7004ABWR ($239) + Compex WLU11A ($85) is still within your budget. wat is the diff between Dlink and Compex? Senao and linksys diff in price is $18.
diff in term of wat? which ones got 4port switch?
warranty wise?
which shop to buy from for after sales gd services?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Teaken
wat is the diff between Dlink and Compex? Senao and linksys diff in price is $18.
diff in term of wat? which ones got 4port switch?
warranty wise?
which shop to buy from for after sales gd services?

performance wise i have no doubt that the Dlink should have better range than the Compex (probably 20 to 30% more), but we are talking about $130 against $85, which is 50% more in cost, therefore the Compex is better value for money compared to the Dlink.

so the question is is the Compex sufficient for your need, my gut feel is yes, then there is no point spending that extra. i have remmended many users the Compex and the feedback has been good.

as for the wireless router, the Linksys BEFW11S4 has 4-port built-in compared to the Senao's 2. quality and finishing wise Linksys is 1 up, and i believe Linksys technical support is better too. i only recommend Senao for really tough physical environment like extremely long range or multi-storey houses (3 and above).

you can get the Compex WLU11A at $85 from the Hardware Place 4th floor SLS, and the Linksys BEFW11S4 at $227 from JSM, also 4th floor SLS.

best price for the Senao alone i believe is Cybermind, though Keith66 has remmended another shop in Funan but the offered price is only for bundlling with PCMCIA card.

[Teaken]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


performance wise i have no doubt that the Dlink should have better range than the Compex (probably 20 to 30% more), but we are talking about $130 against $85, which is 50% more in cost, therefore the Compex is better value for money compared to the Dlink.

so the question is is the Compex sufficient for your need, my gut feel is yes, then there is no point spending that extra. i have remmended many users the Compex and the feedback has been good.

as for the wireless router, the Linksys BEFW11S4 has 4-port built-in compared to the Senao's 2. quality and finishing wise Linksys is 1 up, and i believe Linksys technical support is better too. i only recommend Senao for really tough physical environment like extremely long range or multi-storey houses (3 and above).

you can get the Compex WLU11A at $85 from the Hardware Place 4th floor SLS, and the Linksys BEFW11S4 at $227 from JSM, also 4th floor SLS.

best price for the Senao alone i believe is Cybermind, though Keith66 has remmended another shop in Funan but the offered price is only for bundlling with PCMCIA card. Compex WLU11A at $85 is how many dbm and sensistively?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Teaken
Compex WLU11A at $85 is how many dbm and sensistively?

have tested it against the Linksys WUSB11 side by side and not much difference in performance, so i gather it is around 15 dbm and -84 dbm sensitivity, good enough for penetrating 3 brick walls. Linksys WUSB11 is sold for $115.

[Teaken]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


have tested it against the Linksys WUSB11 side by side and not much difference in performance, so i gather it is around 15 dbm and -84 dbm sensitivity, good enough for penetrating 3 brick walls. Linksys WUSB11 is sold for $115. thanks for the advises.
after reading the whole thread...
benefit alots from it.
thanks alots.
i know which ap and usb client to look for.:D

[qyeii]

hi there,
was going thru the thread, noticed tat no one talks about orinoco, 3com or cisco gateways... cost factor perhaps? keke

anyways jus personal opinion here... i've got a 3com officeconnect 51196 gateway... have absolutely no complaints... in fact i think its a easy to use, good quality gateway...

i've frens who complain constantly about their linksys gateway/routers... not very user frenly they say...

i've 3 clients connected to my gateway, a linksys pc card, a 3com xjack pc card and a cisco aironet 352 pc card...

my 3com xjack pc card scores best for signal strength and quality... next comes cisco then linksys...

cisco is good for its encryption and authentication protocols... cant help but use it coz of sch network req...

haha

[wirelessdan2002]

thanks for your valuable inputs.

you are right what have been discussed here were confined to more affordable range.

even 3Com has gone more downmarket and affordable these days with the latest Officeconnect series to penetrate the fast growing homes and consumers market.

and Cisco's acquisition of Linksys is obviously not wanting to miss out on that big slice of cake. the Aironet range will continue to dominate the corporates' segment, with the more affordable Linksys range taking care of the homes and consumers.

question now is how Proxim-Orinoco going to join the bandwagon.

[Teaken]

wirelessdan2002:
which brand is gd and cheap in combo?ie 1 pc of Ap and 1pc of usb client.
and which brand got limited lifetime warranty?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Teaken
wirelessdan2002:
which brand is gd and cheap in combo?ie 1 pc of Ap and 1pc of usb client.
and which brand got limited lifetime warranty?

from your previous post, suppose you mean a wireless router instead of an access point?

and you want both to be of the same brand?

if so go for the Linksys BEFW11S4 + WUSB11 at around $340.

actually very much wanted to suggest to you a Compex combo offered by Hardware Place at only $245, which uses 1 Net Passage16 4-port router + 1 PCMCIA card as wireless router, and include a WLU11A USB adapter, this is probably the cheapest in the market.

but i have only used the WLU11A, don't really know the performance of the Net Passage 16 + PCMCIA card. so the question now is for $100, are you adventurous enough?

anyway Hardware Place (only shop that selling it for $85) is running out of the WLU11A until 1 Apr.

[Teaken]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


from your previous post, suppose you mean a wireless router instead of an access point?

and you want both to be of the same brand?

if so go for the Linksys BEFW11S4 + WUSB11 at around $340.

actually very much wanted to suggest to you a Compex combo offered by Hardware Place at only $245, which uses 1 Net Passage16 4-port router + 1 PCMCIA card as wireless router, and include a WLU11A USB adapter, this is probably the cheapest in the market.

but i have only used the WLU11A, don't really know the performance of the Net Passage 16 + PCMCIA card. so the question now is for $100, are you adventurous enough?

anyway Hardware Place (only shop that selling it for $85) is running out of the WLU11A until 1 Apr. i mean wireless router:o
u mean hwp selling compex wireless router and usb client at $245?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Teaken
i mean wireless router:o
u mean hwp selling compex wireless router and usb client at $245?

yes the wireless router is made up of 1 wired router Net Passage 16 + 1 wireless PCMCIA card, if you buy them separately the Net Passage 16 wired router costs about $110 and the Compex PCMCIA wireless card is $85.

the Compex WLU11A USB client is $85. add up the 3 items is $280. at $245 it is really a very good deal.

[Teaken]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


yes the wireless router is made up of 1 wired router Net Passage 16 + 1 wireless PCMCIA card, if you buy them separately the Net Passage 16 wired router costs about $110 and the Compex PCMCIA wireless card is $85.

the Compex WLU11A USB client is $85. add up the 3 items is $280. at $245 it is really a very good deal. diff between this router and linksys?
cos i looking for wireless and posible at least 2 port lan

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Teaken
diff between this router and linksys?
cos i looking for wireless and posible at least 2 port lan

on paper they are the same with 4 LAN ports router + an access point, but no idea about the performance difference, as i have not tried the Compex router before, chances that it may not perform as well as the Linksys, but should still be able to meet your need.

[Teaken]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


on paper they are the same with 4 LAN ports router + an access point, but no idea about the performance difference, as i have not tried the Compex router before, chances that it may not perform as well as the Linksys, but should still be able to meet your need. but lifetime warranty wise. which brand to go for?
or wat is the warranty like for compex, linksys, senac and dlink?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Teaken
but lifetime warranty wise. which brand to go for?
or wat is the warranty like for compex, linksys, senac and dlink?

don't really know, maybe you can check it out yourself.

[Teaken]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


don't really know, maybe you can check it out yourself. ok...thanks again for ur inputs:D

[defytherules]

hi

may i know anyone here have used Sparklan products especially its Wireless Router?

Reason asking is I am on a tight budget and am thinking of getting it instead of the Linksys wireless router.

btw mediapro selling the Sparklan + a PCMCIA wireless card for $278 whereas a Linksys package cost $319.

advise appreciated.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by defytherules
hi

may i know anyone here have used Sparklan products especially its Wireless Router?

Reason asking is I am on a tight budget and am thinking of getting it instead of the Linksys wireless router.

btw mediapro selling the Sparklan + a PCMCIA wireless card for $278 whereas a Linksys package cost $319.

advise appreciated.

is a less known and less popular brand.

a safer bet will be to get the Linksys BEFW11S4 at $225, + an Enzer Skyroam Silver PCMCIA card at $79, which cost you total $304.


alternatively, get the BEFW11S4 at $225, and get 1 of my GlobalSunTech GL2411-01 Prism 2 card at $60 in the below computer garage thread, total $285.

http://forums.hardwarezone.com/showthread.php?threadid=437923


but then no harm tetsing the new water, since Mediapro is quite reputable, if it works well you can input here and share with us.

[Xperts]

I heard Sparklan was one of the top manufacturers for Networks product in Taiwan and Dlink products are mainly OEM from there. Wonder if this is true?

Dan, would you like to comment? I am basically hearing this from some sources.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Xperts
I heard Sparklan was one of the top manufacturers for Networks product in Taiwan and Dlink products are mainly OEM from there. Wonder if this is true?

Dan, would you like to comment? I am basically hearing this from some sources.

possible, the older version of the Dlink DWL-120 USB wireless client looks the same as the Sparklan's.

but believe the Dlink Air Plus series (22 Mbps) are not from them.

[wirelessdan2002]

have just found out that the Compex WL11A+ PCMCIA wireless card is actually another Agere System Orinoco Gold's clone.

at $85 from the Hardware Place, this is a real great buy considering that Orinoco gold itself is being sold for $145 ($175 1 month ago), and just 2 days ago i thought i found the best deal of the Compaq WL110 (another clone) on special offer at $99 from the Microhouse OA.

the Compex is identical to the Orinoco in the physical construction (including the external antenna connector option) as well as functional, using also the same Client manager version 2.9, which displays the signal strength in both percentage as well as in dbm (great fo site survey and signal measurement)

it also works well with the Net Stumbler.

please disregard my previous recommendation of the Enzer Skyroam Silver, at only $6 difference, no doubt that the Compex is much better value for money, the Wavelan chipset is much more superior than the Prism 3, in term of range and throughput performance.

the Compex WLU11A USB client remains my favourite value for money USB client.

[wirelessdan2002]

with the Compex WL11A+ being an Orinoco Gold's clone, i believe that the wireless router offered by Compex using its Net Passage 16 wireless ready 4-port router with WL11A+ as its AP radio should be a very competent wireless router, with the performance equal or at least close to that of the Orinoco wireless gateways like the RG1100, which uses an Orinoco card as AP radio too.

most Orinoco wireless gateways or APs use the Orinoco card as the AP radio, and it has proven to be very range and throghput efficient.

the best buy will be the Compex Wireless LAn kit which consists of the Net Passage 16 with WL11A+ as wireless router, and a WLU11A USB client adapter. the Hardware Place is selling this kit at an unbelievable price of $245 (Costronic's price is $275). again Hardware Place is running out of stock now.

a good alternative now if you can't wait for the new stock of the Compex kit is to get the Intel wireless gateway at $188 from Chamoxa, it comes with 1 port LAN which is enough for most users with 1 desktop PC which is near the modem/router point. for the wireless PC, get the Compex WLU11A USB client at $85 or WL11A+ PCMCIA client at $85 too.

have tested the Intel wireless gateway, easy to setup, competent performer and good built-quality.

[nuilnuil]

hi wirelessdan,

How do you find out that Compex WL11A+ PCMCIA wireless card is actually another Agere System Orinoco Gold's clone?

Are there any tool that can check what chip the card
is using?

I can't find anything on their website or manual that mention they are using the same chip as Orinoco.

Can you shed some light to the newbie?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by nuilnuil
hi wirelessdan,

How do you find out that Compex WL11A+ PCMCIA wireless card is actually another Agere System Orinoco Gold's clone?

Are there any tool that can check what chip the card
is using?

I can't find anything on their website or manual that mention they are using the same chip as Orinoco.

Can you shed some light to the newbie?

firstly it looks identical to the Orinoco in term of physical construction, even the external antenna connector which is unique to Orinoco/Agere/WaveLan chipset cards.

and when i plug the Compex into the notebook, it immediately activated the Orinoco Utility Version 2.9., i tried to install the Compex bundled utility and found out that it is the same utility, and also version 2.9.

next i tested the signal strength and range performance of the Compex card against the Orinoco card, no difference in performance.

i searched through the net and there were some discussions on the Compex card, a few users mentioned that it is using the Agere WaveLan chipset. too.

btw, have pm regarding the Cisco Aironet Air-PCM352 card you bidded.

[nuilnuil]

Just bought a SMC wireless router and AZTECH ethernet
modem. Can these items run 24X7X365 without air-con
cos the surface of the modem is very hot?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by nuilnuil
Just bought a SMC wireless router and AZTECH ethernet
modem. Can these items run 24X7X365 without air-con
cos the surface of the modem is very hot?

don't expect any problem.

[fattsheng]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002
Senao SL2511SR plus 4-port wireless router - at $250, it is the highest output wireless router with 23 dbm (200 mw) output available locally, means 805 longer range than the Linksys BEFW11S4, good for multi-storey home.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is a 2 port router? If not I'm gonna get this. :)

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by fattsheng


Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is a 2 port router? If not I'm gonna get this. :)

you are right it is 2-port and not 4.

[MaGLiTe]

hi Dan

Thinking of getting a wireless router for a pc and laptop at home (4rm) and on SCV MaxOnline. This thread has been a real eye opener! Great stuff! :)

I am very new to this wireless stuff. Thinking of getting the Linksys BEFW11S4 and USB Adapter (Linksys or Compex). Laptop has a built in card.

Don't know if my PC is on USB 1.0 or 1.1. Will it matter? or should I stick to a PCI card?

If I were to buy the Compex USB adapter, will there be difficulties in installation as compared to a "All Linksys" setup? Is the setup instructions quite"idiot proof?

Also would like to find out more about the WEP, how it works and anything abt wireless security that is useful for a newbie.

Thanx in advance! :)

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by MaGLiTe
hi Dan

Thinking of getting a wireless router for a pc and laptop at home (4rm) and on SCV MaxOnline. This thread has been a real eye opener! Great stuff! :)

I am very new to this wireless stuff. Thinking of getting the Linksys BEFW11S4 and USB Adapter (Linksys or Compex). Laptop has a built in card.

Don't know if my PC is on USB 1.0 or 1.1. Will it matter? or should I stick to a PCI card?

If I were to buy the Compex USB adapter, will there be difficulties in installation as compared to a "All Linksys" setup? Is the setup instructions quite"idiot proof?

Also would like to find out more about the WEP, how it works and anything abt wireless security that is useful for a newbie.

Thanx in advance! :)

hi,

if it is possible to locate the modem/router near the desktop PC, you do not require an USB wireless adapter, can just connect the PC to 1 of the LAN ports of the router.

no problem with either USB 1.0 or 1.1. installation of the Compex WLU11A is as easy as the Linksys WUSB11, and is independent of the wireless router/gateway.

instead of the Linksys wireless router, you can also consider getting the Intel wireless gateway (with 1 LAN port for wired connection, should be enough for you) at $185., $40 cheaper than he Linksys.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is the best form of wireless networking security, it is adequate for most home users like us. most systems have 2 levels of WEP, 64-bit and 128-bit, in my opinion, 64-bit code is good enough.

[wensong]

Hi wirelessdan2002

Me a Newbie questions here. I intend to try wireless. Need to your kind recommendations please.

Living in 3-rooms HDB flat

1 laptop at master-bed room, WINXP Home
1 desktop pc at another room, WIN98 (1 wall blocking)
1 laptop in living room, WINXP Home
I intend to get to share the printer and also file sharing among the three computers....
What is your recommendation n also how do i go abt installing the parts n software...?

PS:hopefully this is not a repeated questions that some one asked before.....

Thanks!

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by wensong
Hi wirelessdan2002

Me a Newbie questions here. I intend to try wireless. Need to your kind recommendations please.

Living in 3-rooms HDB flat

1 laptop at master-bed room, WINXP Home
1 desktop pc at another room, WIN98 (1 wall blocking)
1 laptop in living room, WINXP Home
I intend to get to share the printer and also file sharing among the three computers....
What is your recommendation n also how do i go abt installing the parts n software...?

PS:hopefully this is not a repeated questions that some one asked before.....

Thanks!

firstly hope you are having an ethernet modem, an USB modem can't work with wireless router.

it will be ideal if the modem/router point is near the desktop, in this case you can connect the desktop to the router by cable.

then you need 2 x PCMCIA wireless card for the 2 notebooks.

if the desktop cannot be near the modem point, then you will need an USB wireless adapter for the desktop.

can consider the following:

Intel wireless gateway - $185 from Video Pro 5th floor SLS. connect the WAN port of the gateway to the ethernet port of the modem. there is 1 LAN port which can be used to connect to a desktop PC which should have an ethernet network port. the built-iin access point can provide wireless access for up to 10 PCs.

2 x Compex WL11A+ wireless PCMCIA card, at $85 each from the Hardware Place, 4th floor SLS.

if need an USB wireless adappter fo the desktop, Compex WLU11A at $85, from Hardware Place too.

[wensong]

oh forgotten to tell u, none of my pc currently connected to any boardband......me jus want to form a network between them before getting a boardband account.....is it okie????my primarily goal is to enable file sharing n printing between all of them.....that means printing by one printer by sending print jobs to the desktop computer.......is my way of doing out-dated???

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by wensong
oh forgotten to tell u, none of my pc currently connected to any boardband......me jus want to form a network between them before getting a boardband account.....is it okie????my primarily goal is to enable file sharing n printing between all of them.....that means printing by one printer by sending print jobs to the desktop computer.......is my way of doing out-dated???

in this case you need a wireless adapter for each of the PC, PCMCIA type for notebook and USB type for desktop, you do not need a router nor wireless gateway.

set the network mode of the adapters to "adhoc" (peer to peer mode) instead of "infrastructure" (for access point setup) . set the same SSID (service set identifier) for all the 3 adapters.

through the network setup windows, set all the 3 PCs to be in the same workgroup "MSHOME".

[wensong]

thx thx....me a dummy, everything also dun know.....so when i set up the network liao then when i install boardband in, then need to purchase a router for my setup is it??????really really sorry for ur trouble n ur free time ansing my stupid questions.....


u are a kind soul...

[MaGLiTe]

hi Dan

in this case will either the Intel or the Linksys router be able to support printer sharing?

Thanx!:)

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by MaGLiTe
hi Dan

in this case will either the Intel or the Linksys router be able to support printer sharing?

Thanx!:)

both do not come come with print server.

can consider SMC7004AWBR at $235 if you need print server option.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by wensong
thx thx....me a dummy, everything also dun know.....so when i set up the network liao then when i install boardband in, then need to purchase a router for my setup is it??????really really sorry for ur trouble n ur free time ansing my stupid questions.....


u are a kind soul...

yes you can add in wireless router later. make sure you get an ethernet modem for your broadband subscription. most ISPs provide free modem but the USB type.

[jazken]

I am a network newbie...

I want to ask right, if I want to share internet access [ using scv, a cable modem to an ethernet card ], share files, share printer, and stuff between a laptop and destop pc.
What is needed? If I already have a pcimia card and my pc is near enuff to connect to the router.
Then do they provide instructions like connect where to where? Or got any sites with newbie instructions...
Thx. :) Can tell me where to get too? :)

Thank you for helping.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by jazken
I am a network newbie...

I want to ask right, if I want to share internet access [ using scv, a cable modem to an ethernet card ], share files, share printer, and stuff between a laptop and destop pc.
What is needed? If I already have a pcimia card and my pc is near enuff to connect to the router.
Then do they provide instructions like connect where to where? Or got any sites with newbie instructions...
Thx. :) Can tell me where to get too? :)

Thank you for helping.

you just need a wireless router. can consider SMC7004AWBR at $235 if you need print server, if not Intel Wireless Gateway at $185 is the cheapest available wireless gateway.

try to search for them in their manufacturer site and download the manual to read up.

[jazken]

okie thx...

[fire]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


you just need a wireless router. can consider SMC7004AWBR at $235 if you need print server, if not Intel Wireless Gateway at $185 is the cheapest available wireless gateway.

try to search for them in their manufacturer site and download the manual to read up.


just for info. there are 2 different SMC7004AWBR selling at Fuwell, both in different design boxes. 1 selling for $199 the other selling for $259. Any view on the vastly difference in prices?

[wensong]

hi wirelessdan2002 thx for ur reply to my questions......anyway anyone out there has any views on this SMC 2632W Wireless card that having promotion for $68 for members...

wirelessdan2002, i think from ur previous posts said that this SMC card does not haf it default software hence need to use native Win XP support....is it????correct me if i got it wrong.....So is it a good buy or ur recommandation of Compex is better for a budget wireless card

[MaGLiTe]

hi Dan

got my router up and running.. thank you so much for the advice earlier on

however whenever i move the laptop to the living rm, about 5-6m, across 2 walls, the signal shows very weak. any idea wats wrong? using the linksys router....

now i can't dcc send/receive on irc. any idea what can be done?

also would like to ask how do i share files on both pcs?

Thanx!:)

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by fire



just for info. there are 2 different SMC7004AWBR selling at Fuwell, both in different design boxes. 1 selling for $199 the other selling for $259. Any view on the vastly difference in prices?


i believe they are different models: SMC7004AWBR with print server and SMC7004VWBR without print server.

the SMC7004AWBR is sold for $235 from Laser Distributor, 5th floor SLS.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by wensong
hi wirelessdan2002 thx for ur reply to my questions......anyway anyone out there has any views on this SMC 2632W Wireless card that having promotion for $68 for members...

wirelessdan2002, i think from ur previous posts said that this SMC card does not haf it default software hence need to use native Win XP support....is it????correct me if i got it wrong.....So is it a good buy or ur recommandation of Compex is better for a budget wireless card

$68 is a good price for the SMC card, which is using Prism 3 chipset like the Linksys WPC11 ($95) and Enzer Skyroam Silver ($79).

and you are right SMC opts to use the not-so-friendly WinXP built-in wireless utility.

Compex WL11A+ can be bought at $80 from Hardware Place (listed as $85 but just ask the boss David and he will lower it). the Agere/Orinoco Wavelan chipset is almost 20 to 30% better in performance than the Prism 3, therefore i consider the SMC at $68 is about the same value for money as the Compex at $80.

if you are not having a very demanding wireless network, ie. no need of extremely long range and not many obstacles between link, then can get the SMC to save a few bucks.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by MaGLiTe
hi Dan

got my router up and running.. thank you so much for the advice earlier on

however whenever i move the laptop to the living rm, about 5-6m, across 2 walls, the signal shows very weak. any idea wats wrong? using the linksys router....

now i can't dcc send/receive on irc. any idea what can be done?

also would like to ask how do i share files on both pcs?

Thanx!:)

do you know what is the chipset used for the built-in wireless adapter in your notebook? does it have some form of an antenna?

not sure about IRC stuff,maybe otehr forumers can help.

to share files between PCs, run network setup wizard and set them to be in the same workgroup, default "MSHOME". then enable the folder for "sharing".

[wensong]

thx thx....will go to hardware place next tue to buy the compex stuff......

[mydotcom]

Originally posted by wensong
thx thx....will go to hardware place next tue to buy the compex stuff......

I'm buying later! :D Compex USB and SMC PCMIA. Will i have prob with USB adaptor with my USB ADSL Modem due to USB bandwidth ?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by mydotcom


I'm buying later! :D Compex USB and SMC PCMIA. Will i have prob with USB adaptor with my USB ADSL Modem due to USB bandwidth ?

SMC at $68 is a good buy for a Prism 3 card, good for normal usage.

if you want a little more range and throughput, can try bargain with David of Hardware Place to get the Compex WL11A+ PCMCIA for $80, which is an Orinoco Gold's clone using WaveLAn chipset. Orinoco Gold is selling at $145.

[wensong]

can quote ur name DAN to the boss of hardwareplace?????then comfirm can get discount liao, heheehe

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by wensong
can quote ur name DAN to the boss of hardwareplace?????then comfirm can get discount liao, heheehe

no problem you can mention my name to David the boss.

trust me i am not getting a cent of commision from him :)

[mydotcom]

So there's no prob connecting BOTH USB ADSL Modem AND Compex USB Wireless Adaptor?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by mydotcom
So there's no prob connecting BOTH USB ADSL Modem AND Compex USB Wireless Adaptor?


no of course.

[mydotcom]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002



no of course.

Thanks! I'm off to get the Compex USB and SMC PCMIA liao! :D

[Lucky123]

Just got a Linksys WUSB11 and found that it has compatibility problem with Intel D845WN mobo. Whatever OS is installed on the PC still generates same problem using the adapter. The problem is drop in internet connection although link between the adapter and the AP is still intact. The problem will occur between 4 to 10 minutes after an establishment is made with the AP. This is not the worse part, during the disconnection, my entire network is down and all other clients will drop connections regardless wired or wireless. Funny huh ? Somehow the adapter works fine with other PCs. Heard there are other compatibility issue with other chipsets with this adapter. Has anyone encountered this ?

[mydotcom]

I've just bought the Compex USB for my winXP Pro Desktop and the SMC PCMIA (HWZ promo) for my win98SE laptop.

I've installed the drivers for both. Only the SMC comes with a utility for my win98 Laptop which i've installed.
Now the prob is, they can't talk to each other!

What should i configure? I use the wireless configuration that comes with winXP, however, it doesn't allow me to specify WEP key as hex and how many bits.

The utility on my laptop however needs me to set the key length to either 64 or 128 bits.

How how how? :(

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Lucky123
Just got a Linksys WUSB11 and found that it has compatibility problem with Intel D845WN mobo. Whatever OS is installed on the PC still generates same problem using the adapter. The problem is drop in internet connection although link between the adapter and the AP is still intact. The problem will occur between 4 to 10 minutes after an establishment is made with the AP. This is not the worse part, during the disconnection, my entire network is down and all other clients will drop connections regardless wired or wireless. Funny huh ? Somehow the adapter works fine with other PCs. Heard there are other compatibility issue with other chipsets with this adapter. Has anyone encountered this ?

i have not encountered this problem before with the WUSB11. maybe you should call up Linksys to check with them.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by mydotcom
I've just bought the Compex USB for my winXP Pro Desktop and the SMC PCMIA (HWZ promo) for my win98SE laptop.

I've installed the drivers for both. Only the SMC comes with a utility for my win98 Laptop which i've installed.
Now the prob is, they can't talk to each other!

What should i configure? I use the wireless configuration that comes with winXP, however, it doesn't allow me to specify WEP key as hex and how many bits.

The utility on my laptop however needs me to set the key length to either 64 or 128 bits.

How how how? :(

i am very sure there is an utility for the Compex, you should install it first.

next you should set both adapters to "adhoc" (peer to peer) mode and not "infrastructure" mode.

for initial testing, disable the WEP on both adapter to simplify the mattter, please.

then set both adapters to same SSID. try to establish the wireless link, both should have the same BSSID (different from SSID, this is pure numeric).

once the wireless link is up, run Network setup wizard on your desktop, select "this computer connects direct to the internet, other computers connect to the internet through this computer". create a netowrk setup diskette for the Win98 notebook.

use the diskette to run network setup wizard on the notebook.

to share files, right click on the drives and select "sharing".

once everything is linked up, enable WEP, select 64-bit (or 40-bit, they are the same).

[mydotcom]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


i am very sure there is an utility for the Compex, you should install it first.

next you should set both adapters to "adhoc" (peer to peer) mode and not "infrastructure" mode.

for initial testing, disable the WEP on both adapter to simplify the mattter, please.

then set both adapters to same SSID. try to establish the wireless link, both should have the same BSSID (different from SSID, this is pure numeric).

once the wireless link is up, run Network setup wizard on your desktop, select "this computer connects direct to the internet, other computers connect to the internet through this computer". create a netowrk setup diskette for the Win98 notebook.

use the diskette to run network setup wizard on the notebook.

to share files, right click on the drives and select "sharing".

once everything is linked up, enable WEP, select 64-bit (or 40-bit, they are the same).

I've got them to be up and running now without the WEP key. installed the utilies on my win98 laptop. However, the status on my laptop does not show the link and signal quality. But i can connect between them and share the internet connection. Weird :confused:

My winXP desktop wireless connection properties (no utilities provided for winXP by the Compex USB) doesn't allow me to select how many bits to use for my WEP key, however, my win98 laptop wireless utility insists i select either 'disabled', '64bits' or '128bits'. So how to set WEP key in this case?

And also how many digits should my WEP key be?

Running a 'dangerous' wireless network now... anyone with wireless can 'hijack' my LAN =p

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by mydotcom


I've got them to be up and running now without the WEP key. installed the utilies on my win98 laptop. However, the status on my laptop does not show the link and signal quality. But i can connect between them and share the internet connection. Weird :confused:

My winXP desktop wireless connection properties (no utilities provided for winXP by the Compex USB) doesn't allow me to select how many bits to use for my WEP key, however, my win98 laptop wireless utility insists i select either 'disabled', '64bits' or '128bits'. So how to set WEP key in this case?

And also how many digits should my WEP key be?

Running a 'dangerous' wireless network now... anyone with wireless can 'hijack' my LAN =p

the signal strength and link quality will not be available for adhoc mode, they are meant for infrastructure mode.

i am dead sure that there is utility for the Compex USB, i have installed more than 5 of this adapter, check again under all folders in the CD Rom.

select 64 bit, or sometimes called 40 bit. if you still cannot find the utility (can't be), use the WinXP built-in utility, from your wireless connection click "properties" then "wireless network" then under "preferred network" double click the station connected, shold be able to set from there the 40-bit (5 ASCII characters or 10 Hex digits).

though the SMC utility calls it 64-bit, it is the same, as 24 bits are being used for overheads, effective code it 40 bits.

try search for the Compex utility.

[shotz]

Hi
I need to know which version is the SMC PCMCIA card offered on HWZ promotion ?
Version 2 or 3 ?
What are their diff ?

Thanx

[mydotcom]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


the signal strength and link quality will not be available for adhoc mode, they are meant for infrastructure mode.

i am dead sure that there is utility for the Compex USB, i have installed more than 5 of this adapter, check again under all folders in the CD Rom.

select 64 bit, or sometimes called 40 bit. if you still cannot find the utility (can't be), use the WinXP built-in utility, from your wireless connection click "properties" then "wireless network" then under "preferred network" double click the station connected, shold be able to set from there the 40-bit (5 ASCII characters or 10 Hex digits).

though the SMC utility calls it 64-bit, it is the same, as 24 bits are being used for overheads, effective code it 40 bits.

try search for the Compex utility.

I've tried installing the utility for the Compex USB. However, i guess it can't work in winXP, cos i can't run it after i installed it. Don't think Compex USB comes with a utility for winXP.

And my stupid winXP wireless configuration doesn't allow me to specify if the WEP Key is decimal or hex. This is the screen shot of my wireless properties.

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/7617870d/bc/__hr_screenXP.gif

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by mydotcom


I've tried installing the utility for the Compex USB. However, i guess it can't work in winXP, cos i can't run it after i installed it. Don't think Compex USB comes with a utility for winXP.

And my stupid winXP wireless configuration doesn't allow me to specify if the WEP Key is decimal or hex. This is the screen shot of my wireless properties.

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/7617870d/bc/__hr_screenXP.gif

try this to disable the WinXP wireless network control:

from wireless connection window, click "properties", at "properties" window, click "wireless networks".

at "wireless networks" window, untick "use windows to configure my wireless network settings".

restart windows, hopefully your Compex utility will work.

if you can't get this done, from your screen shot it looks like the code is 10-digit Hex keys, ie. 64-bit. try setting a 10 digits number, then do the same for your SMC.

[fire]

Hi wirelessdan2002,

how to disable the broadcast of SSID without affecting the wireless client. Can't connect my client pc after disabling the SSID. Seems like it can't find the connection/signal.

Is a signal strength of 60+% normal n sufficient?

Thks.

[mydotcom]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


try this to disable the WinXP wireless network control:

from wireless connection window, click "properties", at "properties" window, click "wireless networks".

at "wireless networks" window, untick "use windows to configure my wireless network settings".

restart windows, hopefully your Compex utility will work.

if you can't get this done, from your screen shot it looks like the code is 10-digit Hex keys, ie. 64-bit. try setting a 10 digits number, then do the same for your SMC.

tried. No use. Does the utility for winXP provided by Compex looks the same as the one provided by SMC for win98? The program looks the same. But i just can't run it. Nothing happens when i click on it to run it. Even after disabling the 'Let windows configure my wireless settings'

tried to use 64bits on my SMC Win98 laptop, however, it can't detect my winxp Compex desktop. Help! :(

my dumbass winXP wireless settings doesn't have the option to specify hex or decimal and how many bits long. god damn cocked up leh. stupid winXP! using SP1 by the way...

[mydotcom]

Ok, i take back what i said.

God damn it! I got trapped by the Good old stale 'CaSe SeNsItIvE trick again! :mad:

i changed the key to capital letters can then it can work! =p

Now my wireless is finally up! yeah! :D

Thanks alot for your help wirelessdan! hehehe

[mydotcom]

Originally posted by fire
Hi wirelessdan2002,

how to disable the broadcast of SSID without affecting the wireless client. Can't connect my client pc after disabling the SSID. Seems like it can't find the connection/signal.

Is a signal strength of 60+% normal n sufficient?

Thks.

I don't think u can disable SSID, disabling it would not allow any stations to connect to your network. Its something like a network ID i think.

[mydotcom]

gOD DAMNIT!!!

Status shows READY, but i cannot connect the two! they're not talking! :mad:

[bebeQ]

I think for us Home User, we still prefer all in one less config, reasonable price, and more features.........

I'm using Draytek 2600WE so far so good.... use for 4 months ...... on 24 hours no prob...... and doing hosting at home too.... dynamic hosting.... and sometimes I do VPN home also......

Very nice....

[angscang]

Originally posted by mydotcom
I don't think u can disable SSID, disabling it would not allow any stations to connect to your network. Its something like a network ID i think.
u can prevent broadcasting of ssid, to prevent detection, but psectrum analyser tools can still detect it but not normal pc cards, even netstumbler don't detect it other than at initialisation.

[windchime]

Originally posted by bebeQ
I'm using Draytek 2600WE so far so good.... use for 4 months ...... on 24 hours no prob...... and doing hosting at home too.... dynamic hosting.... and sometimes I do VPN home also......

Very nice....

What's the price tag for Draytek 2600WE?

Thanks

[mydotcom]

PRob solved finally! :D Its a really embarassing 'mistake' better not announce it here =p

Anyway, Just to let everyone know, COmpex and SMC got very good cheap and value-for-money wireless :D

[bebeQ]

Originally posted by windchime


What's the price tag for Draytek 2600WE?

Thanks

$499

Maybe can ask cheaper... hehhehe try lo

[Audiophile]

Has anyone tested ENZER's Wireless Broadband Router with Print Server (EWR884P)? Its features look good, for a price of ~ $240 at SLS.

Any comments?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Audiophile
Has anyone tested ENZER's Wireless Broadband Router with Print Server (EWR884P)? Its features look good, for a price of ~ $240 at SLS.

Any comments?

not too impressive in term of performance. SMC7004AWBR at $235 is a much better buy.

the cheapest wireless router wth print server is the PCI model with 3-port switch, $199 from Bits and Bytes , 4th floor SLS, have not tried it though.

[Audiophile]

WirelessDan thanks for your advice.

I am a little concerned by the output power of the SMC7004AWBR: only 13 dbm (as specified in SMC specs at http://www.smc.com/drivers_downloads/library/7004AWBR_DS.pdf). Isn't it a bit too low?

Since you had your hands on it, could you also indicate how easy the setup for the SMC7004AWBR is? And where in SLS can the SMC7004AWBR be purchased at $235?

If you can clear the power issue, I intend to use the SMC7004AWBR with 2 Compex WLU11A in a 2 storey house. I should have a maximum of 3 brick walls for the signal to cross. Should I expect any problem?

And, finally, thanks for all your efforts in setting up this excellent thread!

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Audiophile
WirelessDan thanks for your advice.

I am a little concerned by the output power of the SMC7004AWBR: only 13 dbm (as specified in SMC specs at http://www.smc.com/drivers_downloads/library/7004AWBR_DS.pdf). Isn't it a bit too low?

Since you had your hands on it, could you also indicate how easy the setup for the SMC7004AWBR is? And where in SLS can the SMC7004AWBR be purchased at $235?

If you can clear the power issue, I intend to use the SMC7004AWBR with 2 Compex WLU11A in a 2 storey house. I should have a maximum of 3 brick walls for the signal to cross. Should I expect any problem?

And, finally, thanks for all your efforts in setting up this excellent thread!

thanks for finding this specification page of the SMC for me, infact i have been searching around for it but to no avail.

i tested the SMC7004AWBR against the popular Linksys BEFW11S4 and infact found that it has better range performance than the Linksys, that prompted me to try finding the RF specifications of the SMC.

from what i have read now, the specifications state : >+ 13 dbm, which means 13 dbm is the lowest guarantteed figure, in practice it could be higher.

i am sure there is no problem for the SMC to penetrate 3 brick walls' setup with the Compex WLU11A.

the setting up of the SMC7004AWBR is not much problem, pretty user friendly with the web based utility.

[mcferrari]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002
with the Compex WL11A+ being an Orinoco Gold's clone, i believe that the wireless router offered by Compex using its Net Passage 16 wireless ready 4-port router with WL11A+ as its AP radio should be a very competent wireless router, with the performance equal or at least close to that of the Orinoco wireless gateways like the RG1100, which uses an Orinoco card as AP radio too.

most Orinoco wireless gateways or APs use the Orinoco card as the AP radio, and it has proven to be very range and throghput efficient.

the best buy will be the Compex Wireless LAn kit which consists of the Net Passage 16 with WL11A+ as wireless router, and a WLU11A USB client adapter. the Hardware Place is selling this kit at an unbelievable price of $245 (Costronic's price is $275). again Hardware Place is running out of stock now.

a good alternative now if you can't wait for the new stock of the Compex kit is to get the Intel wireless gateway at $188 from Chamoxa, it comes with 1 port LAN which is enough for most users with 1 desktop PC which is near the modem/router point. for the wireless PC, get the Compex WLU11A USB client at $85 or WL11A+ PCMCIA client at $85 too.

have tested the Intel wireless gateway, easy to setup, competent performer and good built-quality.

Hi Dan,

How is SKW811 (router set with WLU11A and WL11A) compared to Linksys BEFW11S4 in terms of performance and range. Because I find SKW811 as u said too reasonable price as I can use also the WL11A for notebooks If I'm going out its a double purpose kit. But I heard that its out of stock at Hardwareplace:( . Please advise Im going to use it in a 4 room HDB flat. Thanks.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by mcferrari


Hi Dan,

How is SKW811 (router set with WLU11A and WL11A) compared to Linksys BEFW11S4 in terms of performance and range. Because I find SKW811 as u said too reasonable price as I can use also the WL11A for notebooks If I'm going out its a double purpose kit. But I heard that its out of stock at Hardwareplace:( . Please advise Im going to use it in a 4 room HDB flat. Thanks.

i have not tried this Netpassage NP16 router + WL11A+ radio combination. but since the WL11A+ is an Orinoco Gold's clone, i believe its performance should be great, as most Orinoco wireless gateways and APs like the RG-1000, RG-1100, BG-2000, AP-500 and AP-1000 use the Orinoco card as its radio too. i have tested the RG-1000 against BEFW11S4 and RG-1000 performed better in throughput as well as range.

even Linksys has a similar router likes the NP16, the BEFSR41W wireless ready router, but it can only use card with Prism chipset like the Linksys's own WPC11, which is inferior to the Orinoco card.

your idea of doubling up the WL11A+ as the notebook adapter is good, but probably you should find out what is the life of the PCMCIA connector on both your notebook and the NP16 first, ie. how many times of inserting and reinserting the PCMCIA card before the connector fails :).

it seems to me that the main reason for the SKW811 inavailability is the shortage of the NP16 router, as i am not able to find any NP16v on the market too, probably Compex is working on a new model.

[Audiophile]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


thanks for finding this specification page of the SMC for me, infact i have been searching around for it but to no avail.

i tested the SMC7004AWBR against the popular Linksys BEFW11S4 and infact found that it has better range performance than the Linksys, that prompted me to try finding the RF specifications of the SMC.

from what i have read now, the specifications state : >+ 13 dbm, which means 13 dbm is the lowest guarantteed figure, in practice it could be higher.

i am sure there is no problem for the SMC to penetrate 3 brick walls' setup with the Compex WLU11A.

the setting up of the SMC7004AWBR is not much problem, pretty user friendly with the web based utility.


That would mean that even the manufacturer's specs should be taken with care... especially as for comparing several products.

Have you been using the SMC7004AWBR for a long period of time? What do you think of its stability?

There seems to be many negative comments on the web for this product from users. They mostly complain about its unstability: the router seems to lock up about once a day, which requires a h/w reset.

I am still interested in this product because of its attractive price and its print server feature, but I would like to be sure that it will work properly!

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Audiophile



That would mean that even the manufacturer's specs should be taken with care... especially as for comparing several products.

Have you been using the SMC7004AWBR for a long period of time? What do you think of its stability?

There seems to be many negative comments on the web for this product from users. They mostly complain about its unstability: the router seems to lock up about once a day, which requires a h/w reset.

I am still interested in this product because of its attractive price and its print server feature, but I would like to be sure that it will work properly!

the only 1 i have installed is the one in the 4-storey house, 3 months past and i have not received any compain from my friend.

someone told me that the Planex model (PCI, a Japanese based company) is the same as the SMC form, fit and function, and it is sold for only $199 in Bits and Bytes, 4th floor SLS.

[Xperts]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


not too impressive in term of performance. SMC7004AWBR at $235 is a much better buy.

the cheapest wireless router wth print server is the PCI model with 3-port switch, $199 from Bits and Bytes , 4th floor SLS, have not tried it though.

Hi Dan,

Wonder if you could share with me the setback of Enzer EWR884P. Think it would be good that users would know the main problem of this wireless broadband router. I believe you might have did a technical comparison with different products falling on the same environment. :)

Btw, do you have any recommendations for CF cards that can force speed to run at 2Mbps. I really need this feature for some use. Would appreciate your help.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Xperts


Hi Dan,

Wonder if you could share with me the setback of Enzer EWR884P. Think it would be good that users would know the main problem of this wireless broadband router. I believe you might have did a technical comparison with different products falling on the same environment. :)

Btw, do you have any recommendations for CF cards that can force speed to run at 2Mbps. I really need this feature for some use. Would appreciate your help.

hi John,

shouldn't have much problem for most CF WiFi card to work at 2 Mbps. you are not referring to 22 Mbps i hope?

most CF cards on the market are using Prism chipset, so just look for the cheapest, believe you can find some brands around $120 to $150.

long story about the Enzer EWR884P:

firstly in its early firmware version, it couldn't even support Starhub Cable connection, 1 of our friends here (read the first page of this thread) had to go back to the shop and change it to another brand. Enzer has updated the firmware though.

next the performance, its range and throughput falls short of the industries average, though it is specified to be 15 dbm output. i reckon that the non standard 22 Mbps chipset and the antenna design are the main culprit.

next is the packaging, the rather compact casing does not have ventilation passage, imaging the processor generated heat without much room to escape. someone i know actually have this problem of frequent hanging after long usage (likely due to overheating) when he placed the Enzer on the bookshelf, after i suggested to him to place it in the open then this hanging stopped

Enzer needs to review its marketting and engineering strategies seriously, it started well by pricing the Skyroam Silver to be the cheapest Prism III card on the market at $79 6 months ago, but while many players have lowered their products several rounds since then, it did not do anything. now at $79 the Enzer card infact becomes expensive.

both are local players, but Enzer has many miles more to catch up with Compex.

[Xperts]

Thanks. Believe this would be valuable for Enzer to re-design their technology. Hopefully in due date we can all hear of good news from our own country products.

Anyhow, I am referring to the 2mbps and definitely not 22mbps. My application required the CF card to run at a stable 2mbps and not exceeding or below it. Been reading for a while about CF card though... Older CF cards are derived from Prism however new and better cards are now from another ODM. I am trying to find substitute for Cisco/Symbol equivalent products.

How about a cup of coffee during this week ?

[Audiophile]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Audiophile



That would mean that even the manufacturer's specs should be taken with care... especially as for comparing several products.

Have you been using the SMC7004AWBR for a long period of time? What do you think of its stability?

There seems to be many negative comments on the web for this product from users. They mostly complain about its unstability: the router seems to lock up about once a day, which requires a h/w reset.

I am still interested in this product because of its attractive price and its print server feature, but I would like to be sure that it will work properly!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

the only 1 i have installed is the one in the 4-storey house, 3 months past and i have not received any compain from my friend.

someone told me that the Planex model (PCI, a Japanese based company) is the same as the SMC form, fit and function, and it is sold for only $199 in Bits and Bytes, 4th floor SLS.

Good feedback, WirelessDan!

I might have lacked of objectivity in my previous posting. To be fair, I must say that I have also found lots of positive comments on the web re. the SMC7004AWBR !

I went to Bits and Bytes at SLS today, saw the PCI wireless broadband router as you mentioned sold at $199. I was explained by the vendor there this product was identical to the SMC7004AWBR (I could see that the casing was indeed the same), except that the chipset inside was different. To me, that makes a lot of difference!

Although the PCI was $36 cheaper, I decided not to take any risk, and finally opted for the SMC! I was simply not in confidence with the PCI since I have not been able to find on this forum, and even elsewhere on the web, any user feedback (not even from WirelessDan...!). Besides this, there seems to be a lack of info on the PCI web site (could not find any suitable firmware, most documentaion in Japanese only...)

So, I purchased 1x SMC7004AWBR and 2x WLU11A (Compex USB adapter) from Hardware Place. I will do the installation this week in a 2-storey house. Internet access is broadband cable.

Thanks again, WirelessDan!

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Xperts
Thanks. Believe this would be valuable for Enzer to re-design their technology. Hopefully in due date we can all hear of good news from our own country products.

Anyhow, I am referring to the 2mbps and definitely not 22mbps. My application required the CF card to run at a stable 2mbps and not exceeding or below it. Been reading for a while about CF card though... Older CF cards are derived from Prism however new and better cards are now from another ODM. I am trying to find substitute for Cisco/Symbol equivalent products.

How about a cup of coffee during this week ?

should not be any problem for any Prism 3 based CF wireless card to work at fixed rate of 2 Mbps, you can set it through the utility program.

don't think either Cisco or Agere/Orinoco or SYmbol has CF form factor card.

no problem for coffee, will le you know if i am around the eastern area.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by Audiophile


Good feedback, WirelessDan!

I might have lacked of objectivity in my previous posting. To be fair, I must say that I have also found lots of positive comments on the web re. the SMC7004AWBR !

I went to Bits and Bytes at SLS today, saw the PCI wireless broadband router as you mentioned sold at $199. I was explained by the vendor there this product was identical to the SMC7004AWBR (I could see that the casing was indeed the same), except that the chipset inside was different. To me, that makes a lot of difference!

Although the PCI was $36 cheaper, I decided not to take any risk, and finally opted for the SMC! I was simply not in confidence with the PCI since I have not been able to find on this forum, and even elsewhere on the web, any user feedback (not even from WirelessDan...!). Besides this, there seems to be a lack of info on the PCI web site (could not find any suitable firmware, most documentaion in Japanese only...)

So, I purchased 1x SMC7004AWBR and 2x WLU11A (Compex USB adapter) from Hardware Place. I will do the installation this week in a 2-storey house. Internet access is broadband cable.

Thanks again, WirelessDan!

hard to believe that they are of the different chipsets, but the smc should give you peace of mind.

will try to get hold of the PCI model to tes it out 1 of these days.

[angscang]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002
don't think either Cisco or Agere/Orinoco or SYmbol has CF form factor card.

Symbol do hv a CF Wifi card, but not Cisco or Orinoco

[s67h]

Hi,

while checking prices over at buy.com I found the following Linksys bundle

802.11A Wireless Bundle 1 HR314 AND 1 HA501, i.e. a 54/72 Mbps router plus pc card

They offer it for USD 180, which even through starhub (douwantit.com) comes to a guaranteed price of SGD 400. Sounds somewhat attractive.

Does anyone have experience with 11A?

Thanks in advance.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by s67h
Hi,

while checking prices over at buy.com I found the following Linksys bundle

802.11A Wireless Bundle 1 HR314 AND 1 HA501, i.e. a 54/72 Mbps router plus pc card

They offer it for USD 180, which even through starhub (douwantit.com) comes to a guaranteed price of SGD 400. Sounds somewhat attractive.

Does anyone have experience with 11A?

Thanks in advance.

11A system is a failure. it has terrible range performance, less than half of the 11B system, and worst it is not compatible with the 11B system.

you will be much better off buying the Linksys 11B's bundle at $300, wireless router + PC card.

[nuilnuil]

hi wirelessdan,
Just bought a 2nd hand cisco 350 pcmcia card.
I am using channel 6 for my infrastruture connection.
but I am unable to set the channel for the card.
The channel of the card is always set at channel 12??
Is there a way to configure the channel in infrastructure
mode?
In ad-hoc mode, I am able to set to only channel 11-14.
Is this a norm for cisco card?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by nuilnuil
hi wirelessdan,
Just bought a 2nd hand cisco 350 pcmcia card.
I am using channel 6 for my infrastruture connection.
but I am unable to set the channel for the card.
The channel of the card is always set at channel 12??
Is there a way to configure the channel in infrastructure
mode?
In ad-hoc mode, I am able to set to only channel 11-14.
Is this a norm for cisco card?

in infrastructure mode the channel is set by the AP as the network controller, the client adapter can only connect to the network by SSID setting, for obvious reason.

the restriction on the channel setting is probably due to the older version of the ACU (Aironet Client Utility), you can download the latest ACU Version 6.0 with firemware Version 5.02.19 from Cisco site.

[nuilnuil]

I have downloaded the latest firmware & client software
from cisco. But still encounter the same problem.

[nuilnuil]

Hi wirelessdan,
I think I got the same problem with the guy below.
Updating the firmware doesn't seem to help.
Just to chk with u when can I collect the cisco card, hope your card do not have this problem.


woon.
ps: and i need help with a cisco card my friend pass me. wonder if you can help? it's regarding the channel FCC thingy. i'm stuck on some France region, and hence only allow to use channel 10,11,12,13... wonder if there's a fix to override this and allow me to use all the channel. something like a firmware flash?
:(

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by nuilnuil
Hi wirelessdan,
I think I got the same problem with the guy below.
Updating the firmware doesn't seem to help.
Just to chk with u when can I collect the cisco card, hope your card do not have this problem.


woon.
ps: and i need help with a cisco card my friend pass me. wonder if you can help? it's regarding the channel FCC thingy. i'm stuck on some France region, and hence only allow to use channel 10,11,12,13... wonder if there's a fix to override this and allow me to use all the channel. something like a firmware flash?
:(

have PM you, maybe we can mee tover the weekend to try the cards out and figure out what went wrong. i do not have any problem with all the Cisco cards i have.

[dethangel]

Yo dan ... i got rid of my intel wireless gateway.

How's the performance of the Senao and Fulbond?

Can either one be converted from a router to just a plain ol' AP? I only need the AP function.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by dethangel
Yo dan ... i got rid of my intel wireless gateway.

How's the performance of the Senao and Fulbond?

Can either one be converted from a router to just a plain ol' AP? I only need the AP function.

why not try out the Compex NP16A router with the Compex Orinoco based WL11A+ card? Orinoco's enterprise class APs all use the Orinoco card as the radio, and with reputable performance.

as what i read about, the NP16A + WL11A+ can be configured as AP mode, just like the Orinoco gateway RG1000/RG1100/RG2000.

believe NP16 alone should be on the market, as the main problem with the supply of the SKW811 kit was the shortage of the NP16 router.

i will be doing a comparison between the NP16/WL11A+ , the Intel Wireless gateway, and the Orinoco RG1000, when i have got my SKW811 kit.

[dethangel]

Nah, don't need to go so high end. :laugh:

I was eyeing the WAP11 from linksys. Need something which offers about 100mw power or more if there is.

As with the intel wireless gateway, i'm getting very poor link quality as stated on both my laptop's utility and WUSB11's utility. In fact, the link quality juz fluctuates ... that's why i got rid of the intel. Looking for something more powerful and better and only as an AP. No routing features (or 1 something like the intel, which can be converted to router -> AP )

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by dethangel
Nah, don't need to go so high end. :laugh:

I was eyeing the WAP11 from linksys. Need something which offers about 100mw power or more if there is.

As with the intel wireless gateway, i'm getting very poor link quality as stated on both my laptop's utility and WUSB11's utility. In fact, the link quality juz fluctuates ... that's why i got rid of the intel. Looking for something more powerful and better and only as an AP. No routing features (or 1 something like the intel, which can be converted to router -> AP )

the WAP11 will cost you $230 - $250.

the compex SKW811 kit with the NP16A router + WL11A+ PCMCIA wireless card + WLU11A USB wireless adpater costs only $245, you didn't read my thread below about the kit? :)

[dethangel]

:laugh:

WooPs? ;)

anyway, i don't need an entire bundle, just need the AP alone.

But since it uses the same orinoco card as my Compaq WL110, the power wouldn't be that strong right?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by dethangel
:laugh:

WooPs? ;)

anyway, i don't need an entire bundle, just need the AP alone.

But since it uses the same orinoco card as my Compaq WL110, the power wouldn't be that strong right?

well the fact is all the Avaya/Orinoco APs are using the same card as the radio and has been widely accepted by the enterprises.

if you can wait, i will do a comparison between the Compex, Intel and the Orinoco RG series (configured as AP500) sometimes early next week.

[dethangel]

Hmm .... nah can't wait... most likely going to get an AP this weekend.

So looking around for 1. Seriously considering the Senao, but not sure whether its configurable as a AP alone.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by dethangel
Hmm .... nah can't wait... most likely going to get an AP this weekend.

So looking around for 1. Seriously considering the Senao, but not sure whether its configurable as a AP alone.

i am not too sure if it is possible for the Senao, but at least you can disable the DHCP server function.

[dethangel]

Hmm .. ok ... cos i'll be hooking directly to my existing switch. So just want to use it as an AP.

Thanks anyway... :)

[dethangel]

Wirelessdan:

I managed to get a Fulbond XI-1450 ... not bad.

Quite satisfied with its performance.

I'm having problems configuring the WEP. It keeps on saying invalid key 1. ( i take the values generated by my WUSB11. ) ...

What's wrong?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by dethangel
Wirelessdan:

I managed to get a Fulbond XI-1450 ... not bad.

Quite satisfied with its performance.

I'm having problems configuring the WEP. It keeps on saying invalid key 1. ( i take the values generated by my WUSB11. ) ...

What's wrong?

some systems require you to enter all the 4 sets of keys.

another possibility is mixed up with ASCII (5 letters for 64-bit, 12 letters for 128-bit) and Hex format (10 diigits for 64-bit, 26 digits for 128-bit.), you maay want to verify that. the simplest iis set to 64-bit using Hex format, and use manual entry instead of key generation.

[s67h]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


believe NP16 alone should be on the market, as the main problem with the supply of the SKW811 kit was the shortage of the NP16 router.

i will be doing a comparison between the NP16/WL11A+ , the Intel Wireless gateway, and the Orinoco RG1000, when i have got my SKW811 kit.

The hardware place has it in stock now, still $245.

[jlpk007]

hi wirelessdan

i m newbie in networking...what are the devices needed for wireless networking btw 2 com?

my old com got no NIC card and i have a USB adsl modem...

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by jlpk007
hi wirelessdan

i m newbie in networking...what are the devices needed for wireless networking btw 2 com?

my old com got no NIC card and i have a USB adsl modem...

all depending on your needs, and budget.

since you are having an USB ADSL modem right now, and if you do not mind having 1 of the PCs as an internet gateway, here is what you can do:

get 2 x wireless USB adapter, $79 each total $158.

install 1 of the USB adapter onto the PC which is currently connected to the modem, and make this PC an internet gateway.

install the other USB wireless adapter to the other PC.

set both wireless adapters to "adhoc" mode, with the same SSID, same channel. now both PCs can share internet. the only trade off is the main PC needs to be switched on when the other PC is surfing.


if you have $365 to spend, then first get an etherent modem for around $120. then get the Compex SKW811 wireless gateway kit at $245. this kit comes with a wireless router and an USB wireless adapter, the wireless router connects to the ethernet modem and 1 of the PCs by cable. the other PC will link up with the modem through the USB wireless adapter. in this case either PC can surf the internet independently.

[jlpk007]

your explanation was very clear....thanks...

what is the use of a access point???is it like a repeater to increase the strength of signal?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by jlpk007
your explanation was very clear....thanks...

what is the use of a access point???is it like a repeater to increase the strength of signal?

access point is the bridging device which convert wired ethernet signal to wireless signal, ie. if you already have a wired LAN, a wireless access point by connecting its ethernet port to the wired LAN network, will now link up all the wireless devices to the LAN.

[mcferrari]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


all depending on your needs, and budget.

since you are having an USB ADSL modem right now, and if you do not mind having 1 of the PCs as an internet gateway, here is what you can do:

get 2 x wireless USB adapter, $79 each total $158.

install 1 of the USB adapter onto the PC which is currently connected to the modem, and make this PC an internet gateway.

install the other USB wireless adapter to the other PC.

set both wireless adapters to "adhoc" mode, with the same SSID, same channel. now both PCs can share internet. the only trade off is the main PC needs to be switched on when the other PC is surfing.


if you have $365 to spend, then first get an etherent modem for around $120. then get the Compex SKW811 wireless gateway kit at $245. this kit comes with a wireless router and an USB wireless adapter, the wireless router connects to the ethernet modem and 1 of the PCs by cable. the other PC will link up with the modem through the USB wireless adapter. in this case either PC can surf the internet independently.

Hi Wirelessdan2002, I just bought the SKW811 this afternoon. David from hardwareplace just give me a discounted price of $240 with 7 days 1 to 1 exchange. Now setting up, but having some problem as I was not able to surf, I have done already the uconfig and the wireless USB WLU11A has a strong signal but I can't surf. What do you think that I missed in the set up process. Thanks again

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by mcferrari


Hi Wirelessdan2002, I just bought the SKW811 this afternoon. David from hardwareplace just give me a discounted price of $240 with 7 days 1 to 1 exchange. Now setting up, but having some problem as I was not able to surf, I have done already the uconfig and the wireless USB WLU11A has a strong signal but I can't surf. What do you think that I missed in the set up process. Thanks again

most importantly is how do yo connect to the ISP?

you need to make sure that you set the ISP setting correctly through the router setup, also what modem are you using?

[mcferrari]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


most importantly is how do yo connect to the ISP?

you need to make sure that you set the ISP setting correctly through the router setup, also what modem are you using?

Im using Motorola SB4100 and I dont remember I set anything for the ISP. Do I need to follow on the manual from the CD just now only I saw. I used only the written manual quick install guide. Dynamic or Static? Any more setting .thanks

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by mcferrari


Im using Motorola SB4100 and I dont remember I set anything for the ISP. Do I need to follow on the manual from the CD just now only I saw. I used only the written manual quick install guide. Dynamic or Static? Any more setting .thanks

is dynamic IP for WAN.

[mcferrari]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


is dynamic IP for WAN.

Thanks, Dan . My SKW811 is up and running and very satisfied with it.

[jlpk007]

Originally posted by wirelessdan2002


access point is the bridging device which convert wired ethernet signal to wireless signal, ie. if you already have a wired LAN, a wireless access point by connecting its ethernet port to the wired LAN network, will now link up all the wireless devices to the LAN.

so that mean i dun need a Access point at the moment...Thanks

[jlpk007]

which floor is hardwareplace located???i nv got their price list...do they have an online pricelist?

[mcferrari]

Originally posted by jlpk007
which floor is hardwareplace located???i nv got their price list...do they have an online pricelist?

You can check the price here at hardwarezone. Go to Price Guides........

[jlpk007]

hi wirelessdan,
where did u saw the $79 wireless USB Adapter?i find the price all around 100 over..
also the compex kit comes with one wireless USB adapter..so if i were to get another one ,what to look out for so that they can be compatible?

Thanks in advance...

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by jlpk007
i need to spend 365 + 158 to set up wireless network...so x......

here is the price list of The Hardware Place ( 4th floor SLS):

http://www.hardwarezone.com/priceguide/download.hwz?fid=15640&cat=101

don't understand why you said you nee to spend so much, but if you have only 2 PCs, and assuming no ADSL ethernet modem, here are what you need:

1 x Aztech DSL305E ADSL ethernet modem $117 ( Storage Studio 4th floor SLS)

1 x Compex SKW811 wireless gateway kit $245 (Te Hardware Place 4th floor SLS)

total $362.

ok i understand now, i was saying there are 2 ways to do it, the cheap way costs $158, and the expensive way costs $362, not $158 + $362, please read carefully again.


ok i understand now, i was saying there are 2 ways to do it, the cheap way costs $158, and the expensive way costs $362, not $158 + $362, please read carefully again.

[jlpk007]

ok ok i get what u mean...u only need one wireless card right...

the ethernet modem connect to the router and the router to the PC...

and PC2 will connect using the wireless card ..

am i right......??

i have went to howdostuffwork to read about these networking stuff...but i am kind of confuse...when do we use switch/router...i always have the impression that hub and switch serves the same purpose just that hub has a shared bandwidth while switch does not...

Thanks..

[Crossbow]

Originally posted by mcferrari


Thanks, Dan . My SKW811 is up and running and very satisfied with it.

Me too...another satisfied customer.

[sectional86]

Hi Dan,
I’m currently a newbie in wireless networking. I will be getting my singnet broadband soon and i opted for Ethernet modem. According to what the service guy wrote, I’m getting a alcatel speed touch home modem. He said the modem has a router already. I cant get the model num yet cos the modem hasn’t arrive. I’ve currently 2 PCs with network cards installed. one is on windows 2000 while the other XP pro.as i'm getting a laptop from polytechnic soon, I will be expecting to get a cisco aironet wireless card.i'm planning to get a wireless router with wireless@802.11b,at least 2 10/100 switches for my 2 coms as my router will be placed near them, and a print server if possible. I’ve narrowed my choices to these:

D-link DI-713P (3 nos. 10/100,wireless@11mbps 802.11b, print server,3 year warranty)
D-link DI-714P+ ( 4nos.10/100,wireless@22mbps 802.11b, print server, 3 year warranty)
SMC 7004AWBR (3 nos. 10/100,wireless@11mbps 802.11b, print server, quirky limited lifetime warranty)
Netgear FM114P (4nos. 10/100,wireless@11mbps 802.11b,print server, 5 years warranty)

I’m actually considering D-link's DI-713P,but i'm not very sure if it is compatible with my alcatel modem(i heard that this modem uses the "dial up networking in windows" to enter the internet) and the Cisco aironet wireless card. is the D-link's DI-713P's range enough for a 4 room flat? I’m intending to use my laptop to surf wirelessly, mostly in my room. the router will be placed against a wall separating my room and the living room. there’s also a cupboard against the wall where the router is placed and i'm going to surf about 5-8 meters from where the router is placed (a brick wall [i presume]with a cupboard blocking).is it possible to get a link and signal reception of at least 70-80%?there shouldn't be much problem with the laptop surfing in the living room where the router is located correct? would u recommend me other better routers or this is already enough? thanks in advance.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by sectional86
Hi Dan,
I’m currently a newbie in wireless networking. I will be getting my singnet broadband soon and i opted for Ethernet modem. According to what the service guy wrote, I’m getting a alcatel speed touch home modem. He said the modem has a router already. I cant get the model num yet cos the modem hasn’t arrive. I’ve currently 2 PCs with network cards installed. one is on windows 2000 while the other XP pro.as i'm getting a laptop from polytechnic soon, I will be expecting to get a cisco aironet wireless card.i'm planning to get a wireless router with wireless@802.11b,at least 2 10/100 switches for my 2 coms as my router will be placed near them, and a print server if possible. I’ve narrowed my choices to these:

D-link DI-713P (3 nos. 10/100,wireless@11mbps 802.11b, print server,3 year warranty)
D-link DI-714P+ ( 4nos.10/100,wireless@22mbps 802.11b, print server, 3 year warranty)
SMC 7004AWBR (3 nos. 10/100,wireless@11mbps 802.11b, print server, quirky limited lifetime warranty)
Netgear FM114P (4nos. 10/100,wireless@11mbps 802.11b,print server, 5 years warranty)

I’m actually considering D-link's DI-713P,but i'm not very sure if it is compatible with my alcatel modem(i heard that this modem uses the "dial up networking in windows" to enter the internet) and the Cisco aironet wireless card. is the D-link's DI-713P's range enough for a 4 room flat? I’m intending to use my laptop to surf wirelessly, mostly in my room. the router will be placed against a wall separating my room and the living room. there’s also a cupboard against the wall where the router is placed and i'm going to surf about 5-8 meters from where the router is placed (a brick wall [i presume]with a cupboard blocking).is it possible to get a link and signal reception of at least 70-80%?there shouldn't be much problem with the laptop surfing in the living room where the router is located correct? would u recommend me other better routers or this is already enough? thanks in advance.


there is no model number for Alcatel Speedtouch range of modem, the Speedtouch Home is good enough to work with the Dlink router, just that if it comes with router function, you will have to disable it and configure it as a full bridge modem in order for it to work with any router.

No problem for all the models you have in mind to work in a 4-room flat, especially if it is with a Cisco Aironet Air-PCM352 card. from the arrangement you mentioned, you will probably get better than 90% link quality.

so your final choice will really be depending on the price. i would go for the Dlink DI-713P, which is probably below or around $200.

[fattsheng]

Originally posted by sectional86
Netgear FM114P (4nos. 10/100,wireless@11mbps 802.11b,print server, 5 years warranty)

I've been running this for a few weeks now... Solid device. However do note that it's signal is noticable weaker than the MR314 and it's also more expensive than the other models you've mentioned, mainly due to the SPI firewall I think. Still I love mine! :)

[jlpk007]

must i have print server for my two com to share the same printer???

will i be able to share my printer using the compex wireless kit?

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by jlpk007
must i have print server for my two com to share the same printer???

will i be able to share my printer using the compex wireless kit?

you can share the printer through 1 of the PCs, ie. connect the printer to the PC and enable it to share with other PCs on the network, in this case Compex kit can be used too.

[jlpk007]

Hi wirelessdan2002,
any printer also can??cause my printer is like 5 years old..
canon BJC255sp....

1)If the wireless signal is weak...what must i do /buy to strengthen the signal??

2)does the compex kit comes with utp cable?if not ,how many do i need for setting up the previous mention configuration?

3)If i intend to use UTP cable to wire up my house(not wireless) i need to buy a NIC (for my old com) and a router right? (how many port?)

4)me currently using PACNET BB 512...will my surfing be half when two com surf net together? ? ?


THANk YOu

[kimchye]

Anyone with experience using 3com's latest offering, the OfficeConnect Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway & Wireless LAN PC Card with XJACK Antenna?

$329 seems a bargain.

[wisely]

Hi wirelessdan2002,

i m a newbie in wireless stuff and so i hope to get some advice from you.

i rememeber sometimes ago there are wireless pcmcia card and router from Prolink but just can't find it on the market anymore. what do you think of Prolink? i mean are they good or value for money? i m sorrie that i can't remember how much it was selling then

thank you very much

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by wisely
Hi wirelessdan2002,

i m a newbie in wireless stuff and so i hope to get some advice from you.

i rememeber sometimes ago there are wireless pcmcia card and router from Prolink but just can't find it on the market anymore. what do you think of Prolink? i mean are they good or value for money? i m sorrie that i can't remember how much it was selling then

thank you very much

Prolink was selling some Taiwanese OEM products, the PCMCIA card was a Prism 2 chipset. prices then (about 1 year + ago) was really high, $300+ for the wireless router and $120+ for the Prism 2 chipset. when agressive players like Linksys, SMC and Dlink etc. entering the market, Prolink slowly backed out of the wireless products. guess you can leave them alone and look else where for more focused manufacturers.

[wirelessdan2002]

Originally posted by kimchye
Anyone with experience using 3com's latest offering, the OfficeConnect Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway & Wireless LAN PC Card with XJACK Antenna?

$329 seems a bargain.

can't really comment on this as i have not tried them before, the price revision is probably ust following the industry trend, everbody is revising downwards.