802.11B Networking question.

[Matt2]

Here is my proposed setup:

1 Netgear MR814NA Cable / DSL 2.4GHZ Wireless Router with 4 Port 10/100 Switch
PACKAGE: OEM BROWN BOXED 54.00

3 D-Link DWL-520+ AirPlus Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless PCI Adapter
Option: BROWN BOXED 120.00

1 D-Link DWL-650+ AirPlus Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless CardBus Adapter
Option: BROWN BOXED 40.00

Subtotal: 214.00
Shipping: 29.95
Tax: 0.00
Total: 243.95

My question is, is the Netgear router going to get the job done? I mean it's sooo cheap, it just makes u raise an eyebrow.

Also, how well do routers penetrate walls? Does it affect range? All my computers should never leave 100 ft from the router, but they will be behind walls. How much does that hinder performance?

Thanks for the answers, also if you have better suggestions I am all ears, this was the cheapest 802.11b setup I could find.

 

[Matt2]

Come on now, anyone?

 

[aluehrs]

I really have no idea on the netgear router as I don't have one, but I own both of those cards (520,650) and they are great I can reach my computer from my garage through a few walls, if you get the 650 especially download the new drivers, it changed from a 1 or 2 out of 5 to a 5/5 throughout my house, also right now this are on sale with a rebate at office depot.

 

[ktwebb]

100 feet through multiple walls? Probably going to be dissapointed then. SOHO microwave equipment misleads you with their distance numbers (if that is what you are going by). That is generally the best case scenario and even then it is usually bunk. 30 or 40 feet through a few walls, then yeah, you might be able to maintain a 2 Mb or even a 5.5 Mb association but 100 feet, really really unlikely you will get a link. Just depends on the makeup of the walls you are going through, and nobody can tell you in a forum post if you will make it or not. Your testing is the only way to findout if you will make it work or not. I don't really see going with the b+ client devices if your not going to get a d+ AP. For 30 or 40 bucks more you would get almost double the bandwidth of a standard CCK .11b AP, which I assume that Netgear box is.

 

[DaiShan]

It REALLY depends on the walls. You make it sound like it is going through 3 rooms with concrete walls, you would never make it through that, but in my house the AP is on the third floor, I can be sitting on the bottom floor or out on the deck and still get a decent signal, through the wall in the office and down to the bottom floor.

 

[JackMDS]

The Netgear will a job just like the others (there are even cheaper deals).

What might be the problem is PCI card stuck behind the computer in another room. You should consider USB Wireless instead of PCI.

Make sure every thing is returnable in case your envioroment is too ?Harsh? for Wireless.

In general, Ktwebb solution (above) makes more sense.

 

[mcveigh]

I have a netgear router at home and it wors great. ktwebb is on the money about the distance.

 

[gsaldivar]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
PCI card stuck behind the computer in another room. You should consider USB Wireless instead of PCI.