802.11b vs vs Wall Plugged Ethernet Bridge

[venk]

I am setting up a network in my apartment in the fall to share a cable connection with my roomate. Considering the fact that we will be both using Desktops, is there any reason to go with the added expense of 802.11b (Router + 2 PCI Cards is > Ethernet Bridge)?

What kind of performance can I expect from a Wall socket plugged bridge? Compared to a 11 Mb 802 connection? a 22 Mb connection? A wired connection?
How is the Netgear version? (On sale at BB this weekend for $60 AR)
Do I need anything other than the Bridge itself? (for example, a router of somesort, a special PCI card?)

Most importantly, what about security? I don't want my neighbors to be able to plug a computer into a wall socket and have access to my internet connection. Is there some kind of WEP like feature?

Thanks

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I suspect you'll have to be clearer about the "Wall socket plugged bridge". If you're saying that the apartment is pre-wired for Ethernet, where does the wiring terminate? If the apartment is providing the Internet access, you'll be going through their equipment, it's kinda' hard to say what capability you'll have without knowing exactly what they have. Perhaps you could be a lot more specific as to what is included in the apartment.

 

[RedFox1]

Supposedly those powerline networks work pretty well; you shouldn't have too much trouble getting enough bandwidth to make full-use of your DSL connection. I think HomePlug is supposedly 14mbps

But yeah, your neighbors could conceivably plug in and use your connection. I think your network would extend to the nearest transformer, so you'd probably cover the whole building. But most of the HomePlug devices seem to offer encryption.

HomePlug sounds like a good idea for you, since you're not going to be roaming the apartment with your connection and you're not in a position to run data cables.

-Russ