A few 802.11b questions

[alexbrickel]

I'm moving to a new apartment next month. I'm thinking about using a wireless router to share a cable modem connection, as well as share files amoungst PCs. I don't have any experience with wireless technology. I've always preferred the reliability of good old cat5. I know the speed of 802.11b isn't as high as cat5, but I'm willing to make the tradeoff. What can I expect in terms of reliability and dead spots? I'm the only person amoung my roommates who really knows anything about computers or networking, and I don't want them bothering me because they can't get online. Any insight anyone can provide would be appreciated.

 

[JackMDS]

802.11b Wireless in the real World.

Indoor, No obstructions (no walls, or Baroque type furniture), it will go up to 100' -120'

Once walls get in to the equation it is a fast decline.

One or two "flimsy" (i.e. not concrete full of metal) walls will yield 40-70'.

Three walls or more? You never know until you try.

If you are almost there, a good external Antenna can save you.

Outside, with line of view on top of towers with very good directional Antennae it can work for few miles.

This is the Nature of 2.4Ghz. The microwave band.

What would be the results if I get one if these ?souped up? 22Mb/sec. Wireless?

Under same condition the 22Mb/sec. will give you 5-8' more than the 11Mb/sec.

All right I am going with 802.11g, it is 5 times more, 55Mb/sec?

At the moment there is very few 801.11g devices on the market. Early reports indicate gain of 3 to 4 times in bandwidth term. Distance wise it is probably going to be translated to double the distance.

So what shall I do?

Buy from a credible Store that maintains liberal return policy!

Make sure that you keep the Hardware neat so you can return if it is not covering your area of service.

Wireless What Should I Get (March, 2003 Edition)?

Basic Stuff: AnandTech - FAQ. What do I need for wireless Networking?

 

[alexbrickel]

I've read up on the subject of 802.11b quite a bit so I know what it is capable of doing. I've never actually seen it action so I'm interested to hear from people who are currently using it. I don't think distance will be an issue really (nothing will be more than 35-40 ft from the access point), but walls might be. Does anyone have any personal experience with using wireless? I'd rather not go through the hassle of buying the hardware if theres a decent chance it's not going to work in every room.

 

[JackMDS]

Oh, sorry I did not know.

Ok.

I have Siemens Speedstream 2624 and it Rules.

I have SMC AP, and it Rules.

I have D-Link 900AP+, and it Rules.

I have SMC Barricade Wireless, and it Rules.

All the rest ?Sux?.

 

[alexbrickel]

Well, I'm convinced. One more thing though. How much is the signal affected by 2.4 ghz cordless phones? I won't have one of these but a neighbor might. It's an apartment so there might be only 2 walls beween the access point and one of these phones. Have you ever had a problem in this area or know anyone who has?

 

[prosaic]

JackMDS, LOL!

Thanks, I needed something to cheer me up today!

- prosaic

 

[alexbrickel]

........tee hee...........nothing like laughter at my expense. I'm off to ask adive of the "Sales Associate" at Best Buy. They always know what they're talking about.

 

[JammingJay]

Here are my specs:

NetGear MR814 Wireless Router for main computer
Belkin USB Wireless Adapter for 2nd Computer
NetWork Everywhere PC Card for Laptop


Connection - ComCast Cable Broadband with Dlink DCM-200 modem

Measurable speed at www.2wire.com

Main computer - solid average of 2200 kbps
2nd computer - approx 30-35 ft away with 2 light walls - 1650kbps speed (taking average throughout the day with and without the doors being closed)
Laptop - at the farthest reaches of my house can still maintain a connection of 650kbps (average) without resetting

I live in a 1950 square foot 4 bedroom house on a single floor, and personally haven't had any problems after making sure the firmware on each equipment and software have all be updated. I too was very skeptical on making the jump to wireless, but love the conveinence of taking my laptop around the house and browsing the net whereever I choose. Now if you do alot of file sharing between computers, wireless may not be right for you. However for sharing broadband connections, transferring smaller files, etc... its a great time to make the plunge since 802.11b technology is being discounted at a heavy rate because of the impending g standard in a few months. Best of luck and hope this input helps.

PS- Also I'm using 2 Siemens phones operating at a 2.4ghz and haven't noticed anything substantial in performance or signal degradation. Then again I haven't really checked the meter will I'm on the phone so its difficult to say.

 

[alexbrickel]

See...thats helpful information. Thankyou. From what you've told me I think it should work out fine with my setup.

 

[JackMDS]

No one is making fun of you. Veterans to this forum are at times amused by some of the strategies that is taken by people who are new to this type of action.

In any case the link that I posted above contained the following info.

========================================================================

If you are using the Wireless connection within 20-40' with max. of one heavy wall or two light walls, it does not matter what you buy they will all perform within reason. Look at the current sales and buy the most inexpensive you can get.

Typical sale will offer a Wireless Cable/DSL Router for $40-$60.

The Siemens SpeedStream 2624 and the Proxim Orinoco line offer better performance, and cost more.

For Laptop get PCMCIA Client Card, the Orinoco Gold provides very good performance. ($60-$80).

For Desktop USB Wireless Client Card should be considered has the preferred solution.

PCI Wireless Client Card ends up been stuck behind the computer's case, resultant in obstructed transmission and poor performance. USB is connected to the Port with 2-3' cable allowing the Antenna to be placed above the System for better Transmission.

Never make an assumption about the performance of Wireless Hardware; it is too much envioroment depended.

========================================================================

I wonder if you bothered to read it?


P.S. It is all a matter of perspective. When I was young BB meant Brigitte Bardot. Today BB means Best Buy, and it shows.

 

[alexbrickel]

Alright, Alright. I actually did read the links you posted. The reason I was asking people, who have this set up in their homes, is because there are so many claims made by manufacturers. I know that there are a lot of variables, any of which can cause undesirable operation. I just wanted to know how it worked for someone with a similar living situation ( single floor, similar size). Seriously, thankyou for taking interest in my question. The info you provided was helpful.