A question for you folks with the SMC barricade

[frazzled]

I'd like to add wireless capabilities to my existing ethernet LAN. Mostly so I can communicate from downstairs wirelessly with either my laptop or Ipaq.

I do not presently have broadband. The current setup is between 3 Win98 machines, all wired into a simple linksys hub. Believe it or not, we actually share an internal 56K modem among us. Primitive, but it works.

In any case, could I replace my current hub with the SMC Barricade (SMC7004WBR) and have everything still work *and* add wireless capability? Overkill, probably, but broadband is a possibility for later in the year....

Any advice or suggestions would be great,

Thanks!

fraz

 

[JackMDS]

The Wireless Barricade has 3 regular RJ45 ports, and one wireless access point.

If you have an internal modem the barricade, will function as a Hub/Switch with DHCP, and printer server. You will have to leave your current Internet sharing arrangement as it is.

If you have an external Modem you can hook it to the barricade, and you will gain a NAT, and firewall.

Barricade wireless will ?drag you? $280 down.

 

[Hoober]

I just bought one and set it up tonight. And I love it. I replaced a Linksys 4 port router... and the difference between the two, speed wise, is astounding. I mean, literaly astounding. Even with just plain old broadband (3 MBps down) I have noticed a difference between the two routers. The Barricade is definitely worth the money, if you can afford it and a few good wireless cards.

 

[frazzled]

Thanks guys!

JackMDS, I've been carefully following your wireless threads...very helpful! I'm a self-taught computer tinkerer, but I must admit that networking is still a weak point. But, hey, my simple little wired LAN has provided us with many hours of LAN gaming mayhem.

I was moonlighting last night and was sitting with my hand over the "Order" button at Outpost.com for about 15 minutes pondering....and then fell "overboard" (with 5 minutes left for the Free Saturday Shipping deadline)....I'm comatose from lack of sleep but my Barricade and Orinoco Silver Wireless card are on the Airborne Truck and on it's way... Not cheap (that's what moonlighting is for, anyway and I never mind paying for *good* stuff), but it sounds well-built and it will be ready for the DSL hookup I've been promised this summer!

That's great news, hoober! I'm upgrading from a cheap Linksys *hub* for goodness' sake, I can imagine I'll see a difference as well!

Great forum, as always...

fraz