How does this sound for a wireless network???

[OneOfTheseDays]

We'll i have two comps and i will be adding one in the future that i need to network wirelessly. I couldn't do it through the phonelines because my house is so large that the phone lines run in excess of 1000 ft. I can't run ethernet cords either because it would be too difficult. My computer and the one i need to network with it are less than 100 ft away but there is at least two walls (they are very thin and have no insulation or padding between them. I am thinking of buying 2 dlink usb wireless adaptors and hooking up two of them in adhoc mode for right now. When i get the third computer i will buy a wireless router/accesspoint and add another usb wireless adaptor. My question is what kinda speeds should i be expecting and how does adhoc mode work?

 

[cipher00]

Kinda depends on the router/wireless NICs, I've found. I'll assume you're going to run 802.11b, with a theoretical throughput of 11 mbs. I've found that I get, with my SMC 2632Ws about 5.5mbs if I'm in the same room as the access point (another SMC, the 7004AWBR). It drops to 1-2mbs once I've got a few walls or floor to go through.

If the other machine is only 100ft away, what's the problem with running Cat5e? It may even cost less to have an electrician run a wire for you; what you pay might be what you save by just having a couple of cheap NICs for your computers.

 

[JackMDS]

Nice Idea, USB will add flexibility to be able to find optimal position for the Antennae.

You should get an average of 3-5 Mb/sec. Internet surfing will be normal.
As long as you don?t expect heavy network traffic with constant file exchange, it should work.

There is also new Orinoco USB out:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/reviews/orinoco_usb_gold.asp

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

thanks for the replies guys, i am only looking to share internet and play occasional lan games. nothing major here. i need at least 1mb to 2mb only. I am getting the dlink's because they have good reviews and steady and stable connections. I can get two of them for $140, which i think is pretty darn good.

 

[todays]

There is a modification floating around for the D-Link and SMC wireless cards to add an external antenna connector. If you need the extra range that is. People are roof mounting wireless access points and attaching old 2.4 Ghz discarded wireless cable TV antennas (free) for 5 - 10 - 20 miles range (line of sight)

So have some fun. Practically Networked