My laptop comes with a built in 802.11b antenna -- what can I do with it?

[supernova87a]

So I got a new laptop today, and I didn't realize that it comes with a built-in antenna (for networking, I suppose). It's called integrated 802.11b. But I've never had any experience with this, or what it can do!

Can you all tell me what would be cool to do with this? Where can I find accessories that use this antenna? Thanks!

 

[badga]

the real question is whether your laptop has just the antenna or has the wireless NIC within it as well. If it does, then all you need to get is a wireless access point which will allow you to communicate with your LAN (assuming you have one) at up to 11Mbit/s. This is cool if you have a large house or apt and don't want to be tied to where you have hard wired ports or string CAT5 all over the place. I have the Linksys 11b PC card and access point for my Toshiba and love it. I have even had collegues over with 11b laptops and we just sat in the living room and traded files....(and played a little wireless Urban Terror)

badga

 

[supernova87a]

That sounds cool -- how much is a wireless access point?

I've also heard vaguely about services like in cities where you can access the internet as a subscriber to someone's access point -- is this something I could do too?

 

[badga]

wireless dsl/cable router for ~$200, wireless access point ~$150 USD though there are lots of deals for less out there.

Don't know about subscription services for wireless but i have heard that some starbucks and airports are potentially setting them up for lounge and surfing activities. 11b technology has a limited range 100m-400m and the bandwidth declines with distance as well. Security is an major issue as well....imagine your next door neighbor buying a 11b card and jumping on a unsecure LAN. Google "801.11b" and you can find out lots more about it.

b

 

[JasonG]

You don't need an access point (hub) to communicate between your laptop and a desktop.

My roommate shares my internet access (cable modem) via wireless to his laptop and it works great.

All you need is a wireless card of the same type for your other PC.

Of course, if you have multiple computers, a hub would be better.

You do need to worry about security, though. 128 bit encription is best.

Good luck,

Jason

 

[Gunbuster]

"built-in antenna" If thats all the box/specs say 99% chance you dont have the card, just the ability to add one

 

[jschuk]

What laptop is it? As mentioned above, it may have just the antenna or may be fully setup with the wireless nic card. If it only has the antenna, then you would need to find a bluetooth (I don't know why) or 802.11b mini-pci card and plug it into an available mini-pci slot (if you have one) and connect the antenna wires to the card (they snap on). If everything is there then find a way to connect your laptop to a network or another computer and enjoy.
Computing without ANY wires is great! I love being able to roam the house or yard and be connected at the same time. Just so you know, we got something like 75-100 yards with a laptop (w/ built-in wireless) and a corporate access point. The consumer access points seem to have lower ranges, but still suffucient for around the house and maybe yard.

 

[supernova87a]

This is the HP omnibook 500, and on the top lid it's got a little button that has an antenna symbol, and you can apparently turn the antenna on and off. Does this mean I need to buy a PC card in addition?

 

[badga]

did a quick trip over to HP for you...looks like if you have the antenna you have the NIC as well. Check out device manager and see if it says you have a wireless NIC. I commented above about 100m-400m distances. That was straight from the marketing stuff, I haven't tested it but it is probably a lab figure and much less in real life with all the interference encountered in real like the 2.4 Ghz i have on my desk......the HP is a nice looking lite notebook....still needs a real graphics card tho!

b