Newbie Router / Wireless question...

[gopunk]

if i have a normal router... is there something i can plug in to one of the holes to make it wireless? i don't want to have to spend all that money for a wireless router when i have a perfectly good normal router... thanks

 

[Zim Hosein]

gopunk, I saw a Linksys product that you add to a normal router to enable wireless features, but alas, I don't remember the model number. Have a look at their website, hope this helps

 

[gopunk]

thanks, will do

 

[gopunk]

eh i can't find it... do you know what the product is called? i was thinking wireless access point, but those seem like you have to have an existing wireless network...

 

[n0cmonkey]

Look for a wireless access point that has an ethernet port.

 

[JackMDS]

Here is a Wireless primer:

Wireless equipment is basically a replacement for CAT5 cable.

Wireless LAN consists on two main components.

1. Wireless Access Point (WAP).

The WAP is the Main Transmitter/Receiver that mediates between your LAN, and the Wireless computers. It usually can support an excess of 100 clients.

Depending on your Network, WAP can be configured on any regular network R-45 connection, i.e. computer's NIC, Hub/Switch, and a regular port on a Cable/DSL Router.

2 . Wireless Client Card.

Wireless Client Card is the LAN card that you should install on each one your network computers, that you want to be connected Wireless.

Most Client cards are PCMCIA, which work very well with Laptops.
For Desktop, it is usually better to use USB Wireless Card. Most PCI Wireless Cards with fixed antenna (stuck behind the PC) yield inferior results versus the Flexible Antenna on a USB card.

Conventional Wisdom claims that the Orinoco Gold (About $90) is the best Wireless Client Card (has PCMCIA and USB versions).

This link:
ORiNOCO PC Card - Gold.

Wireless Gateways (WAP, and Routers) here:

Wireless ACP bridge Total: 29 entries

If you don't have Cable/DSL Router, you can buy a Wireless Cable/DSL Router, which is a Combo unit that includes a Router to share the Internet, Switch for Wired Network and WAP for Wireless clients (plus more goodies).

Wireless Gateway Total: 27 entries.

The SMC Wireless Barricade is considered one of the favorites.

SMC 7004AWBR Barricade Wireless Broadband Router.
Wireless and Range:

The Wireless manufactures are relatively careful. They usually they claim a solid distance when they put the equipment on two towers with no Visual and electrical interference.

Indoors it is any body guess, in part, because our environment includes many transmission obstructions. (Electrical Screening).
Most of Houses has Insulation wich is covered with Aluminum Foil, metal screens, cordless telephones, microwave etc.
Out door, trees, buildings, electrical lines etc. All are limitting factors in Wireless transmission.

As a result, entry level Wireless Instruments residing indoor, end up with a typical range of 30' to 70'. Out door with an unobstructed view, you can get more.

Replacing the regular Antenna with Hi Gain Antenna, and install it in higher position is a big help.

A selection of aux. Antennae.

When it comes to Wireless your mileage may varied, there are too many environmental variables that are unique to each individual setting.

 

[gopunk]

thanks guys for all the info... WAP it is