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Too many 802.11b networks... 802.11a?

K

KenSimone

Member
More and more of my neighbors are setting up 802.11b networks (I used netstumbler down three streets in my neighborhood and found 48 networks). I'm running out of clean/fast channels. I see that I can pick up 802.11a gear (specifically the proxim stuff) for dirt cheap. This seems like an ideal solution, except for all the horror stories I've heard about the range. I'm in a 3000sf two story house. Will I have issues? The range of my curent 802.11b network is great. I can even walk around outside and stay connected. What are my other options? I don't think a cantenna will help, since the signal is clean. Is that correct?

Thanks,
Ken
 
You might need two AP's for a house that big but the brew ha ha over .11a range was quelled somewhat. Proxim, and others using the Atheros chipset have tuned their radios so that the range issue isn't quite as severe. Still won't get the same kind of cell coverage you would with 2.4 Ghz radios and 3000 sq ft is a large house. Somewhat suprising your .11b coverage is that good in a house that large. Sounds like your obstructions (walls generally and perhaps floors) are pretty thin. .11a will almost certainly eliminate your interference issues. Not particularly common to see 5 Ghz gear in a consumer environment. On the other hand, having your neighbors using 2.4 wouldn't generally be a problem unless all your houses are made of paper and they are right next to each other. I suppose if your wanting outdoor coverage then your neighbors using 2.4 Ghz WLAN could affect your external coverage. Perhaps that is what your getting at. Short answer is, you'd have to test to be sure what you'd get out of .11a equipment.
 
Thanks guys. The houses are brick, but are close together. I can see four networks other than my own from my living room. I have performance problems on Channels 1, 6, and 11. I'm currently on channel 3 and seem to be OK for the most part. I hacked my AP to also support channels 12 and 13, but those seemed congested for some reason as well. The 802.11a stuff is so cheap ($15 for the AP, $15 for each node at JustDeals.com) that I may give it a try. Again, thanks for the info. It's much appreciated.
 
If you are using Windows XP you can have it prioritize connections to networks. So yours could be the first pick and if that's not up it would just go down the list of neighbor's networks.
 
Originally posted by: PorBleemo
If you are using Windows XP you can have it prioritize connections to networks. So yours could be the first pick and if that's not up it would just go down the list of neighbor's networks.
Click to expand...

I'm sure his neighbors wouldn't have a problem with that.
 
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