Want to set up small wireless Lan, where to start

[slatr]

I want to set up a small wireless LAN, but I am not sure where to start.

Currently I have a desktop hooked up to dsl. I want to be able to network a latop, preferbably wirelessly, and share the dls connection between the laptop and the desktop.

I have been looking at wireless routers but I am not sure really what to look for. I need to be sure it will work with the laptop. (which I haven't bought yet either but should have built in ethernet, usb and at least 2 PCMCIA slots.)

Is there a good web site that would give me a typical config for this situation and some equipmente recommendations?

Thanks,

Brian

 

[gar598]

http://www.practicallynetworked.com


http://computers.cnet.com/hardware/0-122333-410-716727.html


just look around i'm sure you can find something that would work in your case.

 

[SaigonK]

So the most secure Wireless out there now (shy of putting a Radius Server, etc. etc.) is Cisco.
It has the 128bit WEP, and also uses LEAP (extensible authentication protocol) for extra security.
One way to be the most secure is by using a VPN connection over the wireless netowrk, this coupled with 128bit encryption is as secure as you can get.

First off, don't settle on trying to save $$ when it comes to wireless, SMC, Linksys, Belkin, Orinco, they are ALL home solutions..some of them don't even support 182bit WEP. Buy Nortel, Cisco, or Enterasys. I am not knocking any suggestions here, but most people here only use Wireless in the home, not ina real business office where security actually matters.

Enterasys also is introducing a new X-client setup (in a day or two...I met with them on Thursday about it) that changes the 128bit encryption keys
at intervals of you choice. Making it pretty much impossible to crack. At 128bit encryption with a strong system (and im not talking about your home hacker with a P4 or Athlon-XP) the fastest breaking into WEP has been done in around 15 minutes.
If your key changes every say...10 minutes or 5 minutes...the hacker doesnt get enough data to allow him to break the key since it changes byt he time he/she figures out what the old one was.


the 54mbps solution travels a much smaller distance and is limited by antenna restrictions.
802.11b can use removable antennaes and such, while 802.11a has to have stationary antennas on the actual WAP, this is an FCC thing so the range will obviously be less.
Clarity in signal is a key as well..many Wireless manufacturers will push up the strength of their signal
(Cisco runs about 100mw, Nortel is around 110mw), Enterasys runs at about 60mw but they claim there signal is "cleaner" and more efficient.


Hope this helps!
SK

 

[slatr]

Thanks to both of you for the advice. This was for a home setup but I also know now what kind of equipment to be looking for at work.

Thanks again,

Slatr