What range can I expect with 802.11B?

[karl26]

Ok I just got a Netgear 802.11B wireless router and a netgear wireless card. I am going to hook it up to my new HP laptop when it comes. My question is, how far will 802.11B usually go? I want to take it outside my room where the router will be located which is about 100ft. With maybe one wall in between. What kind of range should I be able to get with this setup?

Thanks, Falcon26

 

[lobadobadingdong]

at 100ft with one wall(assuming it has wood studs and drywall) shouldn't be problem with matched equipment. you might have the speed throttled down a step or two but should still have connectivity.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Actually, 100 feet through multiple walls is pushing it with the typical laptop skimpy antennas. I have much better luck with my USB connected wireless client modules with the dual antennas. My two laptop PCMCIA cards have pretty limited range, I doubt my experience is atypical.