Which 802.11b AP to get...?

[IgoByte]

It doesn't need to be anything special, and price is an object, so the cheaper the better. DHCP would be nice, but it isn't a must. What matters is range. Any recommendations?

 

[JackMDS]

The way I see it, they get better by price.

Low range (Bellow $100). Does not matter choose according to color, name ,the cheapest, etc.

Mid range (About $100- $120) Linksys WAP11, or D-Link 900Ap+

Hi Range ($120 and above). The Orinoco AP-200.

 

[IgoByte]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
The way I see it, they get better by price.

Low range (Bellow $100). Does not matter choose according to color, name ,the cheapest, etc.

Mid range (About $100- $120) Linksys WAP11, or D-Link 900Ap+

Hi Range ($120 and above). The Orinoco AP-200.

That's an awfully small difference price difference among the classes. Thanks, I'll check those out.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: IgoByteThat's an awfully small difference price difference among the classes. Thanks, I'll check those out.

The Next level would be using these devices with better external Antennas (for those devices that have a removable Antenna) using extension coax.

Pigtail (cable) + Antenna would add ~$60 and above for each unit.

Example: A selection of aux. Antennae.

The entry level Wireless devices have RF transmitters with Antenna input of less the 50mW, next level Wireless APs would be equipped with transmitter that push over 50mW. However the price jumps scientifically.

Example 100mW PC Wireless Card:

High Rate 11MBPS 802.11B PCI Card

 

[ultimatebob]

The Linksys BEFW11S4 is now only $99 at amazon.com with free shipping. At that price, it's actually CHEAPER than the Linksys WAP11, and comes with a built-in 4 port router.

I've owned one of these for awhile now (it cost ME $300! back in early 2001!), and they work great once you update the firmware to the latest version.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
The Linksys BEFW11S4 is now only $99 at amazon.com with free shipping. At that price, it's actually CHEAPER than the Linksys WAP11, and comes with a built-in 4 port router.

Access Point Configurations:

Mode 1 - Gateway. All Entry Level Wireless Access Point (WAP) can act as Wireless Hub to connect to Wireless Clients that are installed in computers.

Mode 2 - Bridge. Some WAPs can also be configured as a Bridge. In such a Configuration the WAP can only communicate with another WAP that is configured as a Bridge. This mode is useful to Bridge two LANs that are a part, and it is preferred to connect them wirelessly. Plug one WAP Bridge to a Switch on the first LAN, the other WAP to a Switch on the second LAN, and they are connected.

Mode 3. Client - Few WAPs can also be configured as Clients. In such a configuration they act as a "Fancy" regular Wireless card that usually goes on a computer. Under such configuration The WAP can only communicate with a Gateway configured WAP.

Let capture.

Mode 1 can only communicate with Mode 3.

Mode 2 can only communicate with Mode 2.

Mode 3 can communicate with Mode 1.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WAP11 can do all the above mentioned Modes.

As far as I know to date, all the WAPs that are part of a Cable/DSL Routers, can only be configured as Gateways (Mode 1).

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
The Linksys BEFW11S4 is now only $99 at amazon.com with free shipping. At that price, it's actually CHEAPER than the Linksys WAP11, and comes with a built-in 4 port switch.

Access Point Configurations:

Mode 1 - Gateway. All Entry Level Wireless Access Point (WAP) can act as Wireless Hub to connect to Wireless Clients that are installed in computers.

Mode 2 - Bridge. Some WAPs can also be configured as a Bridge. In such a Configuration the WAP can only communicate with another WAP that is configured as a Bridge. This mode is useful to Bridge two LANs that are a part, and it is preferred to connect them wirelessly. Plug one WAP Bridge to a Switch on the first LAN, the other WAP to a Switch on the second LAN, and they are connected.

Mode 3. Client - Few WAPs can also be configured as Clients. In such a configuration they act as a "Fancy" regular Wireless card that usually goes on a computer. Under such configuration The WAP can only communicate with a Gateway configured WAP.

Let capture.

Mode 1 can only communicate with Mode 3.

Mode 2 can only communicate with Mode 2.

Mode 3 can communicate with Mode 1.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WAP11 can do all the above mentioned Modes.

As far as I know to date, all the WAPs that are part of a Cable/DSL Routers, can only be configured as Gateways (Mode 1).

If IgoByte was trying to set up an integrated wireless network with multiple wireless access points, the features that you mentioned would come in handy. I think that he was more interested in saving money, however, and getting something with detachable antennas so he can increase the range. The BEFW11S4 meets both of those criteria, and the built-in 4 port switch would come in handy if he doesn't already have one.

He might also want to consider getting a model with an integrated print server, which would add about $20 to the price.