wireless adapter into current switch??

[roper81]

Hey guys, want to know if there's anything available that will allow wireless connection through my current netgear switch... I have a Netgear FS105 (10/100 5 port switch) and don't really want to go with an entire thing for wireless since only one person in the house wants to use a wireless connection.. So is there some type of unit that will plug into the switch (an antenna adapter for instance) that would allow that to work? Or am I out of luck? If there are, what are some good brands or good deals.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

You're looking for a WAP (Wireless Access Point). There are tons of them from all the major players. Of course, most WAP's are more expensive than a wireless router, so most folks go that route anyway. D-Link, SMC, Netgear, Linksys, etc. all have WAP's and wireless routers.

 

[JackMDS]

In principle you should plug an Access Point (AP) to your Switch and a Wireless Client card to your notebook and you are set.

However Access points are more expensive than Wireless Cable/DSL Routers, so unless you have a specific reason to go with an AP (explanation in the following link) you better off buying a Wireless Cable DSL Router.

Link to: Wireless Cable/DSL Router or Access Point ? What should I get?

You can replace your current Switch or use the new Wireless Router as an Access Point with a Switch.

Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point

Example to decent inexpensive Wireless Router.

AirPlus Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Router ($29.99 after rebate).

 

[roper81]

the only reason i would not want to go with a wireless router is because i have heard nothing but problems with people getting wireless routers.. .decreased internet speed across the board, random disconnect problems.. etc. etc... I like my switch.. we are paying for multiple ip's and the current setup works great with no speed comprimises... I appreciate the help!

Adam

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: roper81
the only reason i would not want to go with a wireless router is because i have heard nothing but problems with people getting wireless routers.. .decreased internet speed across the board, random disconnect problems.. etc. etc... I like my switch.. we are paying for multiple ip's and the current setup works great with no speed comprimises... I appreciate the help!

Adam

I don't know what problems people speak of. I got a D-link DI-624 and my wired Network is as solid as ever while picking up a couple of extra wired ports because the 624 has a 4 port switch built in too. The Wireless connection was awesome and yesterday I flashed the Fireware to their new kind of technology and getting nearly 60 meg transfer rate over wireless is unreal. I said I would never go back to running wires before yesterday's upgrade and now I don't even have the words to say. It actually seems faster over the wireless connection.

 

[JackMDS]

I know people that have frequent troubles with their cars.

Do you walk all day?

Yeah some people have problems with their Wireless Network*, many enjoy it trouble free.

* Usually those who have unrealistic expectations, or and do not read instructions.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
I know people that have frequent troubles with their cars.

Do you walk all day?

Yeah some people have problems with their Wireless Network*, many enjoy it trouble free.

* Usually those who have unrealistic expectations, or and do not read instructions.

You've seen a lot of this, what expectations do you think is their downfall?

Is it not working out of the box?
Not getting a link (distance problem?)
Security issues?
All of the above and then some?

I see Netgear listed with people having a problem a lot, are they doing something different with the Wireless that is not working as well as other Brands?

 

[JackMDS]

OK Dave let me clarify.

1. Quality Control is very bad concerining most Entry Level Network Hardware, so a lot of units that are sold are not functioning at Spec.
2. The Marketing Claims are grossly deceiving the uninformed.

This is very sad state of the art, and it can be so because we all are ?greedy? and want to have to newest for little money. If people will not buy the ?stuff? it will not be like this.

However giving the above situation there is other side to the coin. My believe was always that I should spend my energy on what I can do rather than complain and spend most of my energy on what others should do or not.

We have Internet (most of people buy these gizmos for Internet related activities). It does not take more than few minutes to punch few terms into your favorite search engine and orient yourself to the issues involving this kind of hardware.

Out of the Box does not work?

Well it is not a coffee maker it is complicated technology if people want it to work they should educate them self in Network issues and read carefully the manuals.

It is not uncommon that a lot of the complains start with the phrase? I am a complete network noob?. If you are a complete noob do not buy this technology.

Today I dealt (elsewhere) with a person that complained about Ad-Hoc Wireless not working) when I suggested first to try using crossover cable to make sure that the Network settings are functional. I got the answer that few days ago the person started with crossover cable but with the ?crappy? it cable did not work so he thought he has a better chance with Wireless (I did not know whether to laugh or to cry).

Distance problem?

While manufactures has to be blamed by not disclosing openly the distance issues, there is ample of info about the reality of Wireless propagation and the role of obstructions. I can not forget the guy that complained here about the Wireless and it came out that he keeps his Wireless Router under the bad. Just few days ago some one here complained that his computer with PCI card (stuck behind the case) work well when it is in center of the room and falters when it pushed against the wall.

If you are confident in your capacity to set the Wireless and it does not work than the next day it goes back. But if you do not know whether it is your Ignorance or a defective unit you are in trouble.

Security?

Yeah security is an unsolved problem. If it is a crucial issue do not use Wireless, (If you leave a convertible car with the roof down in a high rate crime area, it is not the car?s fault if it gets stolen).

BTW. The Next standard 802.11i probably will do the following.

"The 802.11i draft now circulating is for a security algorithm called Temporal Key Integrity Protocol. Developed with the help of some of the encryption experts that exposed WEP's vulnerabilities, TKIP, like WEP, is based on RC4 encryption--but implemented in a different way that addresses those vulnerabilities, Eaton says. Among other things it generates new encryption keys for every 10 kilobytes of data transmitted". (Quote from Infoworld).

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
OK Dave let me clarify.

1. Quality Control is very bad concerining most Entry Level Network Hardware, so a lot of units that are sold are not functioning at Spec.
2. The Marketing Claims are grossly deceiving the uninformed.

This is very sad state of the art, and it can be so because we all are ?greedy? and want to have to newest for little money. If people will not buy the ?stuff? it will not be like this.

However giving the above situation there is other side to the coin. My believe was always that I should spend my energy on what I can do rather than complain and spend most of my energy on what others should do or not.

We have Internet (most of people buy these gizmos for Internet related activities). It does not take more than few minutes to punch few terms into your favorite search engine and orient yourself to the issues involving this kind of hardware.

Out of the Box does not work?

Well it is not a coffee maker it is complicated technology if people want it to work they should educate them self in Network issues and read carefully the manuals.

It is not uncommon that a lot of the complains start with the phrase? I am a complete network noob?. If you are a complete noob do not buy this technology.

Today I dealt (elsewhere) with a person that complained about Ad-Hoc Wireless not working) when I suggested first to try using crossover cable to make sure that the Network settings are functional. I got the answer that few days ago the person started with crossover cable but with the ?crappy? it cable did not work so he thought he has a better chance with Wireless (I did not know whether to laugh or to cry).

Distance problem?

While manufactures has to be blamed by not disclosing openly the distance issues, there is ample of info about the reality of Wireless propagation and the role of obstructions. I can not forget the guy that complained here about the Wireless and it came out that he keeps his Wireless Router under the bad. Just few days ago some one here complained that his computer with PCI card (stuck behind the case) work well when it is in center of the room and falters when it pushed against the wall.

If you are confident in your capacity to set the Wireless and it does not work than the next day it goes back. But if you do not know whether it is your Ignorance or a defective unit you are in trouble.

Security?

Yeah security is an unsolved problem. If it is a crucial issue do not use Wireless, (If you leave a convertible car with the roof down in a high rate crime area, it is not the car?s fault if it gets stolen).

BTW. The Next standard 802.11i probably will do the following.

"The 802.11i draft now circulating is for a security algorithm called Temporal Key Integrity Protocol. Developed with the help of some of the encryption experts that exposed WEP's vulnerabilities, TKIP, like WEP, is based on RC4 encryption--but implemented in a different way that addresses those vulnerabilities, Eaton says. Among other things it generates new encryption keys for every 10 kilobytes of data transmitted". (Quote from Infoworld).

Excellent post Jack. You do so well in this realm despite the adversity faced. Kudos to you.

I remember giving the new Wireless a try a few years ago and it was abysmal. I skipped the second generation altogether and just tried again with this thord generation .g . To borrow from an old Ladies Tobacco Commercial, it's come a long way baby. Of course there is always room for improvement.

I know what you mean about Quality control. I used to work at Hayes and I stopped the "Line" quite a few times in my time in making sure the Modems met highest Quality possible at the time. Unfortunately it certainly seems that kind of dedication has gone long by the wayside. That being said I have settled on a Brand that seems to be doing well as far as Quality and innovating instead of simply copying and that has been D-Link. Their stuff has been working out of the box so far.

Security is a work in progress but good to see they are making progress, the 10K sounds better than the bandwidth robbing setup running now.

Distance seems to be solved. It started off hard to get a decent signal on the other side of a room but now I was so surprised to be able to go down the street 3 houses and across the street into a neighbors house and still have a solid working connection.

Keep up the great work Jack, experts like you keep the world moving forward despite the efforts of many trying to do the reverse. Your dedication is noticed and appreciated.

Dave

 

[ktwebb]

"I remember giving the new Wireless a try a few years ago and it was abysmal."

The hardware you used was abysmal. The technology, 802.11b (at least the speed, there were still security improvements), was pretty much mature by late 2000 in the enterprise. Firmware, drivers and the radios some companies (read SOHO) used caused some problems but it wasn't the standard itself that had problems. Early on, circa mid 2000, the speed of 802.11b devices, CIsco, Lucent, RadioLan (all the major players in other words) were working out the kinks. You can't really make a blanket statement based on a budget WLAN not working well. The home consumer market gear was very suspect early on, that is true, but by then the corporate equipment was well established.

"but now I was so surprised to be able to go down the street 3 houses and across the street into a neighbors house and still have a solid working connection"

Better receive sensitivty, perhaps higher gain antennas, at least on the AP. Sounds like your client cards are very effective. That usually being the primary reason cell coverage is weak.