Wireless network advice?

[algae]

I'm building my 3rd pc which will give me a total of two desktops and one notebook. Both desktops will be running Win XP Pro and the notebook runs Win 2000. I'm going to set them up on a wireless network....and other than going with 802.11G standard, I'm not sure which brand to buy...Dlink, Linksys, etc.? Can I get an access point, pcard,and pci card in one kit?
I've checked out www.practicallynetworked.com for advice but of course I put a great deal of faith in the opinions of you on this board!
Tia
Gary

 

[lobadobadingdong]

any brand that you've heard of is fine for simple home wireless netorking, I prefer linksys because of the ease of installation myself, buy buy whatever is cheapest. If you have broadband, might I suggest getting a wireless router, will save you from buying 1 or 2 wireless nics by letting you plug cat5 into your workstations and you won't have to bother with ICS. the only wireless nic you would have to buy is for the laptop, to let you watch tv upstairs while surfing the i-net without having any extra cables. depending on where the workstation is, you can use either cat5 or a wireless nic, depending on what is easiest.

 

[JackMDS]

When it comes to Entry Level Wireless Clients almost all of them are based on PCMCIA cards.

The so called USB is PCMCIA card connected under the plastic to a USB interface.

The so called PCI is PCMCIA plugged or soldered to PCI interface board.

Since the PCI and the USB are PCMCIA with additional interface circuitry and different buses the performance resultant is some what less (about 5%-10%) than pure PCMCIA.

What shell I use?

For Laptop the regular PCMCIA is the best solution,

For Desktop (or tower case) USB Wireless Client Card should be considered as the preferred solution.

Why?

Wireless is depending on signal propagation.

PCI Wireless Client Card ends up been stuck behind the computer's case, resultant in obstructed transmission and poor performance. USB is connected to the Port with 2-3' cable allowing the Antenna to be placed above the System for better Transmission.

However a PCI card is a good choice when a powerful external Antenna is needed for long distance. Many Wireless PCI cards come with a removable Antenna.

======================================================
D-Link and Linksys seem to have 802.11g that yields good results.

Link: 802.11a/b/g SOHO Routers & Access Points: Performance

At the moment it is preferable to get the Masters and client by the same brand.