I currently run 3 wired PCs through an old dunger sitting on the LAN to do dial up. I've finally convinced, she who has the purse strings, we need Jetstream. As we both have Mac laptops with Airport Extreme(g) cards, I'm keen to include wireless in the mix. We have a network laser and a new HP PCS 2510 network Multi-function thingy, so all up, with an access point, we have 6 devices on the LAN.
As I figure it (and I need some help here guys!) my best bet is a single point ADSL Router feeding into an 8 point switch with the Access Point hanging off that. I could use an Apple Airport, which I have had a bit to do with and they are incredibly easy to set up, but reecent testing by Pat Pilcher indicates they do not have the best performance and are very pricey. As stated before, the laptops have Extreme cards (802.11g) but do I really need g standard for domestic use?
How critical is it to stick with all the same brand gear as far as router, switch, access point is concerned? I've read it is best to have all the same??? I usually stick with Dynalink gear, and they have always treated me kindly, apart from one 56k modem which got hit by lightning - but that's excusable.
Any ideas, straightening out of my thinking, suggestions of what works in our mixed environment, best buys, would be much appreciated.
Too obvious! Thanks BigTed, I will look into that - and you're right - I have got a 5 port D Link 10/100 switch but I was going to on sell it to someone who needs it. You've got me thinking though - save me some money! Anyone had any experience of the Linksys mentioned?
I have the Linksys WRT54G which is the Ethernet version of the same thing, so
can't comment directly on the WAG, but I like the WRT. Seems to have good
signal strength.
I did install the DSE one for a friend, straight forward but not too happy with
signal strength, and I prefer a "name brand".
Have a look around at what DLink, Dynalink and Netgear do.
There are other models out there.
__________________ Steve M
Bigted
Cute, Furry and Cuddly
Yo Big Ted. I ordered a Linksys WAG54G last Friday night about this time from Ascent. They rang on Monday to say what was happening with the delivery and it arrived Tuesday, ahead of when they said! Cheaper than getting it from my sister's electrical firm (who have a network division) basically saved the GST. Although other stuff from them like printers, etc are cheaper from my usual backyard supplier in Christchurch???
Telecom installed Jetstream yesterday (2 days from ordering) and after going out last night, finally started putting it together about 10pmish. After a slight hitch, due to a missing letter (my fault - probably over-anxious expecting it to be harder than it was) had it up and running by 11:15pm. Wireless took a bit of mucking about, and I finally found a solution on the web as to how to run Mac laptops on the Linksys which helped me sort it. I had a wireless network at 3 mins to 12pm! (Apple airports are much easier to set up. Plug them in and go!)
I found I had to shift the access point from the office to up in the top of our wardrobe for better reception. Still problems with wireless printing to sort out and clashes with the fax and answerphone all on the same line, but hopefully we'll get there. I owe you a big one. This has been a cheap solution and I'm really pleased with the results. Where do I send the beers!
Cheers, I'll have one (or six!) on you!
H
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