bareback

I've got a desktop PC connected to ADSL, I also have a PC laptop and Mac laptop. I want to be able to connect to the Internet using WiFi and also file share - between Mac and PC.

I spoke to Apple and they recommended the AirPort Base Station, then an Airport card for the Mac Powerbook and a PC (PCMCIA) Card that was 802.11 compatible for the desktop and PC laptop.

Apparently that way all computers could surf the net and could communicate with each other.

My question is has anyone ever done this, does it work, if not what does. The range needs to cover a 4 storey brick house.

I need to be sure what I buy will work as I'm looking to spend about

ltweintz

You may run into signal issues with that big of a building. Most of the consumer WAPs (wireless access points) don't put out a very strong signal. You may need to look into more of a business solution with an area that big, or multiple WAPs.

Also, if security is an issue. I don't recommend any of the consumer WAPs. Check out the new Cisco products for a secure solution, but you will pay for it.

bareback

thanks for the reply ltweintz, but what specific Cisco product would you recommend, and how much is it?

Would I be right in understanding that the problem is with the Gateway signal and not the 'receivers'?

ltweintz

Here is a link to the Cisco product more tuned for consumer use.
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wir...4570/index.html

I'm not sure on the price. Be aware that these are not a all-in-one solution like the Linksys DSL/Cable routers. They only support the wireless portion not firewalling and handing out IP addresses. Security really comes into play depending on data. For home use, consumer is good enough for me, but at my office. No one is getting on my wireless network that I haven't allowed.


Since you don't know exactly how you should handle this situation, I would try one of two things if it were me.

1. Go ahead and buy a Linksys WAP (or other brand) with DSL/Cable support built in. I would then try the unit out in various places of the house and see how the signal works. Don't worry about getting your DSL/Cable up and running while doing this. You are only testing wireless range at this point. DSL/Cable can always be wired at the best spot for your WAP.

2. If money isn't a concern, I would look for a specialist in your area who could survey your house for you.


On getting a card to work on your MAC...any card that is designed to work with Macs and has the Wi-Fi certification should work.

jerrypeterson

The Cisco 350 series AP run about $1200 on a good day.

I'd recommend either the low cost offerings from Linksys, Microsoft, or Netgear. All three offer packages with a DSL Router/Wireless AP/Network Hub combo for around $200-250. All of these APs support WEP encryption, but the Microsoft unit (Intersil parts) will support 802.1x Authentication for an extra layer of security. Adapters are pretty cheap from all of these vendors. These APs should be good for connectivity for 50ft in any direction.

If you need to add a second AP and bridge it, or to run in an infrastructure mode... Get ready to spend the big bucks and budget some time to figure out how to configure all these bad boys.

ltweintz

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jerrypeterson
[B]The Cisco 350 series AP run about $1200 on a good day.

I'd recommend either the low cost offerings from Linksys, Microsoft, or Netgear.