Wi-Fi questions

[Exis]

Having a little trouble understanding the difference between the different "802.11"s. I have already been to the IEEE site, and several others, so please dont just link me somewhere.

So 802.11g is the best out today right? When will the next best wi-fi come out? How far of a reach does a 802.11g router get? How many connections to the wi-fi router can I have? If I have 10 connections, will that slow each computers speed from 54Mbps to 5.4Mbps?

Any other helpful hints and tips to setting up a wi-fi network would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[gsnedders]

The range all depends on the conditions in a particular building.

[Exis]

The range all depends on the conditions in a particular building.
:eek:!

Ok, so what if I buy a router, install everything, and just find that I need another access point...what do I buy then? Also, speed decreases with the distance between you and the router, right?

[oracleguy]

You'd have to buy another access point then. It just depends on where you are installing it and the ammount of ambient interferance. My access point covers my house (2k sq. ft) pretty well and I can go a little bit outside too.

Cement walls, aluminum, argon filled windows, and things like that can have a devestating effect on the AP's range.

Although I have no first hand experience in this, some people say "B" is better if range is more important to you. It is slower, only 11MBps but supposedly it gets a slightly better range than "G". Depending on your application, 11MBps might be fine for you, if you are just using it for Internet, LAN Gaming, and minor file sharing, you should be fine.

[Basscyst]

You could also just purchase a range expander (http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=38&prid=629) which will bounce the signal out further from the point in which it is placed. This is a wireless device so it adds a bit more flexability to the range. As far as products go, I've had real good experience with Linksys, not so good but useable experience with D-Link.

Basscyst

[Exis]

Thanks for the input so far...but I need a little more:

I need a router that will automatically assign IP addresses, do they all do this or do I need to find a special one? Also, how many wi-fi connections (IP addresses) can I have to a router at a time? Infinte or limited? Does this amount depend on the router as well? Thanks again~!

[Basscyst]

Yes it depends on the router, my Linksys WRT54G can handle up to 50 wireless connections and 4 wired. Most routers these days and the forementioned support DHCP. Which will assign the IP addresses automatiaclly.

Basscyst

[gsnedders]

Cement walls, aluminum, argon filled windows, and things like that can have a devestating effect on the AP's range.

Thick, brick walls absolutely kill the signal, like I can prove here, in my house :(

[chilipie]

Thick, brick walls absolutely kill the signal, like I can prove here, in my house :(
Never try running a wireless network through a row of filing cabinets - it just don't work :cool: .

[Exis]

Ok, so no running it through heavy stuff: gotcha. Running through drywall is ok though, right?

To describe my network: A small office of around 10 computers all accessing one for file sharing (a file-server). They also would all access a DSL connection. So, would you suggest getting the "Speed Booster" cards and router (which offer up to 108Mbps transfer rate) or would I be good just to stick with the regualr 54Mbps cards and upgrade later when another type or two of wi-fi comes out?

[gsnedders]

Never try running a wireless network through a row of filing cabinets - it just don't work :cool: .How'd you know so much about my house? :)

[Basscyst]

The needed speed really depends on what you are transfering through the network. If you move a lot of large files around (15MB +) You might consider the speedbooster. If you are just routing the internet connection then the slower connection would suit just fine.

Basscyst