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Thread ID: 40643	2003-12-13 19:27:00	Wireless Networking	jcr1 (893)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
200208	2003-12-13 19:27:00	I am thinking about setting up a wireless network, between my office pc and my laptop. I have checked out the hardware required at Dick Smiths in New Plymouth; they weren't able to tell me much as their network specialists were both off work. But what they told me was I required the appropriate PCI card in the pc and the appropriate PCMCIA card in the laptop, both about $69. Not too expensive and fairly simple. However, I went to another computer store, where I was told that I would need an access point as well, another $200. But he virtually advised me to forget about wireless networking and stick with my present cable setup (which works fine, but I have to lay it along the floor as it would be extremely difficult to set it up under the house) as it can be difficult to configure, depending on the environment, and will give transfer speeds way slower than say a cat 5 or 6 setup. Has anyone got an opinion on this please?	jcr1 (893)
200209	2003-12-13 21:45:00	Hello JC, The information given to you from both parties was incorrect, The best solution from Dick Smiths is their WiFi USB network adaptor (providing you have a vacant USB port on both machines) catalogue no XH6822, these adaptors are very small work very well are a doddle to setup and do not require access points (you need to set up in AD Hoc mode) Transfer rates depend on the distance you are transferring from and two, the amount of walls etc and your general home environment, experience tells me in most homes you should experience more than adequate transfer rates. Regards Alan	Alan Cottrell (624)
200210	2003-12-13 22:08:00	Actually all the above info is correct. Its simply a matter of choice. The PCI card and PCMCIA card (used as an ad-hoc network) will work, as will the USB solution. The working range of an Ad Hoc network is less than a network using an Access Point however. I use an Acess Point, with PCMCIA card and can get up around 40m max through house walls etc. A colleague uses the USB solution and an Air Point and gets poor coverage (but only on the devices using USB).	godfather (25)
200211	2003-12-13 22:10:00	Thanks Alan, Thats clarified things for me; I had a niggle in the back of my mind about the advice given. In fairness to Dick Smiths, both of their network experts were away from the shop when I was there. Anyway, the USB wifi option sounds good, its something I hadn't considered previously, but I've just checked prices on the DSE site and the USB adaptors are the same price as the cards - $69. Only thing is I'd have to buy a USB hub or switch as all my ports on the PC are in use (camera, printer, scanner).	jcr1 (893)
200212	2003-12-14 01:03:00	The PCI one is probably best for a desktop ... why go through another interface and add a USB hub? The PC Card version for the laptop for the same reason. Using a USB adaptor might have one advantage ... it lets you get the aerial (built in the unit) up in the air ( or near a window ;-) ) which might help in finding the best signal. The length of a USB cable might be useful.	Graham L (2)
200213	2003-12-14 04:19:00	I'm starting to get the idea now. Whats it to be? PCI & PCMCIA or USB. I might wait until after Christmas and make a decision then. In the meantime I'll get in everyone's way with a cat5 cable down the hall through the kitchen & into the lounge, or maybe I'll go "cold turkey" on my network. Anyway, it appears the aerial positioning could be a factor; would this be where an access point comes in to its own? Using a USB hub would be cheaper than an access point, cause otherwise the PCI aerial would be tucked away down between the desk and wall. Thanks everyone.	jcr1 (893)
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