Community Newsletter: Q&A: 3/31/06 How does the wireless network thingy work?
- 3/30/06 5:52 PM
Corrections regarding WiMax Gigabyte wireless
by dddiam - 3/31/06 8:42 AM In reply to: Gigabit wireless is coming by dddiamI just did some preliminary web research on WiMAX (IEEE 802.16).
Firstly, I think that it is gigaBYTE rather than gigaBIT wireless technology.
It sounds to me as if it is more targeted for large Internet hot spots than home LANs (30-mile base-station range). I am not clear on how much bandwidth individual PCs will have.
It also seems that it is embroiled in some controversy, regulation and licensing issues. Europe will see it before the U.S.
If anyone can shed additional light on this subject, kindly post it here.
David
Try Gigabit wired
by WilliamKazak - 3/31/06 8:49 AM In reply to: Gigabit wireless is coming by dddiamIn the meantime you can go with a Gigabit wired network.I checked that out.I would need a switch and new internal nic cards.Not too happy about adding a switch to a DSL modem and router combo.
Do we really need gigabit wireless?
by YahooMarcus - 3/31/06 12:39 PM In reply to: Gigabit wireless is coming by dddiamWhether wired or wireless, where would you use that gigabit connection?
At work, we need to use gigabit network for some network intensive application (clearcase, if you know what that is...), but it really doesn't make any sense at home.
First, how often would you be transfering files and other data which takes more than a few seconds at a time? Your kids playing LAN games? My kids love to... but those games seldom, if ever, max out the .11G (54M) network, let alone 100M wired network.
Second, anything outside of your (W)LAN is governed by the broadband subscription, which is significantly slower than even the 11B (11M) speed.
What good is having a fast sports car if all you do is ride the car through school zone at 15mph?
Faster is always better
by waytron - 4/2/06 4:25 AM In reply to: Do we really need gigabit wireless? by YahooMarcusI agree with you in that most people don't need any more than the speed of a 801.11B connection for a single wireless laptop, however as you add more computers and things like wireless cameras, streaming Music or Video, the added speed can really make a difference. I work in homes all the time where there may be 5 or more wireless computers. One child is playing online games 24/7, another is saving TiVo recordings to the downstairs network attached hard drive, another is downloading music files, an yet another is trying to backup his whole computer over the network. All this activity sharing a single wireless connection can really bog down even a G system. Plus keep in mind that unless all your wireless computers are within a close range and getting a very good to excellent signal, the speed drops off with distance.
I know gigabit wireless would certainly help me.
Dana H.
Not as easy as said!
by henry_apple - 3/31/06 8:23 AM In reply to: 3/31/06 How does the wireless network thingy work? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I used Linksys WRT54G. WHAT A PAIN! Their easy to use CD sucks! The last questions asked on disk are;
- Enter your IP address
- Enter the DNS IP
- Enter the Gateway IP
etc.
Well, if you don't know these, the CD says not to procede! NOW WHAT!
I called the ISP for the IP address and they gave me the wrong one required. For the rest they told me to call the C/S of Linksys, who told me to call the ISP!
I finally had a friend who had enough knowledge to help out. Even then it took 2 hours to find and input the info!
Check Linksys web site. I found out later there is a help quide that seems to be better than the CD. But, since I didn't use it directly, I'm not sure if it will help. Good luck!
SSID
by stevie byrd - 3/31/06 8:27 AM In reply to: 3/31/06 How does the wireless network thingy work? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Most routers allow you to turn off the SSID broadcast. As an extra security measure, I'd do it. That way your neighbor can't even see that your network exists.
Your documentation should tell you how to do this.
DSL modem Settings
by ira_davis - 3/31/06 9:00 AM In reply to: 3/31/06 How does the wireless network thingy work? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Depending on your service provider you might need to change a setting in your DSL modem in order for it to be used with multiple connected PC's through your router. Check with your Service Provider. Also you may run into some difficulties if you are conneted to your Service Provider using a DSL modem that is connected through a USB port and not to a Network Adapter Card.
Old Houses & Wireless Networking
by strott92 - 3/31/06 10:21 AM In reply to: 3/31/06 How does the wireless network thingy work? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Do you have any suggestion for dealing with the problem you mentioned with old houses, having plastered walls and steel mesh?
I run a custom-built PC PIII 700GZ with 512MB and use a linksys wireless router.
you are out of luck...
by YahooMarcus - 3/31/06 12:57 PM In reply to: Old Houses & Wireless Networking by strott92If the house/building you are in presents signal interference problems, your (fiscally sound) options are limited.
You could get a better hardware that sends out stronger signals, and get some upgraded antenna where possible. All costs $$ and are only incremental improvements.
You could buy extra wifi booster stations and place them at strategic locations. (Tell the kids to keep certain doors open at all times so that the signals will go through easier!!)
You could expriment with running signal conducting (copper?) wires throughout your house to see if they improve your situation.
You could tear down certain walls and re-do the plastering, or put extra windows in the wall between your living room and your kitch, between the basement and your bedroom (uh, thats floor, not wall)... yeah, thats a bit extreme.
There are also specialty hardware that you can buy instead of the standard wifi routers. I've heard that some hotels are investing a $million or so for equipments that will provide the same basic wifi in larger area...
You never know until you try.
by waytron - 4/2/06 4:47 AM In reply to: you are out of luck... by YahooMarcusI had a house a few months ago, the had a standard linksys G router in an old den that was built like a SAFE room. The wireless signal would not even make it to the next room yet alone the to the 3rd floor bedroom or the basement bedroom. I finally ended up installing a Belkin Pre N router in the center of basement rafters along with the cable modem. I was lucky because the cable line was right there to use. I used standard wireless G cards in all of the computers in the house except the 3rd floor computer and the Den (Safe Room), there I needed the matching Belkin Pre N card to get a good signal.
Some people have good luck with Wireless repeaters or Wireless powerline adapters to get the signal to hard to reach areas, however I find it to just end up with more things to go wrong. Occasionally, a better antenna can help, but in most cases I find the extended range antennas to be wothless.
I have never found a wireless problem that could not be solved, but may cost a little extra and takes some experimenting.
Dana H.
Security
by LHodoh - 3/31/06 10:28 AM In reply to: 3/31/06 How does the wireless network thingy work? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
...interesting discusion...allways enjoy your forums.
But...there was a program on television late last year about the security of the wireless age. I thought that security was touched on in your paragraph...
"Turn on Security – Wireless Security is turned off by default on most all routers. You should at the very least use WEP security to prevent the casual neighbor from accessing your network. If you have sensitive data, I would recommend paying attention to all the optional security settings available on your router. There are too many ways to secure your Wireless network to discuss here, but make sure you have some protection.
...thats a bit thin...I realize that there is only so much one can say in this forum.
...the TV program took a van out through various neighbourhoods in the US and on one particular up scale neighbourhood they were able to intercept and access 10 computers on one street...that is a bit frightening...I do not have any top secret documents on my computer but I do have internet banking...wireless is neat but for me I will work with $10 worth of wire.
security
by YahooMarcus - 3/31/06 12:49 PM In reply to: Security by LHodohI realize security is a big issue.
For some, they just use their computer(s) to browser the internet, and have no security concerns. Thats okay. If you have nothing to lose, you don't need lock and key.
For most, enough security to keep out casual peepers is all you need. I can see 4 other networks from my home, 3 are accessible, one has strong enough of signal for me to use... (but I have my own). For this purpose, the easy things to do are (1) disable SSID broadcasting, (2) disable remote admin of your router, and (3) setup WEP or PSK encryption. These, plus your firewall and antivirus, are all you need for all but the most demanding industrial security needs.
If you need much more protection, hire a security firm and be ready to spend some $$$.
Security
by waytron - 4/2/06 5:24 AM In reply to: security by YahooMarcusYou are correct in that I only touched on Security issues. And reading it back, I should have covered it in greater detail. There are way too many options to have discussed in detail, in my already too long response.
I am generally more concerned about Viruses, Spyware, Malware, Trojans, Phishing and other security issues, than my neighbor using my internet connection.
If someone is really concerned about their wireless network, there are dozens of things they can do to reduce the liklyhood of anyone getting into their network.
1. Place your router in the center of your home to reduce the signal strength beyond your home.
2. Change Default SSID and Turn off SSID broadcast.
3. Use Mac Filtering to only allow your listed computers access.
4. Use WAP, WEP or other security measures.
5. Use directional anntennas to direct the signal only in one direction.
6. Change all default Router Usernames and Passwords.
7. Change Default Router IP address and default workgroup on your computers.
8. Password protect all computers and files.
9. Lockdown and Use encryption on all files.
10. Set router to turn off during the night when you don't need it.
11. Turn off all computers when not in use.
12. Unplug your modem when not on line.
None of these will help if your bank exec, Insurance agent or accountant looses his laptop with all your personal information on it, or you respond to some phony email giving up your account information.
None of us are really ever totally safe...and even it your system is well protected, someone else who has your information may not be.
Dana H.
Similar question but Win 98SE operating system
by only1jo - 3/31/06 2:04 PM In reply to: 3/31/06 How does the wireless network thingy work? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I've looked at a couple of the popular routers and wireless adapters but they all state Win 2000 and up on the box. Will the available routers (in my case) the USB wireless adapter, work with Win 98SE? It is a desktop (PII 300) located in an area that can not conveniently be served by a wire.
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