Wi-Fi?

[Two Cents]

Has anyone here setup a Wi-Fi access point in their home? This technology sounds like da bomb, and seems to be kinda cheap...how cheap is it to do it at home?

[Jeffbx]

I've got it running, and it IS the bomb.

Prices are dropping like crazy:
Bundles:
http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.asp?EDC=314280
http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.asp?EDC=264325

WAP/router only:
http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.asp?EDC=253740

It's very easy to set up & works like a champ. It's nice to be able to fire up the laptop & go anywhere in the house without losing the Internet connection.

[Two Cents]

So Jeffbx, if your neighbor setup an access point or a "seed", you guys could theoretically link your networks into a mini-network? Maybe you could charge your neighbors for setting up "hot-spots" for using your bandwith?

[hapoo]

Originally posted by Two Cents
So Jeffbx, if your neighbor setup an access point or a "seed", you guys could theoretically link your networks into a mini-network? Maybe you could charge your neighbors for setting up "hot-spots" for using your bandwith?

theoretically yes.

I also have wi-fi, as a matter of fact i'm using it right now. Very liberating.

[Hoser]

Jeffbx and hapoo, are there any dead spots within your home? Does the signal extend outside far enough to use it on a patio?

[hapoo]

unfortunately yes. either my wireless card is weak or my access point but the connection drops rapidly when step out. it also might have to do with all the electronics junk in my room and the fact that the access point is in my closet

[OC]

Have you seen the WiFi antennae made from Pringles cans?

-OC

[hapoo]

Originally posted by overclocked
Have you seen the WiFi antennae made from Pringles cans?

-OC


yeah, but all they do is focus the signal. you'll end up with even worse connections outside the pringles beam

[Jeffbx]

Originally posted by Hoser
Jeffbx and hapoo, are there any dead spots within your home? Does the signal extend outside far enough to use it on a patio?

I haven't found any dead spots, but I haven't walked around every corner of the house, either. It does work on the deck, tho! :thumbup:

Also, yes, you could share the connection with a neighbor. That would actually be a good application fot the Pringles can antenna - it's a unidirectional antenna, so you just point it at your neighbor's house & they can pick up the signal with a network card or, ideally, another WAP (bridge) to share the signal inside their house.

[richg]

I installed the linksys in my house and have 2 laptops attached.
It is great...works in every corner of the house and out in the yard a few feet from the house. I am thinking of putting the wireless router upstairs rather than in my computer room to get better signal, but it probably won't make a difference.

it's half duplex and if it gets a clean signal it "might" go as fast as 10mps...but usually around 2-5, again...half duplex.

but the freedom over cabled ethernet was worth the price.

just my 2 cents...

Richg