Scooby_Doo

I am trying to figure out which will give me better performance - the 3Com Airconnect 11mbps for $99 at tigersdirect or SMC 2655W for $105 at CDW. I already have a linksys router so the router capability difference does not concern me. When I look at the SMC it seems to have a much greater range 1600ft versus the 3Com 300ft, however the 3Com was originally a more industrial strength business oriented unit if I am correct. Does any have any advice or experience with these. I have looked at www.practicallynetworked.com, but have been unable to figure out which is the better deal

The 3Com http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click...omputer_equipm

The SMC http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.asp?edc=290192

Jeffbx

The main diff between 802.11b and a is speed - 802.11b tops out at 11Mbps, while 802.11a goes up to 54Mbps. Neither protocol is very secure compared to a wired connection. If you're just sharing an internet connection, there is no reason to go with 802.11a.

I would tend to lean towards the 3Com, but whichever way you go, use the same NIC manufacturer as the WAP. You're likely to get the best performance/range if all the equiment is the same.

PoloM1

This thread is getting off topic, I would really like an answer to the original question since I am also currently trying to decide between the two access points. Does anyone have any experience with either of those 2 units, if so, would you recommend either one?

Scooby_Doo

Not sure if it was the right answer but I decided on the 3Com. I figured with the 3Com cards being only $50 it was the way to go. If I got the SMC, I would have wanted the Orinco cards which are about $90. So $249 I got the kit which comes with 3Com router and 3 Wireless 3Com cards.

I figured the channel load balancing would come in useful with my 2.4 ghz phones, plus I could not resist getting the one that other companies are charging between $900 - $1300.

I will let you know how it goes and if I have any problems supporting XP. I am a little concerned about TigerDirect's return policy.

Jeffbx

Yup, I use SMC at home & 3Com at work. Both are good units & I would recommend either one. As I mentioned above, I'd lean toward 3Com because they are more of a corporate player, and SMC caters more to the SOHO market. (Plus, at $99 you can't beat that with a stick!)

Scooby_Doo

I got the 3Com last night - plugged it in, popped the 3Com card into my laptop (I did not even have to download the latest driver Microsoft updates for XP had already downloaded). I did not even have to install or conifure anything. I was flying with "Excellent Speed" according to the status window. I even walked out of my loft and down the hall to the elevator and still had 11mbps connection speed (I guess my neighbors will have free access till I enable the SSID). Very impressed with my choice so far, although figuring out how to upgrade the cards to enable WEP seems a little painful. Definetly a enterprise ready piece of hardware.