I need a cheap solution for 3 bedroom apt. 802.11b setup

[ski]

Please

I'm moving into a new apartment this summer, and for each room's ethernet hookup, they want $295/year (not a terrible price, but why pay $900 to the company when we can get away with routing it for $295 + new wireless supplies!)

Just looking at Amazon, and with the Netgear MA401 PCMCIA card I have, I've been happy with Netgear, and I want to go with them.

Router: MR814 802.11b - $59.95
Latptop: MA401 802.11b - $53.99
Desktop: MA101 802.11b - $50.95

1 girl has a laptop, the other has a desktop, and I have both (I'd only need a desktop adapter)

So far, I'm seeing
$295.00 - one room ethernet hookup
$60.00 - Router
~$55.00 - Either adapter

Total: $410 divided by 3 people = $137 (in lieu of $295)

What do you think? Is there a cheaper solution that you know of? LMK!

[NuTs62]

Considering the g standard is the newest, and in some cases, its not too much more, perhaps that can be an option. I've had no problems with netgear in the past, but from all that I've read, people seem to like the Orinoco series the best.

The apartment complex is probably offering each hookup it's own dedicated access (judging by the cost of it). And if it's a big complex, they may be splitting up a T1 line or something similar. You'll notice quite a bit of fluctuation in speeds at certain parts of the day (well, that's what my friend experiences in his complex at least).

And as for your calculations.. One of the rooms will be outfitted with the line itself, so that room will have no need for a wireless card, if you have an existing NIC in the computer. But if you were going by your calculations, everyone that needs a wireless NIC, the approximate cost per person will be approximately $173.

($295 + 60)/3 = $118.33 (everyone split the cost of the hookup and router)
$118.33 + ~55 = $173.33 (+ everyone's own wireless nic)


Wireless does sound like the best option IMO.

[Speedfreak]

Sounds like a good plan. Definately go with that WAP. We recently installed that same exact WAP for a client. They are a health Magazine company. The building with the office and all the equipment to produce the magazine is about 150FT long and about 25-30 feet wide. There are 5 rooms that make up the place. There is also a wharehouse through a door next to it that measures about 100FT by 35 feet. There are about 20 computers and a huge scanner, printer, etc.

We installed a new server on a rackmount in the middle room and put that WAP on top. We carried a laptop around the whole building and was able to get a perfect signal throughout the building and for about 5-10 feet outside the building. Past that is when it started to degrade.

Excellent WAP/Router.

[Aristo]

I'm running the exact same set up at home. The network is flawless and easy to setup. Like other said, if you guys do plan to trasnfer file, try to pick up the 802.11g set. Otherwise, your set is perfectly fine.

[BrewMaster]

I have the D-Link AirPlus system at home and it runs wonderfully with 4 comps using 4 different brands of cards. i bought the router and D-Link brand card day after thanksgiving. set up is so easy it is ridiculous. range is great too. It's b systen, not g though. the router and card are both on sale at Fry's and a bunch of other places. the IEEE 802.11g standard has not been finalized yet, right? if I am still correct and it hasn't been finalized yet, I would wait. changes to the standard may cause compatibility problems, though it is unlikely. and b is fine for most applications.

[ski]

Since I'm the compy "savvy" one and the other two are non-geek girls, we won't be doin any file transfer. Looks like the 802.11b will be a good setup!

Another question -- PCI or USB adapters for the desktops? the antenna on the PCI looks like it could be somewhat obstructive.

[bachviet]

I think the USB one works pretty well. My friend got the Belkin router and USB adapter last week from CompUSA and use them @ his house (two stories). The signal strength is around 97% even though the USB adapter is on the second floor while the router is on the first floor.

[NuTs62]

Originally posted by skiAtomic
Since I'm the compy "savvy" one and the other two are non-geek girls, we won't be doin any file transfer.

a geek with two non-geek girls!

[BrewMaster]

i say USB. in my house we have 2 PCMCIA adapaters on laptops and 2 USB adapters, one on a laptop and the other on a desktop. all of them work wonderfully. and who wants to open up the comp box to install a PCI card? USB is so much easier to install and maintain IMHO. and you can use it on any other computer pretty easily. USB all the way.

[ski]

Originally posted by skiAtomic
Since I'm the compy "savvy" one and the other two are non-geek girls, we won't be doin any file transfer.

"file transfer" ... use your imagination

[Joshua]

What kind of geek are you?? Someone revoke some of his geek badges IMMEDIATELY! You should LIVE for cracking open the case!

Originally posted by BrewMaster
...and who wants to open up the comp box to install a PCI card? USB is so much easier to install and maintain IMHO. and you can use it on any other computer pretty easily. USB all the way.

[BrewMaster]

Originally posted by SnotRocket
What kind of geek are you?? Someone revoke some of his geek badges IMMEDIATELY! You should LIVE for cracking open the case!

I never claimed to be a geek. I guess that would make me the cool and lazy geek.

[ray]

i'm a geek. went to geeky elementary school, middle school and high school. i was a geek in college. umm, i'm a geek now at my current job. i'm an accountant/backup tech guy.

[Showtime]

Besides setting up for wireless G, I can't tell the difference in performance between G and the machines using cat 5.

I'm running 128 encryption and nothing else. Need to figure out the rest of the security features.

Very impressed with Linksys, I might get a set for the house.

-jel

[Joshua]

He can't see the difference cuz he's using 10mb NIC cards with the CAT5! he he he

Originally posted by the jello is jigglin
Besides setting up for wireless G, I can't tell the difference in performance between G and the machines using cat 5.

I'm running 128 encryption and nothing else. Need to figure out the rest of the security features.

Very impressed with Linksys, I might get a set for the house.

-jel

[Flip]

Buy a spool of CAT5 (or whatever), get some fish tape, and run the wire through the air ducts. Seriously.