some basic questions

[brianl0202]

is any one brand wireless router better then another--i need to get a wireless router. or if i get a name brand like linksys or netgear or something are they all relatively the same? also if i get one brand router, do my wireless cards have to be the same brand or does it not matter? also what exactly is a WAP (i know what it stands for) but if i am setting up a small network-1 pc hooked up to a cable modem, 2 other pcs in different rooms. as far as i know i need a wireless router and wireless cards in the 2 pc's that are in the other rooms, is that basically it? when is a WAP used? is the router also a WAP, if so when is just a plain WAP used?
thanks just trying to learn some stuff.

[John Prophet]

Wireless brands work with each other..so you could have a netgear notebook card and a linksys router and be ok.

WAP is like a "base station"....if you have wap then the other wireless cards speak to it and then to each other THRU the wap...allows for more computers in the wireless network.

If you are using a WAP you are using whats called "infrastructure" mode.

You dont NEED a wap, for instance if you have a notebook with a wirless card and a pc with a wireless card....in that case the two can talk to each other directly, without a wap, by using "ad-hoc" mode. Ad-hoc doesnt use a wap..but it only allows 2 or 3 comps. (I think)

A router with wireless would be consider a wap. So usually they say router with wireless access point.

Quote---> "but if i am setting up a small network-1 pc hooked up to a cable modem, 2 other pcs in different rooms. as far as i know i need a wireless router and wireless cards in the 2 pc's that are in the other rooms, is that basically it?"

yes. you go from the cable modem to the router...then from there you go with cat 5 cable to the comp in the same room, and you just need wireless cards for the 2 in the other rooms.

One thing about wireless, its less secure...never leave passwords and things at their default...do some reading up on wireless security practices. There is a default activity..I cant remember the name of it though..something like "broadcasting" or "announcing" that the cards and/or routers do...it is to help the cards and router find each other..but you need to turn it off so it doesnt help others find your network while they drive by, lol.

JP

each person has there dis likes and likes of a product

i prefer d link and linksys products for home use.

as for getting the same brand some claim that some wireless card wont work with some routers. you just need to make sure any kind of wireless product you get is Wifi Compatible and you should have any problems with mixing hardware.

i have a linksys G router and an Orinicoo card that works perfectly together.

WAP has taken on a new meaning. WAP (Wireless Application Protocol ) does not stand for wireless access point any because of the new encrption that has taken WEP place.

you would use a wireless access point when you have an all wired network and you want a simple solution to add wireless.

most people who already have routers usually just get the access point because sometimes they are cheaper than a whole new wireless router. (sometimes)


which standard were you thinking of using? A? B? G?

http://www.linksys.com/edu/wirelessstandards.asp

[brianl0202]

i was thinking of using G. are there disadvantages to using G as compared to B. besides it being more expensive. would i even consider using A or is that not widely used.

G is faster than B and G can with B products. thats really it. Since G is newer some companies are moving to upgrade to using WAP

but remember even if they say G can go up to 54 mbps you will honestly never see those speeds

How much are you willing to spend?