AceRimmer

Hi, its been awhile since I posted.

Im looking to setup a wireless network in my house and need some help choosing the right products/devices to use.

At the moment the house is networked using BNC in a bus topology (10base2). I want to keep this as the cables are laid and this connection goes to another building outside.

On the network there are a couple of computers and a computer acting as a server.

The server is running win2k and shares a connection to isdn, shortly moving to adsl when it arrives in the area. It also has a network card which is connected to the ethernet.

So what im looking for is a wireless device, be it an AP or wireless router (not sure the difference between those) which I can connect to the server so I can share the internet connection like I have done on the wired network. The signal needs to go about 100 metres(through walls).

Im confused how I can intergrate it into my legacy ethernet. How do you connect the AP to the existing network(the server)? USB? RJ45?

Thanks.

Howard2k

Ouch - 100m through walls! You're going to need a router/ap with a replaceable antenna and you'll need a third party antenna. You'll have to play around with it a little. it's impossible for someone here to say "100m, that's around 6dBi of gain". Buy the router/ap first, find your range, then buy an antenna with somee gain and a decent return policy.

There used to be switches on the market that had BNC connectors and would effectively bridge the media types. I doubt they're still common, however Black Box will have something for sure.

An alternative to a black box approach (which might be expensive) is to add an RJ45 NIC to the server (if there is not RJ45 interface in there already) and have W2k route between the two networks. Your AP can hang off the W2k server. If you get a router/AP you can choose not to use the routing functionality so don't avoid a router based on a cost decision.


There are also some routers on the market now that are using extended range technology. If you choose to get one of those, ensure that you understand the issues around replacing antennae on these units (or, if there ARE any issues).

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AceRimmer

100m is an over estimate, 20 would probably do fine.

Do all wireless routers and AP's use RJ45 to connect to the network?

Getting a second NIC for the server wouldnt be much trouble, then connect the AP to that NIC?. Then bridge the networks.

Is there any particular make/standard(802.11b/g) to look out for when getting an AP?

Howard2k

All the ones that I've seen that are commonly available on the home / small office market.

All the manufacturers have their issues. It's a fairly cut-throat market and they rush to get their products on the shelves. No matter which one you buy there might be SOME feature missing or some quirk.

I'd narrow it down to two or three that are in the price range that you're prepared to pay and then get further feedback on those specific ones.

Not really any point in getting 802.11b these days, unless you're looking to spend a very small amount of money. Although - given that your 10Base2 network is 10Mb/s with CSMA/CD then 802.11b will be on par speed-wise.

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AceRimmer

Thanks for the replies. I'll have a look through some products and post if I cant decide which one to go for.

rdff41

Yes, as far as routers or an AP go with D Link. I have had lots of good experiences with them. I have never had problems with LInksys though many people hate them. Their colors are pretty unprofessional though. Netgear is good, but I seem to have trouble with their products magically malfunctioning (especially the broadcasting of the wireless signal). I have usually been able to fix this, but it definately should not happen. I have the DI624 and its awesome. Hope this helps. You can also make most routers into a AP with proper settings. This saves money since APs are more than routers yet have less functions (don't understand that but whatever).

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AceRimmer

Looking through ebay I came across this Aironet Arlan 630-2400 2.4 GHz Ethernet Access would something like that be suitable. It has a 10base2 connector meaning it would be easier to connect to the existing backbone. However information on that device is sparse and how would I go about setting it up? Would it work the range I require/what WEP does it have? Does it even support 802.11b?

Howard2k

Wow! There is a piece of history. It LOOKS like 802.11b (2.4GHz) but it's possible that it's 802.11 (the pre-b spec). Do some googling on that model.

I'd pay no more than US$20 for it.

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rdff41

Ya that looks pretty historical lol. If I remember right thinnet is the coaxial connection right? It is also limited to a 10Mbps speed so the point of any other type of wireless speed other than b would be pointless. Honestly man if you want faster speeds and wireless just drop some new cables, its not that hard if ya have even the slightest ability of home modification/construction. Finding many thinnet interfaced wireless device will be difficult I bet

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AceRimmer

The problem with upgrading is all the wires have been laid under the floor boards and through the attic across another building into another building. The speed is adequate at the moment as the connection is only really for sharing the net. Im going to go the NIC -> AP route I think. That piece of kit was way too oldschool.