Wireless Networking Thread (DEAD)

[Danman]

Thanks for all the info man!

 

[Kavikgold]

HOLY SHIZ!!

And i say this not only for myself, but for most likely all anandtech members:
Unbelievable list dude! Thanks for your work!!

 

[RIGorous1]

Not trying to downplay the importance of this thread or albrandwood's fine work, but why does this thread get a sticky and not his memory or storage threads?

 

[Tshirt]

Got the wireless network kit from local staples store today 109.94+5.70tax-15.00coupon-20.00MIR=80.64
15 off 75 is from the staples coupon thread in chubby wallet. Not good online but apparently works in store.
Probably not the best deal but it has less rebates, and takes only 30 minutes to go wireless after you decide!!

 

[oldfoof]

Does buy.com ship to Canada?

 

[jodhas]

Originally posted by: RIGorous1
Not trying to downplay the importance of this thread or albrandwood's fine work, but why does this thread get a sticky and not his memory or storage threads?

The harddrive thread was sweet.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Amazon prices aren't the same now.

Like $34.98 for the router and $37.xx for the cards

 

[sniperruff]

if anyone is interested the d-link DWL122 works fine despite its small small size. both me and my friend agrees that it dose indeed look like a toy...

takes like 20 minutes each time i start up to connect to a linksys router properly tho. but i got it for $32 refurb from newegg. im crossing my fingers that i'll get the $10 rebate that expired last week too!

 

[Tegeril]

On a sorta related/unrelated note, how is PCClub with their rebates? The little USB keychain size one is pretty appealing if it'll end up being free reliably. Otherwise I have to find something to justify the shipping from belkin...

 

[cpars]

Didn't see these kits listed so i'll post a couple of links. i just ordered the Dlink kit myself.

NetGear

Dlink

 

[rgreen83]

Link to Newegg's Trendware TEW-228PI is actually here.
The one linked is for the TEW-223PI which is not on sale.

Thanks for the awesome thread albrandwood! Got a hard drive from your other list!

 

[abaez]

Anyone have any recommendations for a G wireless router?

 

[wfay]

Looking for linux compat usb wifi b or g adapter. Any suggestions from anyone using such a device? I have that Gigafast FAR USB but it doesn't work with Linux (yet). Works great in Windows and my rebate was accepted.

If someone has a Linux compat wifi-b usb adapter and wants to trade with my Gigafast (usb or pcmcia, I have both), PM or email me. I'll even pay shipping both ways. I have a sad little HTPC downstairs with no connectivity which sucks.

 

[MJ99]

Anyone have any experience with theTrendware Wireless PCI LAN Adapter TEW-228PI.

Looking for few of here for current desktop. All three are currently wired but plan on moing and wireless would be much easier then re-wiring again. Already have a DLink 614+ wireless router.

 

[wfay]

The Trendware like a nice "3rd gen" wireless pci card. I don't have one myself but I have used both pcmcia+pci bridge and pci card wireless solutions from other vendors with good success.

The Trendware appears to be based on Realtek chipset, probably RTL8180, which is a fine (and cheap, so OEMs love it) wireless chip. I definitely like wireless if you have desktops scattered in various rooms if wiring CAT5 is not an option or you simply don't want the hassle.

edit: Bonus, that Trendware card looks to be half-height, and the reverse-SMA connector will allow for simple upgrading of the antenna as needed. Two nice extra features for no extra cost.

edit: There are some harsh conditions on this rebate!
TRENDware is not responsible for lost, late or misdirected mail. Claims that do not comply with terms of this offer will be rejected without notice. Send your inquiries via email to rebatedirect@yahoo.com. No phone calls.

 

[Ryland]

DWL-G650 and DI-624 for $134 at Buy.com

There is a $10 off $100 coupon that can be applied

There is a $40 rebate which also applies:

So it brings it down to $84 for both the router and PCMCIA card.

 

[Technogeek]

Originally posted by: wfay
edit: There are some harsh conditions on this rebate!
TRENDware is not responsible for lost, late or misdirected mail. Claims that do not comply with terms of this offer will be rejected without notice. Send your inquiries via email to rebatedirect@yahoo.com. No phone calls.

I just ordered one, I did a Trendware rebate for a KVM switch and got the rebate check in about 8 weeks, so I will trust them one more time..

 

[mindless1]

Newegg also has an EDIMAX EW-7126, which look to be quite similar to the Trendware card but with external antenna... $10 more though. A piece of cable and a plastic base aren't really worth $10 in parts but unfortunately can easily cost more if bought separately, can improve range quite a bit.

$22.99 - 3 MIR + $5 S/H = $24.99
Link
Rebate

 

[RandyH]

I want to set up a simple wireless network between a desktop and lappy. I only have dialup internet. I am a total newbie, so I've got some questions.

1. Can I use just a wireless pci adapter in my desktop and a pcmia card in the laptop to set up the network, or do I need a router?

2. What exactly would I need to get a wireless network installed.

Thanks so much,

Randy

 

[albrandwood]

Originally posted by: RandyH
I want to set up a simple wireless network between a desktop and lappy. I only have dialup internet. I am a total newbie, so I've got some questions.

1. Can I use just a wireless pci adapter in my desktop and a pcmia card in the laptop to set up the network, or do I need a router?

2. What exactly would I need to get a wireless network installed.

Thanks so much,

Randy

There are lots of answers to your questions ... this is my advice ...

Firstly, don't but a router. you don't need one, and it will cause unnecessary hassle configuring it.

Now, for the laptop ... if you are using the machine is a single location, and 802.11b (11Mbps) is sufficient, USB is an option. especially if you already have a full PCCard slots, and dont want the hassle of switching them. If you use keep moving the laptop around, then go PC-Card (technically, there are no PCMCIA based wireless cards, PCMCIA was replaced by PCCard ... apparently People Couldn't Memorize Computer Industry Acronyms ... sorry wanted to use that for a long time :-D)

Does your desktop already have a network card? Do you already have a hub and wired network? if so, then buy an accesspoint. This gives you the "structured" network which is always better :-D. If you have a hub, then just add the accesspoint to your hub.

If you don't have a network card in your desktop, or you want to go the cheapest solution, then buy a USB adapter for your desktop. It will be a lot easier configuring it than the PCI, doesn't require a slot etc... and has the ability to be moved to a location high up, for better signal to the laptop.

@shley

PS: a Router = AccessPoint + Hub + Extra Software

 

[RandyH]

Thanks, allbrandwood.

I have a wired network now. Its just the built in nic on my desktop and notebook with a crossover cable. Your idea of a usb adapter for the desktop makes sense. What brand would you recommend?

Randy

 

[gjacknow]

Originally posted by: RandyH
Thanks, allbrandwood.

I have a wired network now. Its just the built in nic on my desktop and notebook with a crossover cable. Your idea of a usb adapter for the desktop makes sense. What brand would you recommend?

Randy

Hey Randy,

I think you missed one of his points.

If you already have a NIC in your desktop it would be better to buy an access point (or router) to "connect" the wired and wireless parts of your network. And then for you laptop you get the PCcard or USB wireless NIC.

Free + $8 shipping here http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=40&threadid=1184696&FTVAR_MSGDBTABLE=

Honestly, I would buy the router instead of the access point. The additional configuration is minimal and it gives you the option of sharing an internet connection in the future.

As to which one (brand/model). I like Netgear, but linksys, and dlink are also big names in the market and work fine. If you don't like rebates, belkin has refurb ones pretty cheap and there are new deals all the time.

Greg J

 

[RandyH]

Ok, then, I suppose it would be best to buy the kit with the router and pc card adapter. The best deal is this Linksys kit at compusa?

Linksys

Thanks,
Randy

 

[albrandwood]

If he wants to share the modem on the desktop, some routers
a) block DHCP between the wireless and the wired networks,
and
b) if they provide the DHCP, they insist on being the default gateway ...

Unless he is planning to go Broadband in the near future, then he will have less setup issues if he uses an AccessPoint.

Of course, the downside with AP, is that they are generally more expensive.

As for the equipment ... they are interchangable ... but if you want minimum price ...
Router: Staples has a belkin for $10 after rebate on Friday before 10am
Notebook: CompUSA has a FAR online (ends today) as does PCClub (whose rebate I got in 8 weeks)
USB: Again, CompUSA today only, or PCClub ... both FAR
Accesspoints: 3com from JustDeals.com (nice price, shame about the shipping costs or Belkin refurb ...

But at the end of the day, you'll here people give Positive and Negative feedback for EVERY manufacturer/model/store in the world ... but you will get what you pay for

@shley

 

[albrandwood]

Regards the kits ...

Linksys 802.11b for $80 or D-Link 802.11g extreme for $95, I'd go for the D-Link, as its only $15 more... (after rebates)

@shley