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Wireless Ethernet, 802.11b,
WiFi
Published: 27-Nov-2000
Wireless Ethernet is finally
becoming accessible to home users! Although still expensive, wireless
Ethernet is becoming a viable solution to your home networking
needs. Wireless Ethernet works on a standard called
802.11b. This standard has gained huge support in the consumer
networks industry in 2000. Unfortunately, some manufactures have
implemented this standard a little differently. The WECA - Wireless
Ethernet Compatibility Alliance was formed to help consumers figure out
what products work well together. When a manufacturer gets approved
by WECA, they may display the WiFi logo (shown above) on their
product. Products without the WiFi logo from major manufacturers are
probably ok, but without the WiFi logo, it is hard to tell.
From a most users standpoint, wireless ethernet
works just like regular Ethernet but no hubs or wires are needed. A
computers with Wireless Ethernet cards can create a simple peer-to-peer
network with no additional hardware (No access Point needed)
Speed:
Wireless Ethernet works at a
speed of 11Mbps. As Wireless Eternet nodes travel to the outside of
the operating rage, speed decreases to 5.5Mbps.
Range:
Each product vendor has different ranges.
Indoor ranges vary from 25 Meters (75 feet) to 150 Meters (450
feet). When choosing an 802.11b solution, be sure to compare the
range of the products.
Security:
Security on a Wireless Network is a mixed bag.
Vendors have implemented 40 bit, 64bit and 128 bit encryption. To be
sure encryption will work, try to purchase your equipment from the same
vendor. In the coming months, HomeNetHelp will be featuring an
article on this.
Operating System Support:
All major operating systems have support
for Wireless Ethernet. Be sure to check with your vendor for
specific support. As always, check the manufacturers web site for
specific supported operating systems. Note to linux
users: Wireless Ethernet cards are usuially built around 1 of 4
major chipsets. Specific vendor support is not necessary as
long as the chipset is supported.
Wireless Ethernet Access Points
Most wireless ethnernet manufacturers sell devices
called access points. These access points can ease the setup of
wireless networks, ease the sharing of internet access, and bridge 'wired
ethernet' computers with wireless ones. If you have a complex
network of wired and wireless computers, an access point can tie your
networks together.
Adapter Types:
At the time of this writing, only PCCards (for
laptops) were directly supported. Most manufacturers support
desktops by selling you a special PCI card that allows the use
of their PCCard in your desktop machine. These adapter cards
work well but add $50 or so to your desktop solution.
Be Careful on the PCI Adapter Requirements!! Some
adapters specify that your motherboard is PCI version 2.2. If your
computer has ISA slots, it is probably not PCI 2.2. If you are
unsure, purchase your Wireless Ethernet solution from a vendor that only
requires PCI 2.1.
Cost: (varies between vendors)
Laptop PC Card: around $150
Desktop PC Solution: around $200
(aprox $150 for the PCCard and $50 for the
adapter)
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Wireless Ethernet 802.11b, WiFi
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