WAP questions

[Floppyman]

Hi all,

If were to plug a wireless access point in a router upstairs in a room (on main level), would I have access throughout the entire house (downstairs and upstairs)? How about outside on a deck? If so, what are the limitations then? Also, if not, what the limitations? Thanks in advance.

[catch23]

Probably....but I'll warn you: though I have never tried wireless networking...everyone I've ever talked to that has says it's not worth it.

[Floppyman]

Well I have a wired network setup throughout the house already . This is just to have access with a laptop throughout the rest of the house and maybe outside a little too. What makes them say it's not worth it? The price/performance? Thanks again.

[j009h33rM3]

Considering how cheap wireless has gotten, I don't see why not. Just make sure you don't have any other 2.4 Ghz devices in your house. If you have a 2.4 Ghz phone that will cause intference with your network. If that's the case you'll have to get a 5 Ghz Access Point and Wireless card (802.11a) which will be much more expensive. Also 802.11a is not backward compatible with 802.11b so if you want to use your wireless card on another wireless network it most likely wouldn't work.

I know it's possible to actually be outside people's houses and access their wireless networks, but it really depends how far away from the access point you get. I think the signal drops if you go over 200 feet... or something like that.

[Computer Hobbyist]

Doesn't wireless reception also depend on the number, nature and thickness of the walls between the wireless card and the wap and the wiring in the walls? It sounds kind of like the same issues you have with the standard cordless telephone to me. After all aren't you are using the same general wavelength for both?

CH

[glc]

You just don't know what your range is going to be till you try it - and you may have to experiment with different positioning of the WAP. You can also buy antennas to extend the range - the best source is www.hyperlinktech.com . 802.11a is not only more expensive than 802.11b, but it's shorter range. The cordless phone interference issue is a bit overblown, it's not necessarily GOING to be a problem.