Wi-Fi question

[Fowlerflap]

what harware/software do I need to use wi-fi hotspots from a laptop?

thanks!

[Byte 2.0]

Just a wireless pcmcia or USB adapter, in the 802.11 family, a, b, or g.

If you are going to be getting around allot and need compatibility with many difference systems, I think and 802.11a/G card, the G part would compatible with most 802.11B networks.

I have heard that is not 100 percent compatible however I have not run across that.

Right now, i Have an 802.11b card and I am thinking about buying an 802.11a/g to make sure I am covered on all 3 types.

However, if you are just going to use it as a few locations, and know what type they all use you could save some money and just buy what you need.

[Fowlerflap]

Thanks for the reply.

After the card is installed, how do you get yourself connected to the network at the hot spot location?

thanks again!

[gunrunnerjohn]

You set it up to automatically search for access points, and turn off any WEP encryption, since a public access point won't have that enabled.

[mbossman2]

Originally posted by Byte 2.0 If you are going to be getting around allot and need compatibility with many difference systems, I think and 802.11a/G card, the G part would compatible with most 802.11B networks. I have heard that is not 100 percent compatible however I have not run across that.

quick caveat on 11b and 11g compatibility:

while an 11g card will connect seamlessly to an 11b AP, an 11g AP must be configured to allow 11b cards to connect. the reason for this is when an 11b card connects to an 11g AP, it forces the "g" AP into "b" mode which then makes every client attached to that AP to operate at 11mbps max speed whether they are 11g capable or not so some network admins may choose to exclude 11b cards for various AP's.