RE: [Sheflug] Wireless Networking Information

["Chris Johnson" <chris [at] xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I'm aware that I need wireless PCI LAN cards for the computers and a
> wireless PCMCIA LAN card for the laptop. I'm confused as to how I can
> share the connection between the machines. I'm assuming I'll need a
> wireless router but I've also seen wireless access points.
> What is the
> difference? They seem to do the same thing.

They are the same thing.  Beware though as some look like they will allow
you broadband access too buit they only have an ethernet port to connect
your broadband router too others have the broadband router (the 'modem' bit)
built in.

>
> Also, is it possible to get a wireless router/access point with one
> ethernet point because I'll still need to plug in my xbox via a wired
> connection.
>
All wireless access points have at least one or you are not accessing
anything.  Those without would more correctly be called repeaters or
wireless switches/hubs.
Most vanilla access points have only one ethernet point unless you go for
ones with a some broadband functionality.  These often come with as many as
4 (sometimes 4 for your PCs and one for your broadband router) ethernet
ports.  You can even get them with built in print servers too so that you
can  stick your printer on the network!

> One of the machines is upstairs which, by a wired connection,
> is about
> 20 meters away but through the floor is straight up so about 5 to 7
> meters away from where the wireless router/access point will
> be. Is this
> possible? i.e. If in a router's specs it says "1500 feet" is it true?

A lot depends on what your floors are made out of and other local sources of
interference.
The only way of telling really is to try it out.  Although in a normal house
with wooden floors and plasterboard stud walls there should be no problem.
However if you don't implement correct security on your wireless access
point everyone on the street will be able to access your broadband
connection.  Its best to limit access by mac address (although these can be
spoofed) and enable wap (although there are utilities that will enable
someone to work out your wap key) and some allow authenticated access too
which should be tried if its available.

Most broadband router /wireless access point combos have a web server built
in that allows you to change the settings through your brwoser so there is
not normally a problem with configuring it (ie no winblows config utility).

>
> Finally, what kind of wireless support has the kernel got at
> the moment
> because there's no point in me switching if there's no support for it.
>

Erm...  I think that the later ones support it, I seem to remember talk of
setting up wireless networking on a 2.4 kernel on this list but you'd be
best checking the archives or waiting for another answer.

HTH

Chris Johnson
(No not that one, the other one!)
(running SUSE 8.2, 512MB PIII 600 (ish))

>

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