I'm trying to set up a wireless network, again.

We have a large home, and the signal needs to go through 3 walls and
travel about 75-100 feet. Early experiments a couple of years ago with
Proxim Symphony Home RF did not work, for two reasons: 1) the signal
did not travel through 3 walls (only 1 wall in our case), and 2) it
interfered with our Siemens Gigaset 2400 phone system.

I'm open to any solution. 802.11b if it does not interfere with the
phone or the new 5GHz standard if it can travel the distance. From
what I have read, I may need to set up a booster somewhere in the
middle between the two desired connections, but I would need
instructions on what exactly I'd have to buy. Signal strength is of a
higher priority than speed. My current wired network is based on a 4
port Linksys Ethernet Cable router.

(Only as a last resort, I would be willing to drop the Siemens phone
system. I then would need a recommendation on a replacement system)

So the question is what equipment I need to buy.

Hi,

Your phone set runs at 2.4GHz, which unfortunately is the same
frequency as 802.11b.
Luckily you're not stuck with that since 802.11a runs at 5GHz, which
should not interfere with your phone.

The problem with wireless technology is that it is very difficult to
estimate how far it will go. The range depends on a lot of factors,
one of them is wall construction, the environment and other things
like that. I have a 802.11b setup, with just a router and a single PC,
about 5m apart with a single wall between them, the signal strength is
at 46%.

Here are several routers that operate at 5GHz
http://www.newegg.com/app/Viewproduct.asp?DEPA=1&order=PRICE&submit=list&catalog=335&description=&srchFor=5GHz

You could choose the
Dlink DWL-6000AP AirPro Wireless Network 2.4GHz/5GHz Multimode
Wireless Access Point, if you intend to keep your current router.
http://www.newegg.com/app/Viewproduct.asp?DEPA=1&order=PRICE&submit=list&catalog=335&description=&srchFor=5GHz
$188.00
You can find the description here:
http://www.dlink.com.au/products/wireless/dwl6000ap/


You'd need one of these to go for each pc
Dlink DWL-AB520 Multimode 2.4/5GHz Wireless PCI Adapter
http://www.newegg.com/app/Viewproduct.asp?DEPA=1&order=PRICE&submit=list&catalog=31&description=&srchFor=5ghz
$73.00 per pc
You can find the description here:
http://www.dlink.com.au/products/wireless/dwlab520/
They seem to have a pretty decent antenna.

Unfortunately I can't find any 802.11a products that can act as a
wireless bridge, which is what you described as a booster. But if you
can get a wired connection from the router halfway, then you can put
another access point at that location, and extend the range of your
wireless network.

By placing those 2 access points in optimal positions, you can
probably cover your whole house with a wireless network unless there
is some high interference from the house itself. This comes out to be
pretty expensive thought.


But I've got another solution that could work for you: Power-line
Networking. This uses the electric cables that wire your house.
Power-line adapters need their own power socket. They also require
sockets without surge protection built in.
You can read up about it here:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/power-network.htm
and here:
http://hwreviews.netscape.com/hardware/0-1037-8-20656842-2.html

You would need either the following if you want to replace your
current router
http://www.speedstream.com/support/pdf/2510_datasheet.pdf
or just the SpeedStream Powerline Ethernet Adapter If you want to keep
your current router
You can see both here:
http://www.speedstream.com/products_powerline.html

The router costs only $40 from PC connection.
http://www.pcconnection.com/scripts/productdetail.asp?sku=428554&SourceID=k2776

Amazon has the USB adapter for $38.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006OXBS/ref=ase_dealtime-ce-feed-20/102-3509335-5265746

Again the problem, is that its performance depends on the house, and
the reviews are mixed.


I'm sorry if this answer seems pessimistic and inconclusive, but this
is due to the nature of these technologies. If you are not satisfied
with these alternatives, then I can give you all the required
information for your setup running 802.11b, for which you can easily
get booster Antennae and it is also possible to set up a wireless
bridge in 802.11b, meaning that you can just plug another access point
and use it to relay the extend the signal further. However this would
more than likely require you to change your phone system, if you tell
me what you need for your phone system, then I can try and find you an
alternative.


If you require any more information or any clarifications, please do
not hesitate to ask, I would be more than happy to answer.

Thanks.
endo

Links:

Toms Hardware wireless review
http://www17.tomshardware.com/game/200303221/index.html

Wireless Bridging Need-To-Know
http://www17.tomshardware.com/network/20030114/index.html

Cnet review on powerline
http://hwreviews.netscape.com/hardware/0-1037-8-20656842-2.html

How Stuff Works on power line
http://www.howstuffworks.com/power-network.htm

---

Clarification of Answer by endo-ga on 08 Jun 2003 23:32 PDT

Hi again,

Just wanted to add before I doze off for a while, that if you are not
satisfied with the answer or require more information, it would help
to know, why you want to migrate to wireless technology, what part of
your house is already wired up with traditional cable networking, and
if it is already wired up with cables, why aren't you happy with that
setup. We could then specify your needs more specifically, and find
the ideal solution for your home setup.

Thanks again for the question.
Regards,
endo

---

Request for Answer Clarification by drappier-ga on 09 Jun 2003 14:17 PDT

Endo -

thank you for your response. 
The wired network, that is attached to a cable modem, is limited to
the computers in my study, and I would like my family members to
access the Internet with their laptops from their own rooms (Wiring is
not an option - some of the wires would be exposed, and my wife
wouldn't like that!).

I'm sceptical whether the powerline networking would work. My condo is
a combination of units, each with its own circuits (I receive separate
utility bills for each unit). I'm not sure the signal could 'cross'
circuits from one unit to another (there would be a security problem
if it did, one would think).

I believed that wireless bridges operating at 5GHz exist (such as
http://www.airaya.com/airaya/Products/AI108-4.asp),  but perhaps only
as commercial rather than consumer applications. I would have hoped to
find something cheaper than this Airaya product.

So I am back at 802.11b, and I would appreciate information on the
setup, especially a recommendation of a booster antennae and/or a
wireless bridge.

Thanks.

---

Clarification of Answer by endo-ga on 09 Jun 2003 15:02 PDT

Hi,

Thanks for the extra information, checking the link you gave, the
802.11a bridge is very expensive. I will find you want you need for
802.11b, but cannot guarantee this will work in conjunction with your
phone system. Do you want me to also find alternatives for your phone
system?

Thanks.
Regards,
endo

---

Clarification of Answer by endo-ga on 09 Jun 2003 15:56 PDT

Hi again,

So to start you off, you would need a wireless router, such as the
D-Link AirPlus DI-614+. This would connect to your cable modem or plug
into your current switch.
Then you would need a 900AP+ that would act as a wireless repeater to
boost the signal further, hopefully that will enable you to cover the
whole house. If that is still not the case, then you would just need
to get a booster antenna for the 900AP+, these aren't too expensive.

The 614+ is for sale for $60 minus a $20 rebate from:
Officemax:
http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/prodBlock.jsp?prodBlockOID=537030068&BV_SessionID=@@@@1111807314.1055196868@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdhadciiehehegcfngcfkmdffjdffl.0
Rebate:
http://images.officemax.com/pdf/2003_06/Dlink1.pdf

And the 900AP+ for $99
http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/prodBlock.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&expansionOID=-536893136&prodBlockOID=537030070


Or you could get both items from newegg for about $80 each.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&manufactory=1015&catalog=335&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1


I've never used Officemax so I cannot vouch for it, but newegg has
been constantly reliable and has a very good reseller rating.

All you need then are the pcmcia cards for your laptops. The D-Link
650+ are for a very good price on newegg:
First item on :
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&manufactory=1015&catalog=31&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1
They're going for $52 minus a $10 rebate.
Description of 650+:
http://www.dlink.com.au/products/wireless/dwl650+/

That should hopefully cover all your networking needs. If for some
reason you still don't get the range you want, then the D-Link shop
has a range of antennae starting at $39, which should boost the signal
of the 900AP+.


If you give me more information about your phone setup, I will try and
find an alternative that doesn't work on 2.4GHz (hopefully there is
such a thing).


I hope this answers your question; if you need any more information or
clarifications, please do not hesitate to ask.

Thanks.
Regards,
endo


Repeating a wireless signal with the 900AP+
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/Sections-article34-page2.php

Newegg's reseller rating
http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/prodBlock.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&expansionOID=-536893136&prodBlockOID=537030070

D-Link shop
http://www.d-linkshop.com/

---

Request for Answer Clarification by drappier-ga on 09 Jun 2003 20:32 PDT

Endo ?

One more question, and then I let you off the hook, I promise. I think
this is still a clarification of the original question, but if you
think it is an extension or a new question, please advise and I will
respect your judgment.

 Just so you know how little I know: assume I start from scratch, and
I went with Linksys http://www.linksys.com/splash/55ag_splash.asp, and
bought both the WRT55AG broadband router and the WAP55AG access point.
What exactly does the access point do? Could I hook up the router to
the cable modem and the wired network, and use the access point as a
repeater between router and the laptop at the far end?

---

Clarification of Answer by endo-ga on 09 Jun 2003 21:37 PDT

Hi,

Sorry for taking such a long time to get back to you, I had to read up
on Linksys products a bit.

What you want to do is called Wireless Ethernet Bridging.
You can read about it here:
http://www6.tomshardware.com/network/20030114/wireless-02.html

After reading a lot of Linksys specs, I don't believe the products you
mentioned allow you to do this.
If you want to stick with Linksys, you'll need a couple of these:
WET54G
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&prid=545

If you look at the user guide at:
ftp://ftp.linksys.com/pdf/wet54g_ug.pdf
On page 6, figure 3.3 describes your setup.

However you still need a wired router, such as the one you already
have, to connect to your cable modem.

It all sounds good; the only bad news is that the WET54G is a bit more
expensive at around $150.

You can see a list of vendors here:
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=845822&ut=3e1f12601d567da0&found=2&search=WET54G

Hope this helps.

If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks.
endo

---

Clarification of Answer by endo-ga on 13 Jun 2003 22:01 PDT

Hi,

I was just browsing when I saw this that might suit your needs:

World's first 5.8 GHz digital cordless phone offers superior audio
performance.
http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productview.jhtml?pid=42701200&pcatid=1&catid=107

At $139.95 it might be pricey, but here's a $20 off voucher valid till
Sunday (Father's day):
http://www.sharperimage.com/go.jhtml?source=19064&tcid=104&tlid=t2

Handsets are another $60:
http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productview.jhtml?pid=42701500

Hope this helps.

Thanks.
endo

Endo -
thank you for being so patient with me. Great answer, and I've learned
enough now to know what the next steps will be.

Thanks for the great rating.
I'm happy to help out, and I hope you'll use google answers again.
Thanks.
endo

Actually if you could get a high power 802.11b card(such as
senao,engenius,demarc) and place the phone and the base station, away
from the straight line of sight(or imaginary st. line), you should be
able to overcome the interference from the phone, while still using 
the phone. Essentially it is a matter of the signal/noise ratio(incase
the
legitimate siemens dsss signal becomes a noise source).  When you buy
a
high power 802.11b card with external antenna connectors, you should
be
able to use an external patch antennas(not very expensive), and use
horizontal
polarization instead of the vertical polarization used by your siemens
phone.
You could also create a bridge between two access points using the
above
approach.  I am successfully using two bridges simultaneosly using the
panasonic 2.4Ghz DSSS phone(adjusted the channel to 11).  Also if you
could play with parameters such as preamble length and other default
ones,
you could get better speed at the expense a bit more cpu usage during
interference.
You could move your network gear to 5GHz instead of the existing
2.4GHz
since it will be much better interms of the maximum bandwidth(esp. for
local file transfers), apart from less interference from any other
2.4Ghz
devices. 802.11a is supposed to be much better than even 802.11g
interms of
range and the practical throughput. Upgrading the phone to 5GHz will
only hurt you in the long run.

Regards
ldavinci-ga

If you are looking for more specific answers from users who are very
much into the technical end of wireless computing, you might go to the
websites of various wireless computing community groups.  These groups
have websites and information about hardware and software, as well as
mailing lists where you can post and get technical answers.

As an example, one such website is run by SeattleWireless and their
website is at:

   http://www.seattlewireless.net

An example of one of their unofficial support pages for the Senao
wireless card recommended by another user in this message thread is
at:

   http://www.seattlewireless.net/index.cgi/SenaoCard

Actually, one of the web's main broadband support sites (DSL reports)
points to the Seattlewireless.net website for hardware support.  The
group has an active mailing list which is worth reading and posting
in.  It is a friendly list.  Unlike some mailing lists that frown on
commercial people asking questions, sometimes, people from wireless
ISP staffs will ask questions on the mailing lists.  Another
interesting thing is that the site is hosted on a WIKI style
website....