wireless LAN

[David]

I am considering this to link two PCs

System 1:
Duron 650
384MB RAM
Window XP

System 2:
K6-2-250
128MB RAM
Windows 95 OSR2

1) Is it expensive? Do I just need two NICs or will I need a hub for just two PCs? Is it as fast as a cable?

2) Do the PCs need 'line of sight' or will it be ok if one is upstairs and one is downstairs?

[Sleeping Tiger]

It's not too terribly expensive. If you're going wireless you could go to your local computer store and pick up a kit. Most kits include NIC cards and a wireless access point. I guess cost depends on brand and store you go to. And no they don't need line of sight because most wireless networks have a range of about 100-300 feet. So I think that will cover ya. It's not quite as fast as cable though, most wireless networks max out at 11Mbs. For internet or gaming though I find that fast enough. Hope that helps.

[David]

Thanks!
ANy suggestions for good brands?

[Sleeping Tiger]

Well I've got a 3COM running and have no problems out of it for a year or so.

[rugby]

Line of sight is sort of an issue, going through concrete walls are harder than going through drywall. It's just like every other wireless item like phones, remote controls etcl. SMC, Linksys, d-link are good consumer brands. There are companies who charge more for base stations but offer more features.

[PolyPill]

I just bought a dlink di-713p, it's the wireless access point and router, has a 10/100 switch. I like it a lot. All I did was plug my cable modem into the wan port and a cross over cable to the exsisting hub and everything worked. Also I had to disable the dhcp server on the computer I was using for a gateway.

I wasn't going to buy it, but it was $160 at best buy because it was an open box and it was missing a patch cable.

I have a friend that uses a Linksys WAP11, which is just an access point. That works very well too, but he still needs another device for a gateway.

I think wireless is a waste unless you've got portable computer, It's not that hard to run cable from 1 desktop to another, even through walls, but then all I have is a 10Mbps hub and I have no problems with speed.