Headgap's
Wireless Resources
WIRELESS
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I
like and use Linksys Routers for my Mac network.
They are relatively cheap these days and since
even Radio Shack carries them we don't bother.
Buy the LinkSys Wireless G (regular only not the
Turbo crap) but you also may want to consider
the faster Wireless N. Hard connect via ethernet
one of your systems to set up the unit. First
thing put in a password. The default password
will result in every 12 year old on the internet
taking over your router. Second put in a network
name. Make it simple so you can remember it but
now too simple. No spaces. You will want to
enter that name on each system you have
accessing your network so that it doesn't try to
roam. That way your connection is solid since
you have told your unit to hook directly to that
network.
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802.11G is
equivalent to Airport Extreme and is the faster. 802.11b
is your regular Airport connection and usually is
available at a bargain price and is fast enough for most
folks. You should know also that 802.11N is on its way.
You may want to choose the N version of your next router
purchase so you will be ready as you update your other
equipment.
The regular
Airport cards for older Macs are no longer
produced.
That is why the price is higher today on those units than
they were new. I never used Airport choosing instead
industry standard items where possible (I'm cheap). If
you need an Airport card for your older iBook
click
the link to the Headgap
Store.
They are in the wireless section.
I
hate DLINK. While some of their stuff is advertised as
Mac compatible I have always had trouble. Perhaps you
haven't and I guess good for you.
I am
still looking for a good OS9 USB or PCI 802.11G solution.
If you have any suggestions let me know. For OSX Orange
Link software allows you to use many 802.11G PMCIA cards
if your PowerBook is equipped. Sonnet makes a PCI card
for OSX that fits in a PCI slot that we keep in
stock.
ADD WIRELESS G
TO YOUR OSX DESKTOP VIA PCI SLOT
Ben
Dittman (a Headgap reader) writes: If a person uses a PCI
based wireless card that uses the Broadcom chipset in a
Sawtooth G4, it will often work using Apple's Airport
Extreme drivers since Airport Extreme cards are based on
the Broadcom chipset. One card in particular that I know
works is the Buffalo WLI2-PCI-G54. I have personally seen
it in action in a Sawtooth. Theoretically, any Broadcom
based card should work, but I definitely can't guarantee
that since I haven't tested them all. 802.11g speeds for
less money than an Apple Airport (802.11b) card. As long
as you have a free PCI slot this is a great option. That
is a tech tip from me.
WIRELESS N -
Back In Stock! Lower Prices!
Or
should I really say Draft N? I thought it would be a long
while before I upgraded my Wireless G components to N.
Cost keeps me from running out and adopting new
technology quickly and I am certain that many of you are
like me when it comes to parting with cash. I have had my
eyes out for a low cost alternative that would enable me
to install the much faster and longer range N. Well I
finally located some market
PCI cards
that we could get drivers for. I replaced our
trusty LinkSys Wireless G Router with a refurb N unit and
have started using these new cards. You get more bars at
even marginal locations with these cards and the transfer
rates are astounding. I can now see how video can easily
be shared. Perhaps shortly I will have a Mac permanently
attached to the TV. Makes it better to watch those shows
I missed from online and all without stringing CAT 5E
across the floor. We provide the drivers on our new
SuperSink CD (a $14.77 value) included with each PCI
Wireless N Card or USB Dongle. We also have Wireless G
PCI and USB solutions starting at $24.77
shipped.
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Make
your G4 Wireless!
$34.77
Shipped!
Hi
Speed
Wireless
N
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Add
low cost high speed Wireless N to your PCI
Mac System!
Panther,
Tiger & Leopard Tested!
Leave
it to Headgap to bring a low cost Mac OSX
compatible Wireless N PCI card to the market!
OSX Panther, Tiger & Leopard Drivers
supplied on CD by us. This 802.11N Wireless
Draft N PCI Adapter is based on the RALink
chipset and is compatible with 802.11b, 802.11g
and fast 802.11 Draft N standards that delivers
up to 540 Mbps data transfers (10 Times Wireless
G)! Your wireless communications are protected
with up to 128-bit WEP encryption. It fits
easily in your desktop's PCI card slot so you
can start networking and get online fast. Simply
plug into an open PCI slot, and install the
drivers from the Headgap supplied DVD.
FEATURES: Bus Type: 32-bit PCI V2.2/2.1. Works
in Blue and White, G4 Towers all, early G5's
with standard PCI slots. REQUIRES: Open PCI Slot
and OSX 10.3, 10.4, & 10.5 and the ability
to install a PCI card and to configure the
included software for your system. DOES NOT WORK
WITH OS VERSIONS EARLIER THAN 10.3. Our LOW
$34.77 Price includes domestic shipping.
Wireless N USB Adapters also available!
See the Wireless
section
of the store.
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Make
any Mac with USB
Wireless!
Wireless N Speeds!
$34.77
Shipped!
Requires
OSX 10.3 up
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Provides
Faster Wireless N networking on iMacs,
Mini's, iBooks, Powerbooks, and MacBooks or
any Mac with a USB 2 Port!
Leopard
Tested!
Finally a reasonable cost USB Wireless solution
for the Mac! Mac OSX 10.3 to 10.5 compatible!
Extend your wireless coverage and experience
greater speed with this Wireless N USB 2.0
Adapter! Based on the 802.11n draft 2.0
standard, this Wireless N USB Adapter delivers
the highest wireless data rate so you can enjoy
uninterrupted data streaming. This Wireless N
USB Adapter features integrated antenna and is
backwards compatible with 802.11b/g networks!
With WPA2, WPA, 802.1x and WEP security
encryption, the Wireless N USB Adapter helps
keep your wireless connection secure from
intruders. Short USB cable included. Transmit:
Up to 150 Mbps, Receive: Up to 300 Mbps. Size
3x1x0.5-inches (HxWxD, approximate). Frequency
Band: 2.4 - 2.5 GHz. REQUIRES: USB2 Port,
OSX10.3, 10.4 or 10.5 & a compatible
wireless network. Includes our OSX Super Sink
DVD ($14.77 value) with drivers from us DOES
NOT WORK WITH OS VERSIONS EARLIER THAN 10.3. Our
$34.77 price includes domestic shipping. See the
Wireless
section
of the store.
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ORIGINAL
AIRPORT CARDS OVER $100, Yes they are.
We
stock the older Airport cards. Call and ask or check our
Wireless section for current pricing. They are no longer
made and the used ones that are left are in high demand.
See the Wireless Section of our online
store
for more information. If you have an older iBook they are
about the only portable choice.
Wireless
802.11 Resources
Apple started
it with Airport. Now others are on board. Direct Sequence
Spread Spectrum (DSSS) worldwide industry standard is
what it is. This standard allows for interoperability
with other 802.11-based equipment. Imagine being able to
use your cable modem access on all systems in your home
and or office without having to string wires. Because it
is radio frequency it will work anywhere around the home
and most offices, not to mention the neighbors house, the
back yard, by the pool, the patio, up the tree
&.......
Below is a list of links
to sites and information about wireless
networking.
http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/
- Apples main
airport site with downloadable resources about setting up
wireless networks and more.
http://www.linksys.com/products/
- LinkSys has a
complete line of products that are designed for PC's. I
like and use the wireless routers and hubs on my Mac
network since they are smart enough to let you set up
their routers via a web brower.
http://www.belkin.com/
- Belkin has a few items that are Mac compatible. Check
to see if the drivers for the item you are interested in
are available in a Mac version.
http://www.dlink.com/products/category.asp?cid=1
- Dlink offer a
complete line that is more available and perhaps more
economical. They just added a Wireless Cable/DSL Router.
I always had trouble setting up their gear for Mac
use.
http://www.networkcomputing.com/1115/1115ws2.html
- Article from TechWeb - August 7, 2000, By Joel Conover
- Anatomy of IEEE 802.11b Wireless.
http://www.3com.com/technology/tech_net/white_papers/503072a.html
- 3com's white paper about 802.11b.
http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/802/11/
- IEEE Organization link about 802.11b
Headgap Systems
affordably installs wireless networks for home and small
business in Memphis and surrounding areas. See our
business
services page.
Call us at 901-759-1543 for an appointment or
email: headgap@headgap.com
for more information.
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This
page was last updated: Mon, May 17, 2004 06:50 PM
Prices
subject to change without notice.
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Macintosh, iMac, iTunes, Disc Burner, iPod,
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StyleWriter, Finder, SuperDrive, Aiport, Airport Extreme,
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Safari, Leopard, Tiger, Panther, Jaguar, Spotlight, Xcode
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