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). 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.
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.
I
might add that Sonnet makes a card that we sell that
works great. The above tip should save you some money
though since the Sonnet item is a bit pricey. Of course
check our Wireless section in the store to see what is
currently available
Make
your G4 Wireless!
$34.77
Shipped!
Airport
Extreme Speeds!
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Add
low cost high speed Wireless G to your G3/G4
System!
Pigtail
style antenna makes this unit a bit less
expensive but still works great. Leave it to
Headgap to bring a low cost Mac OSX compatible
Wireless G PCI card to the market! OSX Panther
and Tiger Drivers recently updated drivers
supplied on CD by us. This 802.11g Wireless-G
PCI Adapter (AirPort Extreme speeds and
connectivity) is based on the Realtek chipset
and is compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g
standards that deliver fast 54 Mbps data
transfers! 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.
Connect today with this Wireless-G PCI Adapter!
Simply plug into an open PCI slot, connect the
antenna, and install the drivers from the
Headgap supplied CD. FEATURES: Standards:
IEEE-802.11g/IEE-802.11b, Frequency Band:
2.4000~2.4835GHz, 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, and the ability to
install a PCI card. Compare at $99.99 Our LOW
$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.
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.
Headgap's
Wireless Resources
