[K6BW] While we're on the Wi-Fi subject...

[Bill Smith]

Comments from the Leap list regarding the installation of a wireless link
with a computer:

> I was told that a "G" series is the fastest one which does not
> require special wireless cards.  Is this correct.

The "G" specification is 54kb/s (kilobits per second) within about 200
feet, usually.  Then, it drops by half for the next 200 feet, and by
half again, or more, out to the limit of the receiver's range.

So, the specs are all about the bandwidth over the wireless system, and
not at all about the network speed of the hardwired local network, or
the portal...

> Essentially, unless you want bleeding edge, get a "G" router.  That will
> give you the best performance and compatibility for the widest variety of
> devices and most all "G" devices are backwards compatible with "B"
devices.
> Nominal speed for 802.11g is 54 Mbit/sec.

Well, the "on the box" spec speed is 54 Mbit/sec.  In reality, 802.11g
means you'll get about 18-22 MBit/sec, even if you're 5 feet from the
access point.  (the same actual-to-spec ratio is true with 802.11b)

Now with wired Ethernet (different letters following 802.3), you don't get
100% of the spec speed either, but you do get *much* closer to it than
with wireless.

> How are wireless routers configured?  I read the instructions
> which allows me to configure my router via the Internet.

You can administer your router from anywhere on the local network, or from
the internet, if you know the name and password.

All routers come with factory set username and passwords that the whole
world knows.  Change them immediately!  Here is one page listing them.
     http://www.phenoelit-us.org/dpl/dpl.html

Also, set up a domain name for your network, and turn off the SSID
broadcasting.  It is an open invitation to all the world to use your
network for free access to the Internet, and to all your computers!


>> do I need to connect to the router via a local network and
>>call up some  http interface on the router itself?

Usually, makers set address is 192.168.1.1, 192.168.123.254, or
192.168.254.254 and can be changed to any address you desire, in the
ranges of those acknowledged as available for private networks.


http://compnetworking.about.com/od/workingwithipaddresses/f/getrouteripaddr.htm

>  My (very limited) understanding is that the server would give each
> machine on my home network a DHCP given IP address.   I run a firewall on
each
> individual machine at home.  So what kind of configuration are we talking
> about?

Sure, the built-in firewalls seem to work, but, there are portsniffing
idiots and lots of exploits that a central piece of hardware can rebuff.

I won't go onto the internet without a hardware firewall immediately
plugged into the box provided by the service.

An IPCOP.ORG configured computer works best, and then plug the wifi
firewall box into  it.

73 de Bill, AB6MT
hybco2 at sbcglobal.net