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Wireless Network Products

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by gmichaels

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I am looking at setting up a wireless network for a small business client of mine. I have been looking at the Linksys product line for 802.11b and 802.11g standards. Right now I am thinking of going with the 802.11b standard as it currently supportsmore types of wirelss devices including a signal booster which may be required due to some of the distances involved. Also the 802.11g standard appears to be still in draft. So my quesiton is what are your opinions on the Linksys wireless products and what alternatives are available taht I should consider? And, should I go for 802.11g or stick with the 802.11b? I don't think the 802.11g would make much difference in the small business environment where they are mostly just using the network forinternet access.

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by georgevlob

If they are just using the network for internet access, then 802.11b is fine. Make sure that if you get the Linksys that you enable WEP and dissable SSID broadcast. This is the minimum of security that should be set up.

If this is for a business,you should consider getting wireless equipment that provide extended security beyond WEP. Look for equipment that adhere to the new 802.1X standard for authentication. Although most solutions are turnkey and would not easily work with other mfg equipment, they are better suited for a business environment where security is necessary. This equipment is more expensive, $700 and up, but worth the investment for the security they offer. Cisco Aironet is one product that you can look at and there areothers.

by commcross

Linksys is fine, but SMC has better support (firmware updates, etc.). They come up with some new 802.11b with up to 20Mbps access speed. The 802.11g is still a draft, and if you decide on it, you probably end up sticking with only one vendor.

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